THE CHURCH RESTORATION FUND
A sacred concert in aid of the Church Restoration Fund was given in the Schoolroom on Tuesday evening. A secular or mixed programme would probably have attracted a somewhat larger audience, but what was wanting in numbers was made up by hearty appreciation of the musical treat provided. The instrumental duets by Mrs Sladden (piano) and Miss Ashwin (harmonium) were vigorously and deservedly applauded, “Silver Trumpets” perhaps coming in for the larger share of favour. Of the three anthems so ably sung by the Badsey Church Choir, Gounod’s “Send out Thy light” was unquestionably the most taking, being rendered with a spirit and precision which are rarely attained by rural choirs, and which bespoke careful training and unremitting practice. Mr Lippett san “Comfort Ye” and “Every valley” in a very masterly style, for which he obtained an encore, as likewise for “Waft her angels” in the second part. To criticise the singing of the lady performers would be as superfluous as it would be invidious. Suffice it to say that it is rare in a single evening, doubly rare at a village concert, to have the privilege of listening to three such accomplished amateur singers. We may, however, single out for special notice Miss Newby’s brilliant rendering of “The Better Land” (encored), “He shall feed His flock” and “Come unto Me” by Miss Banister and Mrs Savory; “Consider the Lilies” charmingly sung by Mrs Savory (encored); the trio “Lift thine eyes” by Miss Newby, Mrs Savory and Miss Banister, which seemed to hold the audience spell-bound and was well worthy of the encore which it obtained; and, above all, Miss Banister’s solo, “Oh, rest in the Lord” in which her rich voice, clear enunciation, and faultless expression appeared to marked advantage, eliciting a burst of hearty applause which was renewed on her responding to the encore. “Children’s Voices”, sung with great taste by Miss Newby, the chorus being very prettily and effectively given by the choir, was followed by two verses of the evening hymn, sung by all standing; and thus terminated a most enjoyable evening.