THE MAGAZINE
July 2024
THE MAGAZINE
FUN(D)RAISING
by Hilary Pinnock
Members of Heartbeat’s intrepid fun(d)raising team met recently to review activities Now that R31 Convention is done and dusted, our focus can once again be channelled towards raising funds for chorus's future activities.
There is a need to communicate regular fundraising importance to the chorus, its newer members and to get more people to support the proposed events through various means. So read on and let’s see what’s on the horizon for some fun and fundraising gigs:
QUIZ NIGHT
Last year’s quiz was enormous fun and raised a lot of money, much of which was from other people’s pockets (rather than ours!) Various autumn dates were considered for Maggie to ask her husband Tim if he’d be willing to be Quiz Master again and Friday October 25th is the chosen date. Kate Stockton has OK’d that date with the Con Club again and we’ll let you know the programme for the evening along with entry fee as soon as we can. The Con Club is a great venue, easy parking, a bar, small stage and all the necessary amenities. So get that date in your diary and we’ll see you there!
VINTED
A new and innovative fundraising idea for Heartbeat this year, Hilary Orr has set up a Vinted account for the chorus which is now up and running and has gathered a team of Vinted sellers who are already selling clothes donated by chorus members. Big thanks go out to the team = Ingrid, Annie, Carol K, Janet B, Maggie, Mandy, Gaynor, Vanesa, Ann and Helena. Whilst individual items may not make big bucks, quantities of clothing, shoes, handbags etc will for sure yield a good return over time. Hils will update us on progress on a regular basis. Feel free to contact Hils or any of the team for advice on what to bring along to rehearsal if you’d like to contribute.
CAKE FEST
What the heck is a Cake Fest?
Basically, it’s an ‘eat & drink all you like for a set fee’ afternoon. A bit like an afternoon tea but an extreme version! It’s going to be held around St Valentine's Day 2025, possibly Saturday February 15th at High Lane Village Hall – Kate S is checking availability.
The entry fee will allow visitors to purchase as much tea or coffee as they wish to accompany numerous trips backwards and forwards to the cake table to choose from a selection of cakes produced by chorus members Written recipe contents will need to be provided alongside each cake.
Yet to be confirmed, but we may double up the afternoon with stalls selling other goods and items too.
FUN(D)RAISING
by Hilary Pinnock
FIZZ FASHION SHOW
Last year’s Fashion Show was a mega success thanks to Kate S and her mum, Linda, so it’s a nobrainer to do another one this year. Date and venue to be sorted shortly and this year, a portion of the takings will go to The Stroke Association.
HEARTBEAT CAMP
Last year, Kate Price hosted a fabulous summer BBQ party for the chorus, members’ friends and family In 2025, this may change to become more of a Camp at Kate Price’s barn and on land in Wincle To see if this would be well received, Hils Orr will be canvassing you and other external peeps to see if it’s a viable proposition So keep an eye out for her poll Once we know whether it’s a goer, we’ll send out further information in due course. Exciting!
So what can you do to contribute to the chorus’s fundraising activities?
We’re always happy to have extra help at events to make them run as smoothly as possible. So some of your time would be appreciated
We ALWAYS need all the events to be promoted as far and as wide as possible so that the funds that are raised come from other people’s pockets rather than always tapping into chorus members’ purses So please use your social media platforms to spread the word and please invite your friends and family to events.
Buy a raffle ticket or a lottery ticket; have a go at the tombola; purchase a ticket to a fundraising event; come up with an idea yourself that the Fundraising Team could make work.
WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT!
VINTED LAUNCH
by Mandy Dyson
The marvelous and much lauded Hilary Orr has come up with a fantastic idea to raise a goodly amount of cash for HB funds, just by recycling our unwanted stuff. The premise is that chorus members bring clothes, shoes, handbags (in good condition) to chorus and a small team of volunteers sort, photograph and list them on Vinted.
You’ve probably all seen Hil’s post on the HB Social FB site (or indeed, read about it in the last edition of The Magazine - Ed) but for those that haven’t, here it is again
As already stated, your items need to be in good saleable condition, not stuff you’d send to the charity shop/local dump! This could raise a fantastic amount of cash, just think of the new frocks!
And so far we have raised nearly £300.
