We always love bringing Generations together! News

The Generations Concerts have become a biannual highlight for the Choir, and yes, we really do love bringing singers and musicians of all ages together in our favourite venue, Romsey Abbey. The nearly 200 performers, with a remarkable age range from 7 years old to 87, certainly did do us proud in front of a full audience enthusiastically showing its appreciation for every one of the schools taking part and for RMVC itself. This year on stage with us were Richard Taunton’s 6th Form College; Cantare! From the Romsey School; Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School; The Barton Peveril Soul Session Orchestra, and last but not least, The Mountbatten School Boys Choir. As varied as the ages of the performers were the musical pieces chosen by the six groups including songs from the shows, rock, pop and traditional, the whole concluding in a grand finale with the entire cast giving of their best in The Freedom Song specially arranged by our own Deputy MD Richard Stannard.

Joining the audience in the Abbey were Romsey & Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes and the Mayor of Test Valley Councillor Ian Carr. After the event the Mayor reflected that “It was a privilege to attend and listen to the superb music by everyone involved young and old”. His sentiment was echoed by Romsey Young Carers Trustee Wendy Morrish “What a splendid evening. It worked so well on so many levels. The generations aspect was amazing and the performances delightful.” Feedback from the participating schools was also extremely positive and reinforced RMVC’s belief in the value of helping to nurture a love of music and performing amongst young people.

Of course, most of RMVCs concerts are in aid of worthy charities and as noted this one was no exception. Once more we decided to support Romsey Young Carers and to that end Alan Willsher, together with the charity, produced a moving video featuring one family of four helped by RYC. Follow this link to view the video and learn about Sarah, Paul, Sam and Luke’s story. https://www.dropbox.com/s/f90hdx2iuvhyu8p/GENERATIONS FINALE VIDEO.mp4?dl=0 We still don’t know exactly how much was raised for RYC, but we do know it was some thousands of pounds, which by any standards is an incredible result.

RMVC Chairman Peter Ashby thanked all concerned. In particular Principal Sponsors, The Royston Group, together with the other generous sponsors; concert organisers Alan WIllsher and Ray Pickering; the wonderful Marion Maxey and Brian Budden, and still going strong after 100 notches on his compere’s belt, Terry Morrison. Never to be forgotten, Peter also thanked the wives and partners of choir members who did so much before, during and after the concert, and he gave a special thank you to Gill Gardiner, who in the Afterglow arranged a veritable feast for hungry choristers. Finally, as always RMVC is grateful to Romsey Abbey for being such a friendly and accommodating venue.