This year, St Michael's Singers 'Summer Serenade' was held in the lovely setting of our parish church on a perfect summer evening. As always, Kapell-meister Bryan Fisher, had devised a varied and ambitious programme of both coral and solo instrumentalists with music ranging over the centuries from Purcell, Handel and Faure to more modern composers right up to and including our own John Swindell, whose own composition for trumpet and organ played by himself and organist Michael Hart, proved a great success.

The evening began with the singers uplifting performance of 'You Raise Me Up' followed by the haunting 'Dream Tryst' by Gustav Holst. Next came the John Swindell 'Overture for Trumpet and Organ'. Then John, accompanied by Kath Ainsworth (accompanist-in-residence to the Singers) played the lively first movement of the Trumpet Sonata by Flor Peeters.

The singers were in great voice again with two sweetly melodious songs. Another solo instrumentalist followed - Helen Wilding-Smith, making a welcome return visit to St Michaels - gave us, with Kath, 'Ashokan Farewell', a beautiful piece reminiscent of an Irish or Scottish lament, but was apparently of North American origins.

The ever popular 'Barber Shop Boys' then sang 'On the Railroad' and 'Standing in the Promisis' - both much appreciated by their ever faithful audience. The first half concluded with the joyous singing of the hymn 'Angel Voices ever Singing'.

After a short interval the singers led off again with a spirited rendering of 'Joshua fit the battle of Jerico'. This was followed by two organ solos played by Michael Hart - the first by Nicholas Choveaux's somewhat sombre, deep, but moving piece - the second a lighter livelier even triumphant work by Alfred Lefebyce-Wely.

Singing again - this time John Swindell and Bryan Fisher's voices complimenting one another so well in  Handel's 'the Lord is a man of war'. Helen Wilding-Smith's second visit to the stage gave us two, more modern, lovely songs 'Between the devil and the deep blue sea' and Hushabye Mountain'. Then we had the Singers - with Jackie Cable as soloist, singing two pieces from 'Dido and Aeneas' by Henry Percell. Both chorus and soloist giving accomplished and professional performances.

The evening ended with Faure's 'Cantique de Jean Racine' - sung in French - which provided a fitting and most moving peaceful finale to the programme

Everyone who contributed in any way to this wonderful evening - Bryan Fisher, singers, soloists, organisers, tickets and programme ladies, wine dispensers (even traffic controllers!) must be congratulated on such a splendid effort. On behalf of villagers and visitors alike - thank you.

Toni Downes