REGION 31 CONVENTION
by Mandy Dyson
New venue for us this year, and I’m sure all those who’ve attended convention before would agree - a little “different “ Not quite The Sage in Gateshead
I’ll do a quick recap, no need to bore your socks off!
Our quartets arrived on Thursday in readiness for their competition on Friday, the majority of the rest of the chorus rocked up on Friday, ready to support our fantabulous quartets Sound Central (mic warmers), FOMO and Northern Soul
They were all totally fantastic, with Northern Soul achieving an excellent 3rd place. Unfortunately Sound Central could not delight us as Suzanne had lost her voice...
As you all know, it was our time to shine on Saturday afternoon, with a fantastic position in the running orderstraight after Forth Valley
We sang our hearts out, achieving a highly commendable 2nd place and overall 12th in the entire universe!! We’re hoping that on the back of this, we’ll be invited to compete in Sweden next year, fingers crossed.
Saturday evening brought the inevitable lairy post-competition shenanigans. Viv deserves a special mention but we’ll just leave it there….. Neil Firth from Cottontown directed us in the hotel bar (with a spoon!) to Hero, much enjoyment but little quality tbh There had been mucho imbibing prior to this so, hey-ho
REGION 31 CONVENTION
by Mandy Dyson
Here are some comments made by some of the ladies who were on stage for their first convention with Heartbeat.
“My first convention was exciting and terrifying, but my first thought when we came off stage was Let’s do it again! Such a rush What a privilege to be part of an amazing, inspiring, talented and brilliant group of people!"
"My first time at convention - you know the song "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" well Heartbeat ladies certainly do deliver the joy of singing to the audience
The buzz, nerves and anticipation waiting to go on stage is something I never thought I would do but with the support from the other girls made it a truly wonderful experience "
Janet Booth
"It wasn’t my first Convention, it wasn’t even my first SAI convention, but it was the first with Heartbeat. What a great chorus. I love the sound, the inclusivity, the informal professionalism, ‘just f****** do it’ (said with a smile) The teamwork Brilliant So much so, I talked my daughter Jessica into joining too!
For convention, I booked Thursday night at the hotel, so I’d know where I was with no major panic and could enjoy supporting our quartets Jess couldn’t make it till the Friday so I was going to drive to Sheffield on my own, which was a bit daunting. A casual conversation or two during rehearsal found a car mate, Heather, and a room mate for the first night, Vanesa! As someone who often feels like an outsider, everyone was so lovely! I was included in meals, drink rounds, dirty stories, it was great. Even when we were singing in the bar, Nancy chose songs that Jess and I knew so we could join in.
I also have to give an honourable mention to the epic journey from the car park to the hotel when we first arrived - it took us an hour and a half to traverse Sheffield on the hottest day of the year, pulling our suitcases and Heather carrying a cool box on her back filled with wine and litre bottles of lemonade. We turned left instead of right out of the car park, and Maps kept auto correcting, taking us miles out of our way. We saw the front and back entrance to Primark and went past TKMax twice. It really didn’t help that people were posting pictures of themselves in the beer garden at the hotel and telling everyone the car park was a five minute walk away!
Thank you Heartbeat, I love you xxx"
Gaynor(and Jess) Shenton "Over too quickly.
Amazing fun - a weekend of singing on trams, in bars, in restaurants and of course on stage! What a better way to get to know the people you sing with? My make-up collection has grown I have worn false eyelashes! I won a medal!
And as I say it was over too quickly!"
Ruth Drury
Carole Clulow
by Ann Jones
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our success at Sheffield - so that means everyone!
Here we all are at our little gathering to have a drink and a nibble
To all of those who got a gift and a mention, congratulations
HEARTBEAT'S UNSUNG HERO 2024
by Viv Worsley
Every year Region 31 asks each chorus to nominate an unsung hero This year Hilary Orr was selected. Below is her testimonial……
Hilary has worked tirelessly for Heartbeat across many different roles during her eight years in Chorus She has been involved in organising many successful events, all of which have been thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by our members and supporters
Hilary is constantly, quietly, working behind the scenes doing the things that need to be done and volunteering for the next thing to do! She is a mover and a shaker across the board, from rehearsal set up every week, to being across our media, communications, and general admin.
