'Always The Singing'
We set off in a rainstorm, but by the time the 10.15 Red Jet arrived in Southampton the sun had made its appearance. In fact it was an amazingly sunny day after all.
2015 Music in the City found us in King John's Hall in the City walls, but in 2016 we were slap bang in Bargate, much closer to the centre of things. Sounds Lively were destined yet again to sing under open skies - the ruined remains of Holyrood Church. The place is easily found because of the huge anchor set near its entrance on the main road, something of a bonus for those of us not familiar with Southampton and just a short walk up from the Red Jet Terminal at Town Quay. Behind the stone archway and surrounded by the warmth of weathered stone walls, trees and shrubs were beginning to show their Autumn colours. It was a place of calm and serenity amidst the bustle of the busy shopping centre. Perfect for singing.
It was lovely to see that passers-by were drifting in from the High Street during our rehearsal. We were joining Maggie's other Choirs: Blue Sky and The Chessell Chanters, for a Big Sing. Each choir was also to sing a few songs of their own, and a group of male singers, known as The Salty Seadogs (!) snaffled 'our' men to swell their numbers.
Allie Sommerville