Hope Concert, February 2023
It was a great pleasure to be joined by the Lechlade Occasional Choir and the Jay Birds for a hugely enjoyable evening with entertainment to suit all tastes. The concert raised around £1000 for Ki’s Road to Recovery.
“You girls were absolutely FABULOUS tonight. You sounded wonderful and my mum was tapping her feet all evening – she loved it and so did I”
Advent Market, November 2022
We were honoured to kick off a fantastic day of music and celebration with our performance of Christmas favourites in Cirencester Parish Church. A first time for us as we were also live-screened to the crowds in the marketplace. Great way to get in the Christmas spirit!
Remembrance Concert, November 2022
We were delighted to join our friends the the Cirencester Male Voice Choir and the Willshire Piano Duo for this concert to a packed audience in Cirencester Parish Church. The concert raised £1340 for the Royal British Legion. A memorable night.
“We absolutely loved hosting you last night – feedback has been incredible!”
Fairford Festival, May 2022
Wonderful to be singing in person once more at the Fairford Festival which is a regular favourite on our annual calendar and always attracts a great audience. Claire’s broken leg prevented her from conducting but the choir did themselves proud under the baton of Louise Matley.
Thank you for the Music Concert, May 2022
Poulton Church was a wonderful venue for this concert on May 7th in aid of Parkinsons UK and Swindon’s Harbour Project. Special guests Swindon Male Voice Choir brought their usual magic, and Windrush Ukelele Group were huge fun. Special thanks to Kate Locke and Louise Matley who led the choirs in the absence of their usual musical directors.
“your singers performed with such enjoyment and panache. Abba medley was tremendous!”
Our first concert since December 2019
On Tuesday 22 February we were privileged to share the stage once again with the talented and enthusiastic young people of the Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia and their amazing musical directors Anna Robinson and Kevin Withell. The programme included old favourites, including the ever-popular Les Miserables Medley, as well as new repertoire.
“As composers, we don’t always get to know when our pieces have been performed, so to be sent a recording (with applause at the end) was doubly terrific! Great work everyone…beautifully sung – you nearly had me in tears though! ” – Fiona Lander, composer
“What an amazing experience to sing with all you lovely ladies at the concert. It was an absolute joy.” – comment from a new Splash of Red member.
Christmas 2021
We were delighted to be asked at short notice to perform a short recital of Christmas songs at Lechlade Garden Centre’s charity shopping evening. We thoroughly enjoyed the chance to sing to a tiny but appreciative audience.
We’re back!
During the pandemic we tried Zoom practices but found it just wasn’t the same. But now we’re back! It has been lovely to see and hear everyone and we are rebuilding our confidence. We are also delighted to have a wonderful new pianist, Louise Matley, and look forward to our first concert for nearly two years.
Goodbye to Jon
We have sadly said goodbye to our amazing pianist Jon Driver after two years. Jon is going on to conduct his own choir, so we are sure we will meet again before too long. We would like to thank him for all he has done for us and we wish him every success with his new venture.
Christmas events 2019
We had three performances on consecutive Saturdays this Christmas season. First was the U3A Musical Evening in the Palmer Hall in Fairford, where we shared the stage with the talented Corinium Guitar Ensemble.
On 14th December we sang to a full church at Ampney Crucis, in a relaxed and happy Christmas concert.
Our last event was a concert in the lovely All Saints Church, Basingstoke. Thank you to our friends the wonderful Basingstoke Ladies’ Choir and their musical director Rob Elliot for a warm welcome, a delicious tea and the chance to perform alongside them to a packed church. In true SoR style we sang all the way home in the coach!
“Thank you for your wonderful, wonderful singing” Basingstoke Ladies’ Choir member
“My first road trip with A Splash of Red! When’s the next one? Thank you everyone for your friendship and support… Brilliant night ladies, thoroughly enjoyed it” Choir member
Wedding, August 2019
We decided we’d sing A.R. Rahman’s Wedding Qawwali for Peter and Samirah’s wedding before we actually saw the music. To say it was a challenge to sing it in eight parts would be an understatement! But it was all worth it for the happiness we brought to the family and the standing ovation!