Hilary is extremely inclusive and supportive, encouraging and motivating all to get involved in activities and shared occasions
This award of Unsung Hero is to say thank you to Hilary and show how much we appreciate all that she does and how we feel very lucky to have her in Heartbeat
Congratulations Hil, so well deserved - Ed.
SOUND CENTRAL
On our way back from a brilliant weekend at the Scottish Borders in Harmony event
We had a fantastic time! Huge thank you to One Acchord, Tartan Harmony and Albacappella choruses for giving us a hugely warm welcome, being so receptive to our coaching and sharing your wonderful sound with us It was organised to perfection and we couldn’t have asked for better hosts.
The whole weekend was full of fun and kindness. Massive ‘positive post-its’ to each and every one of you. We loved every minute!
Here's what One Acchord had to say about the weekend
Our coaching weekend was fantastic, with the positive, supportive technique queens, Sound Central.
We learned so much about how to improve our singing technique, the most important being singing with small mouths and watching the musical director!
But lots of others to improve our breath control and resonance. We also had a lot of fun, with great dancing warm ups, singing tags in the sun, and learning how to come to rehearsals with a positive mind set, based on our own 'happy place'.
"Sound Central brilliant. Excellent tools and crucially when to use them"
SHORTCOMINGS
by Katherine Lane-Serff
One Ed, Two Martins and Four Shortcomings – Raising Funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research UK
On the afternoon of Saturday 25th May, while you may have been watching the cup final or enjoying a rare few hours of warm sunshine, Shortcomings were getting ready to take part in a charity social evening in Whaley Bridge to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The event began with a hotpot supper, served alongside musical accompaniment from talented local pianist, Ed Simpson. Next up were the Martinis, a duo comprising Martin M on vocals and Martin E on guitar Martin M was the driving force behind the whole evening, while Martin E is our lead, Cathy’s husband And yes, it does sometimes get confusing
After a short interlude to draw the raffle and play an audience game of sit-down bingo, it was time for Shortcomings to take to the stage, positioning ourselves carefully between various amps, microphone stands and cables. We performed a set of eight songs, mainly barbershop arrangements but also including an old English folk song with guitar accompaniment. As a quartet we try to maintain a good, diverse repertoire so that we can accept invitations to sing in a variety of circumstances, sometimes at quite short notice
The evening ended with all the acts joining together on stage for a couple of concluding songs - just like, my husband commented afterwards, that bit at the end of Later With Jools Holland.
It’s always good fun to connect and collaborate with other local musicians from different genres, and hopefully this also adds interest to the programme from the audience perspective. Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, which raised over £2400 for Pancreatic Cancer Research UK
SCIENCE FEATURE
THE MAGAZINE
by Ann Jones
The last edition of The Magazine covered the Vagus Nerve. Moving on……
“Belt out a song or two to grow new brain cells”
This was written by Dr Michael Mosley who sadly died on the isle of Symi last month
There is something special about singing as it is common to all cultures and has been practiced for tens of thousands of years. Anthropologists say that in the past, singing around a fire would have played a big part in group bonding; a way of expressing emotion that brings us together.
Singing also has an important part to play when it comes to restoring damaged brains
Researchers at the University of Helsinki say they have discovered why singing helps stroke patients recover the power of speech
Previously the team had shown that stroke patients with aphasia (a reduced ability to understand or produce speech) made better progress after four months of singing therapy than with standard care. It also made those patients and their carers less isolated. After analysing their brain scans it showed that new brain cells had grown in areas linked to speech and language and in turn they were able to speak again.
(Strangely enough, our brains contain many of the same genes as songbirds)
So keep singing!
Did you know....
We are all born with more neurons than we actually need. Typically by the age of 8, our brains do a major neuron dump, removing any neurons perceived as unnecessary, which is why it’s easier to teach language and music to younger children “If you learn music as a child, your brain becomes designed for music,” neuroscientist Kiminobu Sugaya says
Research has found that “canaries stop singing every autumn when the brain cells responsible for song generation die ” However, the neurons grow back over the winter months, and the birds learn their songs over again in the spring. Sugaya takes this as a sign that “music may increase neurogenesis in the brain.”
