Andy Paterson - tenor

Historic Lichfield Guildhall provided a fitting venue for our 10th Anniversary Celebration, which took place at an exclusive event on Sunday 16th February - just for us! 

In the teeth of a still-raging Storm Dennis, over one hundred choir members turned out - the largest singing assembly the Choir has yet mustered for a performance and - whilst it may have felt a little self-indulgent - we all enjoyed performing for ourselves.

Almost eighty invited guests (many of whom remain avid and enthusiastic supporters after all those years) braved flooded roads to enjoy our afternoon concert. Included in their number we were privileged to welcome Carol Pemberton from legendary a capella group Black Voices and Pam Easto from Lichfield Festival as our VIP guests, both of whom were instrumental in the Choir’s formation in 2010.

With Themba at our musical helm and due acknowledgement to the recent ‘Favourite Songs’ survey, we sailed into an uplifting and extensive repertoire of music, some of which a number of us could only just remember! With voices lifted, harmonies tested and an encouragement of rhythmic moves, we enjoyed an uninterrupted set lasting over an hour combining old and new numbers including Sinjenje; Guiding Light; Total Praise; Siabonga and the evergreen ‘Swing Low’ medley.

Choir members also excelled themselves with home-made provision of a vast and varied buffet, served in the ground-floor Guild Room - which including an enticing array of savouries and sweets to appeal to all tastes. Wine and soft drinks were also available to lubricate both voices and the afternoon’s proceedings.

With a fitting speech from our Chairman, Gerbo; the launch of our own mini-documentary video (now available to view on this website); grateful thanks expressed to Carol, Pam and indeed all Choir members past and present, the afternoon celebration was rounded off with an impromptu on-stage finale of ‘Vuma’ - a Choir classic and a suitably uplifting conclusion to a unique and very special celebration.