“Such a beautiful and joyous wedding. It was a privilege to be part of it.” Choir member
“Our family are totally blown away by the fact that you learnt the qawwali. Loved loved loved it.” Bride’s mother
Fairford Festival, June 2019
A chance to sing to our local friends and families once again at the Fairford Festival. As usual the sun was shining and the crowd happy.
Concert with Torridge Male Voice Choir, May 2019
We’ve been on tour! What a wonderful weekend of singing, laughter and sea air! Thank you to our lovely hosts the Torridge Male Voice choir and their families for a wonderful tea followed by a really special concert at their lovely church.
“It was a huge pleasure to do the joint concert with you and I gather that the boys really enjoyed your company after the concert in the Bradworthy Inn!”
Singing for the senior citizens of Lechlade, April 2019
For their annual Easter party we entertained some of Lechlade’s older residents. They tapped their feet and sang along, before being treated to a delicious tea provided by the wonderful Lions Club volunteers.
Concert in aid of Parkinson’s UK, April 2019
We joined our friends the award-winning Swindon Male Voice Choir for a well-attended and very enjoyable concert. This is a regular event and always on of our favourite concerts, and for a good cause.
Fairford Festival of Choirs, March 2019
Once again we performed together with other local choirs and musicians for a delightful and friendly evening of music making of all sorts. The concert raised money for the choirs’ chosen charities, and we donated our portion to the local charity mindsong, which provides music therapy for people with dementia.
Women Sing! concert, March 2019
We were joined by the lovely Basingstoke Ladies’ Choir – what better way to celebrate International Womens’ Day than song and poetry?
“Thank you very much for the lovely evening we spent with you on Saturday. We were in high spirits on the way home, which is always a good sign. The venue was magical; what a beautiful church and what a history!”
Christmas of Light and Hope concert, December 2018
A very special candlelit concert organised by the Harbour Project, Swindon, with performances from their visitors and friends.
“Many of our visitors who use the project came along, and for most it was their first experience of such an evening. They found the whole experience magical.” The Harbour Project.
Christmas entertainment, Hyperion House, December 2018
What a warm and happy atmosphere there was at this evening’s entertainment for Fairford’s elderly residents. We’ll be back!
“Thankyou so much to you and your lovely choir for your amazing singing. The residents really enjoyed it… I could see their faces lighting up listening to you” Hyperion House.
Christmas Concert with Fairford and District WI, December 2018
We were delighted to be asked to sing at this lovely service of carols and readings. A packed church, mince pies and mulled wine added to the festive atmosphere.
‘Lest We Forget’ Concert with Swindon Male Voice Choir, November 2018
A musical commemoration of the centenary of the ending of WW1 and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the RAF. This was a very moving and enjoyable concert with our friends from the SMVC. It raised over £1400 for the Royal British Legion.
CR-UK Gala Concert, Royal Albert Hall, November 2018
An unforgettable weekend of love and laughter. We sang our hearts out at the rehearsal, the concert and even on the coach. Some of the highlights of this unforgettable weekend were the magical moment of Calm is the Sea, when with twinkling lights in the darkened hall we remembered those we’d lost to cancer, and the contrasting Bohemian Rhapsody played by two of the best bands in the world.
“What a special choir this is. Thank you everyone for a wonderful weekend.” Choir member
“You are fabulous, fun and a lovely group to belong to. Bit sad it’s all over but wonderful memories.” Choir member
Family and Friends Open Rehearsal, November 2018
We decided to share the music we’ve been working on for our Royal Albert Hall concert, and invited friends and family to an open rehearsal.
“You’re ready for the Albert Hall… But is the Albert Hall ready for you?” – audience member
South of England Rehearsal, Steam Museum, September 2018
Having been pegging away at the repertoire for the CR-UK Gala Concert for many months, we had the chance to try it out at a rehearsal with conductor Bill Relton and choirs from the whole of the region. Now we’re all excited for the real thing – next stop Albert Hall!
