23 June 2013

Sunday evening saw over 150 people attend the 4th St Agnes Last Night of the Proms held in the Marquee (with thanks to the St Agnes Publican's) at Enys Parc, St Agnes home of St Agnes Sports Club. With an 80 strong combined orchestra featuring St Agnes Silver Band conducted by David Olds and the Cornwall Returners Orchestra conducted by Colin Rendell the atmosphere was buzzing and the music was rousing! With word sheets at the ready the audience were in fine form as they enthusiastically participated in the traditional Proms songs of Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. Local organist Clive Ellison gave a fine solo of 'The Cuckoo and the Nightingale' and Laura Olds a super flugel horn solo in Conierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo. Soloist Gemma Weston performed two traditional celtic songs beautifully and (dressed as Britannia) led the singing of Rule Britannia.

Just after the interval the audience were treated to a performance of the 'Aggie Boys Choir' who describe themselves as a rag tag group of lads loosely based around St Agnes and formed of long-term friendships who gave a tremendous rendition of 5 of their own songs including 'Let's go holla' and 'Cornish Pride' which had the audience cheering and clapping along! The evening concluded with the audience on their feet to sing the Cornish National Anthem 'Trelawney' and the National Anthem.

Proceeds from the evening of ticket sales, raffle and the sale of programmes and word sheets (sponsored by Printout Printing Services) exceeded £1300, which will be donated to Penhaligon's Friends supporting bereaved children in Cornwall and St Agnes Silver Band and Cornwall Returners Orchestra. Organiser Mandy Kimmins said "What a tremendous evening the musicians, soloists and audience were amazing! Aggie Boys Choir went down an absolute storm and a superb amount of money was raised for some important causes. As the Marquee goes down on this years event we are already planning for next year!"

Details of Penhaligon's Friends can be found via their website www.penhaligonsfriends.org.uk and the Aggie Boys Choir can be found on the Facebook page or by contacting Samuel Stephens on 07525 201041, St Agnes Silver Band call 01872 560837 and the Cornwall Returners Orchestra via their website www.cornwallreturnersorchestra.org.uk