So which music is best? Not necessarily classical (remember the 'Mozart Effect'?) according to Sugaya Recent studies have found that people with dementia respond better to the music they grew up listening to "If you play someone's favourite music, different parts of the brain light up [on MRI scans],' Sugaya explains "That means memories associated with music are emotional memories, which never fade out - even in Alzheimer's patients "
THE
GET YOUR BARBERSHOP GEEK ON!
by Karen Marshall
Stay connected with the latest chorus and quartet news, Convention chat and dates, workshop events, pics, video links, general gossip and fun - UK and beyond!
This issue we present our very own Heartbeat Chorus and Sweet Adelines International Organisation Facebook Social Media Groups in the UK and Internationally
Over the next few issues we will branch out to include other organisations in the UK, Europe and International. Plus the groups of our own quartets and other choruses.
Have a group you would like featured? Contact one of the team at The Magazine.
Heartbeat Chorus (Public) UK,
Affiliated to Region 31 - Sweet Adelines International
Women's Barbershop Chorus based in Stockport, UK Regional Champions 2015 and 2019 for Sweet Adelines International
Heartbeat Social Club (private)
Heartbeat Chorus's private UK fun(d)raising for members to laugh, share stories and ideas - and maybe raise some money for the coffers.
Heartbeat Chorus Confidence Club: chat: support: ideas (private)
A place for us to come and share our ideas and suggestions for growing in Confidence individually and as a group
Quartet of Nations - Region 31 (public)
Affiliated to Sweet Adelines UK and Netherlands, Region 31.
Quartet of Nations Region 31 is a vibrant community of singers representing Sweet Adelines International in the UK and Netherlands - committed to advancing the musical art for barbershop harmony through education, competition and performance.
'Sweet Adelines International (public)
Main group of the non-profit making Sweet Adelines Corporation based in Tulsa, USA
Today's Sweet Adelines sing exciting acapella fourpart harmony music, barbershop style The music includes arrangements of classic ballads, contemporary songs, popular show tunes and mainstream music. Members say that singing the powerfully balanced sounds of barbershop harmony provides a rich, rewarding experience
MY GARDEN'S TOO SMALL FOR A FRUIT TREE!
by Hilary Pinnock
Well, that may be true where normal sized fruit trees are concerned but have you ever thought of a stepover? Or an espalier fruit tree?
Much smaller and taking up considerably less room than a conventional Granny Smith, a stepover is literally that! Up to about a foot tall or so, it is perfectly formed to provide a decorative and productive edge to any sunny border. Like any other fruit tree, it will give you pretty spring blossoms, attract all the lovely pollinators and then provide some yummy fruit for autumn puds, pies and crumbles!
The reason they’re so successful is because of the way they’re grown They are the same as any ‘normal’ fruit tree but they’re grafted onto what are called dwarf rootstock and trained to grow horizontally In other words, they don’t have to grow great big, hefty trunks to elevate the growing area up into the sky It’s all done near ground level
Grow one along the side of a path or along the edge of a border.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/apples/stepover-training (copy this link and paste into your browser)
Espalier isn't similar The growing stems are trained to stretch outwards rather than upwards so the fruit grows parallel to the ground Espalier grown fruit trees take more attention than the stepover But they’re a real conversation piece when grown against a warm wall
https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/apples/training-espalier (copy this link and paste into your browser)
Order now for autumn delivery and planting and watch as your fruit harvest starts next year!
MY VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY
by Loraine Thompson
In May I experienced one of the most amazing holidays of my lifereally stepping outside of my comfort zone
My holiday sailing pal, Sarah, unfortunately had an accident just before the trip and had to cancel. I ended up with a triple whammy: going abroad alone, on holiday solo and for the first time sailing off Lefkada around the Greek Islands
I decided to chance it
A regatta of three yachts, all manned by women, sailed for a week together. No men allowed!
It was a week in a wonderful, nurturing environment learning new skills, acting together as a team, making new friends, eating and drinking and having a wonderful time discovering a thrilling new hobby I now love - sailing!
The scenery was glorious, crystal blue sea and beautiful weather. We dropped anchor and swam before lunch and late afternoon we moored in a new place and dined in local tavernas together
Never has the phrase “ never too old” to learn something new been so true! It was ‘a journey’ in so many ways and I have returned as a different, more confident person
I instantly booked again to go to the BVIs in January which I guess sums it all up
How inspiring Loraine!! - Ed.