Weddings August and September 2018
We always enjoy singing at weddings, especially for choir families. This summer we had two very different but equally lovely weddings to sing at. We wish both couples – Sarah and Shaun and Emily and Kris – every happiness in their married life.
Fairford Festival June 2018
The sun brought out the crowds for a fun-packed weekend. There’s always something for everybody at the Fairford Festival, from literature to baking and the fun run. We enjoyed being part of it all once again with our afternoon set in the marquee.
Fairford Primary School Fete May 2018
What better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon than singing outdoors to a happy crowd – and helping to raise some money for the school at the same time?
Barnsley Festival May 2018
Barnsley was looking its best as always for the annual village festival. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve sung there, but it’s one of our favourite occasions, with the beautiful flowers in the church and the relaxed atmosphere. A good audience too, despite the Royal Wedding and Cup Final.
“I’ll never forget that! Whenever I hear that song I’ll always think of you.” Audience member from Australia.
That’s Entertainment! Concert March 2018
We were delighted to share the stage with our friends the Malmesbury Concert Band and the Fairford Primary School Choir. This was a varied and happy concert to an appreciative audience. The children stole the show (of course!) with a song they’d recently performed at Wembley Stadium, and wowed the audience with their big sound and enthusiasm, as well as their poise. Proceeds from the concert will be divided between St Mary’s Church and Fairford Primary School.
“Brilliant! I had tears streaming down my face!” An audience member
“The Choir performed magnificently.” Guest conductor.
Wedding March 2018
A first for us – singing for the wedding of one of our own! A very happy occasion (despite the snow) and we were honoured to share it with the bride and groom. Congratulations, love and best wishes from all of us at SoR!
New accompanist February 2018
We are delighted to welcome our new pianist Jon Driver who will be performing with us for the first time at our ‘That’s Entertainment’ concert on March 24th. For those Ray Shaw fans out there, don’t worry! Ray is not leaving us; he and Jon will share the accompanist job.
Churches Together in Fairford AGM February 2018
Our first 2018 performance was to provide post-AGM entertainment. A lovely informal occasion and a small but appreciative audience. We also received a kind donation for the charity we support, MindSong.
Christmas Concert with Southampton Youth Sinfonia December 2017
A sparkling evening of Christmassy music with the hugely talented and energetic young people of the Southampton Youth Sinfonia. This was truly a night to remember, and the journey back to the snow-bound Cotswolds was memorable as well!
Fairford Festive Market December 2017
To kick off our Christmas season we performed to a festive crowd. As always the market square was beautifully decorated and the mulled wine was flowing.
Fairford Festival of Choirs November 2017
With such varied performances from five local choirs and instrumentalists, this was a friendly and harmonious celebration of music-making. Well done to Jean for putting together such a delightful programme.
“I absolutely loved my first concert” A newer choir member
As Long As I Have Music Concert October 2017
A wonderful celebration of song with our guests the Torridge Male Voice Choir who’d travelled from ‘Glorious Devon’ (also the name of one of their songs). We were touched by the warm welcome at beautiful Down Ampney Church, with a magical path of red candles lighting our way to the door (see our gallery page), and a full and appreciative audience. Proceeds will support our adopted charity mindsong – around £800.
“I thought your ladies were terrific” Visiting musical director
“Cracking concert!” Visiting choir member
Love Fairford September 2017
As the first event in the Love Fairford fortnight, we held an open rehearsal and welcomed both local people and holidaymakers. With close to 100 people there (including some men!), we made lots of happy noise, and learned four new songs.
“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU sooooooooo much for last night it was an awesome way to start Love Fairford off – Singing is so unifying and inclusive and also so much fun.” The Love Fairford Team
BBC Music Day 2017
Two Splashers represented us on a special West of England choir, performing live on BBC Radio and BBC Points West.
Fairford Festival June 2017
Another chance to perform on our home turf – again the rain brought in an appreciative crowd – including some very tiny people who made the most of the dance floor.
Barnsley Festival May 2017
Singing in Barnsley’s tiny church with its gorgeous flower festival is a favourite event in our calendar. Not the sunniest of Barnsley Festivals this year, but we entertained an extra big audience driven in by the rain.
