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...during which, Occasions sang at several funerals - for one of these, the family wanted all Welsh music, so we sang Myfanwy, Bread of Heaven, and the Welsh National Anthem. This is the second service where we've been asked to sing in Welsh!
In September, we were asked to sing at a funeral, where the family wanted Queen's 'We are the Champions'! This was a first for us... we managed to find a backing track and used our PA to create a great rock sound! But it wasn't all funerals. In July, Anita and CLive Waterman, long-time members of Occasions, held their 50th Wedding Anniversary on a boat down the Thames, leaving from Henley. Occasions sang 'Stand by me' and 'All you need is Love', which went down a storm! In August, we were at the fabulous chapel at Ascot Priory (what a lovely acoustic!) to sing at a 25th Wedding Anniversary Mass. During the service, we sang Panis Angelicus, and a Irish Hymn called Ag Criost an Siol. We seem to be singing a lot of Welsh and Irish pieces lately! After the service, we went outside into the lovely grounds, and serenaded the guests while they had lunch under a marquee. Now, we are looking forward to another very busy Christmas, which makes a very welcome change after COVID and the Lockdowns. The main event for us will be our annual Carol Concert at Reading Minster, with our friends, Reading A440, and the Reading Male Voice Choir. This event is always packed out with families, dropping in for a lovely Christmas sing and a chance to hear some seasonal favourites after a last-minute shop and before an evening meal in Reading. We hope to see you there! Buy your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/reading-a440-choir/t-dvkxxxl or from the Minster - they always sell out fast, so be quick!
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Back in 1918, things were very busy for us, and so it remained for a couple of years.
 Once again, Occasions Singers are proud to host the Annual 3-Choir Carol Concert at The Reading Minster. The other choirs taking part will be The Reading Male Voice Choir and Reading A440 Choir.
Last year's Concert was a runaway success, with standing room only, and about 600 people came for a Saturday afternoon's festive sing-along! Starting at 5pm and lasting just an hour, this leaves plenty of time for last-minute shopping in the Town Centre. For more information, head over to the Occasions Singers' web site: http://www.occasionssingers.org  Occasions Singers feel very privileged to have been asked, once again, to provide music for this lovely Service. This is the 5th year that we have participated, and we so enjoy being part of this wonderful day.
After the last Service, in 2017, Matthew Walker said: 'Thank you so much for your contribution to the service yesterday at the Minster, as ever you were outstanding which is hugely appreciated as in my mind music is such a vital part of the success. As with previous years we have received many positive comments, many making specific reference to the quality of the singing and music.' Around 600/700 people crammed into The Reading Minster for our Annual Candlit Concert! We were absolutely bowled over by the response we had, and hope that the three choirs put on an enjoyable show for everyone! Please look out for our concert next December...   
 If you live near Bracknell, come and see us singing Carols for the Shoppers at Waitrose in Bracknell! We'll be there from about 7pm - hopefully not too cold! Come and join in...
On Sunday, 17th December, Occasions were asked to provide music for the Sonning Golf Club's annual Christmas Lunch. Having done this for several years running, we were looking forward to the date, and this year was as good as previous years! Clive entertaining the guests to Christmassy music before Lunch in his inimitable style!  Jacqui: 'What shall we do next?!' The next day, the 18th, we were back in Sonning Golf Club to entertain Probus/Rotary Club Lunch guests. No photos or video, unfortunately, but the event was just as succesful as the day before!
The 12 Days of Christmas is a great way to finish, with every table participating in actions and singing, and it's always one of the highlights of our Christmas Singing! 9th December 2017 We were privileged to be able to sing at Hampton Court Palace, entertaining the crowds at the BBC's GoodFood Festive Feast event, featuring dozens of stalls displaying wares from Artisan producers. We started with a half hour in the Clock Court, by the huge Christmas Tree, next door to the PIAFF Champagne Bar, which was a terrible temptation! But we resisted...  After a warming baked potato in Queen Elizabeth the First's Privy Kitchen, we ventured back into the freezing Saturday and went to the Fountain Court, where we sang for another 40 minutes, as people entered the Palace. Lots of appreciative onlookers, many singing along with us! Hope it got them in the Christmas Spirit!  A very busy Christmas coming up!
Sunday 17th December: Sonning Golf Club's Christmas Lunch Monday 18th December: PROBUS Christmas Lunch at Sonning Golf Club Wednesday 20th December: Singing Carols at a Private Dinner Thursday 21st December: Singing Carols at Waitrose Bracknell (7pm... be there!!) Saturday 23rd December: Our Annual Carol Concert at Reading Minster! See the front page to book tickets, they're going fast! Monday 25th December: Singing Carols round the table! Tuesday 26th December: Singing Carols down the phone to our Didier, whose Birthday is today! |
