News
60th Anniversary Party
Out 60th Anniversary Party take place on November 17th in Worcester. Please see GWOS 60 page for details.
17th September 2012 - Martin Jones
For those unable to make the AGM tonight, the chairman shared the sad news of the sudden loss of our member and friend Martin Jones. Martin passed away suddenly while in France on holiday last Wednesday. He had experienced a little shortness of breath and went to take a lie down, but it is our understanding that he had exhibited no other symptoms of ill health or discomfort. Martin had been singing with GWOS since 1994, and during this time had taken at least 16 principle roles as well as acting as Musical Director and compere for many concerts. He will be greatly missed as a soloist, ensemble member and musical director- a hard working, perfectionist with a lovely sense of humour.
We have asked his family to keep GWOS informed of any arrangements, via a mutual friend. We will filter these details through to the society via our website, facebook and rehearsals in due course as we are sure many of GWOS past and present will want to pay their respects to Martin.
We will also be discussing how GWOS can make our own fitting tribute to Martin. If you have any ideas please pass them on to the committee privately by email, rather than publicly on facebook. Thank you for your discretion in this matter.
Funeral
Martin Jones' funeral will be held on Thursday 4th October at 10:00. The venue will be St John's Church, Bromsgrove. We hope that there will be a good GWOS contingent to pay our respects to Martin and support his family. GWOS plan on celebrating Martin's life in our own way later on during the season and discussions will take place to that nature over the forthcoming weeks. We are not currently aware of the dress code or flower requests, but will update this message if we hear any further details before the funeral. However you might wish to view our facebook page as further details might become available there first. This information will be shared on Monday at rehearsal but please pass it on to anyone who might wish to attend.
Updated funeral arrangements: Martin Jones' funeral will be held on Thursday 4th October at 10:00 at St John's Church, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove, B61 7JW. After the service a burial will take place at North Bromsgrove Cemetery (Barley Mow Lane, B61 0LU) at 11am. For those not wishing to attend the burial, you are welcome to attend the wake from 11am at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, Finistall Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3DH where there will be a light buffet. Family flowers only, but donations can be made in Martin's name to The Swan Theatre Worcester (Worcester Live) c/o R L Rea, Funeral director, 17 Rock Hill, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 7LL. No dress code.
Mayor listens to his wife
Concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Worcester Mayor Roger Berry went to hear his wife Jill sing in the splendid acoustic of St Georges Church, Barbourne last week as Great Witley Operatic Society performed for a full-house in a Concert for Macmillan Cancer Support. Jill, a longstanding member of GWOS, is to Roger's left in the picture, with Valerie Warren, Macmillan's local chairman to his right. The Concert raised in excess of £1,000.
Noticebaord Updated
Our Noticeboard Page has now been updated with member news for the new season. Please don't forget to check it regularly if you are part of the society.
NODA Win!
GWOS is delighted to announce that our 2011 production of The Gondoliers was not only nominated for the NODA Best Production Award, but WON! There was stiff competition in that category and we applaud all other nominees. Our award was accepted by Paul Thompson (Chairman) and Patricia Head (Casilda) on behalf of the society. Stay tuned for pictures!
Summer Concerts
Our two charity summer semi-staged concerts have been announced. We are celebrating 60 years of the Queen and 60 years of GWOS! Our program is guaranteed to entertain all ages. Please see Forthcoming Productions for more details!
Sing-alonga Oklahoma
No previous experience necessary!
Monday 14th May 7.30pm at St Mark’s Hall, Cherry Orchard, Worcester, WR5 3DW.
The Society's decision to stage Oklahoma! next year breaks new ground. As a prelude to the start of rehearsals for next year’s show, GWOS will be holding an open evening for anyone interested in singing (or listening to!) a pieces from this delightful Rodgers & Hammerstein show. Well-known numbers include Oh, what a beautiful morning, Surrey with the fringe on top, People will say we’re in love, Many a new day, Cain’t say no, Everything’s up to date in Kansas City, The farmer and the cowman should be friends – and, of course, Oklahoma! This event evening is free and forms part of GWOS' 60th anniversary celebration. Anyone is welcome to attend, and light refreshments will be provided. If possible, please contact us via email or telephone to let us know you are planning to attend. If you own your own score, please bring it along! Cowboy hats optional! Our telephone, email address and Facebook link are on the contact us page.
NODA Nomination
The Society's many friends in Worcestershire and beyond will be delighted to learn that our 2011 production of The Gondoliers received a nomination for a NODA Best Production Award. We look forward to the Ceremony on May 15th, when we will learn if we have actually earned this prestigious Award.
Next Performance:
Rodgers & Hammerstein's,
'Oklahoma!'
Swan Theatre, Worcester from the 9th - 13th of April 2013. For more details visit our Forthcoming Productions page.
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