Parkinson’s UK Concert April 2017
This was the grand finale to the Swindon Parkinson’s Awareness Week. We were delighted to join our lovely friends the Swindon Male Voice Choir for such an important cause and a tremendous evening.
“Blew me away!” audience member.
For One Night Only Concert April 2017
An all-round entertaining evening in a packed St Mary’s Church, Fairford. We were joined by our local friends the Coln Choir, the Ha’penny Singers, Fairford Primary School, as well as the inimitable Vital Recital from Devon and the sound of the Deltastreet Sax Quartet. As always, the children stole the show with their gorgeous dancing and impressive talk for writing performance.
“Skyfall was the absolute pinnacle of a lovely evening” audience member.
We Got Rhythm Concert February 2017
What a night! Another first for us as we performed with the wonderful Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia and talented young singers from MJ-UK. We were delighted to have a full house, especially on a Tuesday evening, and a hugely appreciative audience. The concert raised £1035 which will go to provide music making opportunities for young people in this area and in Southampton.
“Blew me away!” audience member
“You were superb” audience member
“an unbelievable evening of musical entertainment… moved me to tears” audience member via Facebook
Singing Together with One Voice Concert January 2017
With performances from the Cotswold Voices, Lechlade Players, Lechlade Voices and St. Lawrence school choir, as well as solo acts, this was another wonderful night to remember. With a capacity audience over £1300 was raised in aid of rebuilding Lechlade’s new Memorial Hall.
“Well done girls, you were amazing.” Comment from Facebook.
Winter Wonderland Concert December 2016
A magical night of Christmas music – we were delighted to join Maria Jagusz and her wonderful cast of talented young people for a sparkling start to Christmas week.
Carol singing December 2016
The Outlet Centre in Swindon hosted us for our carol singing this year, raising just over £120 for our adopted charity Mindsong. Thank you to all you stopped to listen to us and who donated to this wonderful charity.
For One Night Only Concert November 2016
Another lovely occasion, with wonderful singing from the Cirencester Singers; beautiful, funky and some very sweet dancing from Cirencester Creative Dance Academy, and a touch of comedy from the group Vital Recital who came all the way from Devon to join us for the night. The concert raised funds for St John the Baptist Church and Powells School.
Live On! Concert November 2016
What a happy occasion this was, a night of great music. The church was bursting at the seams with an appreciative audience. The concert raised £1655 altogether, with £1510 going to the Royal British Legion. Very proud of “our” soloists Sofia, James and Katie too! Watch us singing Skyfall on our gallery page.
“The best concert I’ve ever been to!” Audience member.
Great news from HelpMadina
We are pleased to announce that this wonderful charity has just reached the fundraising target it needed to start a girls’ training centre. We are proud to have helped support this venture and wish its members every success in the future.
Our next charity
We have just voted to adopt the wonderful charity Mindsong for the coming season. This Gloucestershire charity provides life-enhancing music therapy for people with dementia in care homes.
“Singing is so good for the soul; it so lifts you up.” A member.
Citizenship Ceremony, September 2016
Once again a small group of us enjoyed welcoming Gloucestershire’s newest British citizens at this formal ceremony overseen by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire and the chair of Gloucester County Council. We wish all the new citizens happiness in their lives here in the UK.
“What an honour it is for us to help them celebrate!” A member on Facebook.
Supporting Classical Reflection, September 2016
When the original choir booked to support Classical Reflection let them down at short notice, we stepped in to help – and how glad we are that we did! The postponed concert was a treat for all; we enjoyed hearing the twins’ unique sound, the lovely tenor Sean Chriscole and the talented young Corinium Players.
“Excellent singing, I enjoyed both numbers.”
Wedding, September 2016
Another first for A Splash of Red: a wedding surprise flash mob. How we kept the secret is a mystery but no-one suspected a thing! Imagine the wedding scene from Love Actually with us singing and great musicians Richard (sax), Megan (trombone), Nathan (trumpet), Toby (guitar) and Aggi (solo singer). Great fun and lots of cloak-and-dagger stuff. Our very best wishes to bride and groom Chloe-Helen and Kristian.
“Thank you for such an amazing experience, everyone loved it and you were the hit of the day!”
Fairford Primary School Fete, June 2016
We managed to get enough singers together to put in a performance at the fete. Great fun had by all.
“A Splash of Red were AMAZING!” An audience member.
Fairford Festival, June 2016
Best day of the summer so far for the festival, and a lovely atmosphere in the park. We tried out a couple of our new songs and they seemed to go down well. A few of our members were in the audience – we’ll get their critical feedback on Thursday.
Social evening, May 2016
A lovely opportunity to chat, and what a feast!
“The food was delicious – you are all domestic goddesses.” From a member.
Barnsley Festival and wedding, May 2016
What a glorious day – how do the Barnsley people manage it every year? We enjoyed singing in the beautifully decorated church.
“The choir’s performance is very professional and goes towards adding an extra sparkle to the day’s proceedings.”
This year we sang in the morning as we had a wedding to sing at in Bibury later on. Another lovely occasion and we wish Karla and George every happiness in the future.
Albert Hall 2018!
We’ve just been invited to the next Albert Hall concert. A little way off yet, but one or two of us have started planning outfits already (a girl has to be organised about these things).
Citizenship Ceremony, March 2016
A small group of us performed for this ceremony in which Gloucestershire’s newest citizens were presented with their citizenship certificates. A new experience for the choir, and a new challenge singing in a small group.
Happy New Year
We would like to wish all our members and supporters a happy and musical 2016. We’ve started the year with some fantastic new music, so if you’re thinking of joining us, do get in touch.
Flying Start Christmas Party
The place to be on Sunday 20th December (especially if you are under 5!). We had a lovely time singing and competing with all the very excited little ones. The organisers have kindly made a donation to Help Madina on our behalf.
Carol Singing December 2015
This year we decided to bring our singing to the streets and took a route from the school through Fairford and ending up in the Bull. Altogether we raised £110 for our chosen charity, HelpMadina.
“Thank you for stopping at our house !! You sounded so beautiful!!!”
The big one! Cancer Research UK Festival of Brass and Voices, Royal Albert Hall November 2015
It finally happened! The most exhilarating weekend, from the fun of the hotel, camaraderie and great food; the excitement of seeing the inside of the Albert Hall; the dressing up; the enjoyment of rehearsing with all those choirs, and finally the lights, sounds and emotions of the concert with all our families waving at us from around the hall.
“Glorious!”
“Well… What a dream of a night…. All the emotions under the sun… Sad it’s over now…. But bursting with pride and joy for my lovely lovely choir chums and me….”
“It was a lifetime’s dream to be part of this.”
Open rehearsal November 2015
To share what we have been learning for the Festival of Brass and Voices, we held an open rehearsal/informal recital for friends and family instead of our usual choir practice. It was also a challenge to sing all the repertoire without words.
“I’m the person who HATES all-women choirs and you were wonderful. You have a sound that’s all your own.” Audience member.
Nearly there…
After months of practice we’re raring to go for our Albert Hall concert. See an article in the local newspaper about the concert.
Rehearsal at Steam Museum September 2015
This was the South of England rehearsal for the Festival of Brass and Voices in November. We joined in with several other choirs from as far away as Penzance and Kent for a busy but very enjoyable practice. The Corey Band were fantastic and gave us a taste of what it’s going to be like in November.
Wedding September 2015
The sun shone for Lindsey and Alex’s wedding – a lovely occasion and we were very happy to be there. We wish them every happiness in the future.
“I felt so proud to belong to such a brilliant choir.”
Presentation to Dr Veronica July 2015
Dr Veronica Sawicki came to our rehearsal on 30th July to be presented with the cheque from our concert earlier in the month. Hearing her talk about Madina in Sierra Leone was both fascinating and humbling. We were delighted that our contribution will be used to help set up a training centre for young mothers. We have decided as a choir to adopt HelpMadina as our chosen charity and also to donate the £205 from the Fairford Festival of Choirs to them.
Summer Festival of Choirs July 2015
A real British summer day – sun one minute, showers the next, umbrellas, cream teas – and of course lots and lots of singing! Fifteen choirs performed in the delightful surroundings of Swindon’s Old Town Bowl, every one different and special (and none singing from sheets!). What a joy to see music so alive and well in the area.
“Golly it was wet but we still enjoyed ourselves!”
Summer Song July 2015
A fantastic day with our friends ‘A Burst of Blue’ and their inspiring conductor Mary. Singing all day, new songs, a lovely lunch and masses of cake, followed by our concert in the church – it doesn’t come much better than that! Delighted to announce our takings of £1010 which all go to HelpMadina. Huge thanks to all our helpers, people who donated raffle prizes and of course the wonderful and generous audience.
“I thought your choir sounded fantastic! Its repertoire is getting ever more complex and the rich sound you produce is absolutely gorgeous………and they’re such a lovely bunch of people.”
We’re now on Twitter! For those of you who know what that means, you’ll find us on @A_Splash_of_Red – check us out! Or LIKE us on Facebook – we have over 100 likes now.
Rehearsal for Albert Hall
We had our first rehearsal with Bill Relton, the conductor for the Albert Hall Festival of Brass and Voices on 15th June. Now we’re all excited about the big day!
Festival of Choirs June 2015
A lovely evening with local choirs the Coln Choir and St Mary’s Church Choir, as well as talented young musicians. A real celebration of music, which raised around £600 to be split between the three choirs for our chosen charities.
“Many thanks for taking part in the concert, it was an amazing evening and so many people have said how much they enjoyed it.”
Fairford Festival June 2015
We enjoyed singing on home ground with a friendly crowd and plenty of Pimms!
Lechlade Festival May 2015
Another first for A Splash of Red as we sang on the same stage as Status Quo and Doctor and the Medics. The sun came out for the rest of the day and we had the rest of the weekend to enjoy the festival. Such fun!
“An amazing weekend and a wonderful experience, never thought I would ever do anything like singing, let alone at a venue like this!”
Barnsley Festival May 2015
As always the day was glorious and the church filled for our short recital. It was a tight squeeze in the tiny church, even with the smaller choir there, but a thoroughly enjoyable event and highly appreciated by the organisers.
“The choir goes from strength to strength. What a wonderful sound and songs. It was Wow!”
Concert with Swindon Male Voice Choir April 2015
A joy as always to sing with the Male Voice Choir and support a very worthy cause. Singing in the Bath Road Methodist Church with its wonderful acoustics was a great experience for all of us. The total raised for Parkinson’s UK was £808.15.
“Have received nothing but compliments and praise for the choral contribution of your choir, describing it as ‘getting ever better from beginning to end’.” SMVC
“May I, on behalf of Parkinson’s UK Swindon and District Branch, say a huge thank you for the wonderful singing… The atmosphere at the concert was electric and I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and a good deal of money was raised for our cause.” Parkinson’s UK
Wedding April 2015
It was a beautiful day for an April wedding and we were delighted to be able to sing for the happy couple. Over the Rainbow and Never Walk Alone went down well with the guests (especially the many Liverpool fans.)
Logo
We’ve had a logo designed specially for us by a young architecture student, so look out for it.
Social
We had a great social evening instead of our rehearsal on Thursday 12th February. Lovely food, super service and wonderful company! To mark five years since A Splash of Red was formed, presentations of brooches were made to fifteen ‘founder’ members. Thanks to the staff at Khushi, Lechlade, who worked so hard to keep forty-five of us happy and fed!
Concert in South Cerney
Our concert with the Swindon Male Voice Choir on 17th January was a lovely evening, despite the cold! Around £940 was raised for the British Legion and the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Thankyou to all who attended.
“Please convey my thanks and appreciation to Claire and ‘A Splash of Red’ – they were brilliant. Concerts like this one don’t come any better!”
“Thank you for a wonderful concert on Saturday evening. Your choir were fantastic I especially loved the African pieces the sound you got was so authentic.”