Alex has done it again!
With her sailing pal Emma, Alex picked up the Ladies Trophy after winning the 2024 S2S event. They came from behind to clinch the win in the last few hours with an outstanding performance.
I feel a sea shanty coming on! - Ed
THE MAGAZINE
Heartbeat's Slimming Club Success
by Hilary Pinnock
Busy lifestyles and a myriad of other good and bad reasons often result in the gaining of unwanted weight It’s so easy to put it on but not always so easy to lose again that is unless you have the support of others going on the same journey as you.
Welcome to Skinny Girls! An amazing collection of the most supportive Heartbeaters who’ve all succeeded in losing a tremendous amount of weight Of the lovelies in the pictures here (there are others), over twelve stones have been lost! That’s a whole person – and some!!!
Everyone shown is attending their local Slimming World club on different days of the week and once weighed, shares the outcome – positive or negative – with the others who, in return, offer the most amazing words of encouragement and support. And it is a journey. Not a sprint race, not a competition, just a marathon journey at their own pace aiming for and achieving a successful conclusion
To celebrate their success to date, a ‘Frock Fest’ at Panache in Poynton. All too often, we cover up unwanted bulges, don't we? But not here! Frocks were the dress code for the evening And what a bunch of beauties they are! Well done lovelies!!
HEARTBEAT NEWS
Wishing Hil 1 a speedy recovery after her knee operation Lots of ice, rest and exercises - but great to see her at a recent rehearsal!
Sending Heartbeat love also to Mandy who has fractured her talus (bone in her foot).
Congratulations to Carole Clulow and family on the recent marriage of her daughter Angela
Here is Hattie
A welcome addition to Janet and Peter Moreton's household
Heartbeat Congratulations to Sandra and Tony on the birth of their grandson, Robin, born to Terri and Ben Here is the doting Grandma
HEARTBEAT NEWS
CATCHING UP...
GOODBYE TO ANNABEL
by Ann Jones
Annabel will be going to Sheffield university this September to study politics and sociology woo clever girl!
She is still singing for fun at the cricket club at weekends with lots of commuting from her studio flat to Marple. She is horse riding too. So busy!
Kate, her Mum misses her singing and her smile.
Good luck for the future Bel x
Heartbeat condolences to Ruth and her family on the recent loss of her lovely Mum, Eileen.
Dearest Gentle Singer,
LADY GARDEN'S SOCIETY PAPERS
One finds every week in the ever-thrumming existence of our beloved Heartbeat Ton to be a veritable feast for the senses
Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kelsall, did indeed dazzle in her silken flowing draperies, bestowing upon our ton her unparalleled wisdom from the farthest reaches of the globe. Such a sight and such insights, leave us all in a state of eager anticipation for what the next week might unveil.
Our Heartbeat ton is a symphony composed of four illustrious families, each presided over by a gracious court. Its noble houses of Leadingham, Bariton, Bassex, and Tenorsville contribute a delightful array of characters and tones, blending in perfect harmony Each family brings its own unique flair to our vibrant singing community, creating a melody that is both rich and diverse The interplay of these distinguished families forms the very 'heart' of our cherished society
The Heartbeat Ton's Delightful Transformation
Despite the captivating melodies and enchanting choreography that graces our esteemed Heartbeat ton, it seems that some of our beloved Ladies have found their bodice laces growing tighter over the years In a delightful twist, several of these fair dames have embarked upon a novel endeavor to enrich their lives with the most delectable of caloriereducing foods Their success has been nothing short of remarkable, shedding enough weight to nearly equal one new chorus member!
This triumph may indeed postpone the necessity for the ton to procure an additional riser in the future, much to the delight of keeper of the ton's purse-keeper, Lady Janet of Moreton Hall.
This author is certain that you will be eagerly rushing to secure the next issue of The Magazine, where you will learn more about the thrilling goings-on of the Heartbeat ton, its illustrious Court and esteemed families Will your noble house be amongst the tales regaled?
Yours truly,
Genoa (Genova) - A Hidden Italian Gem
by Michaelle Kelly
It is difficult to know where to begin in recommending a trip to Genoa, whether it is a weekend break in the city itself or as a wonderful base for visits to some nearby breathtakingly beautiful towns. The vibrant city of Genoa is a treasure trove of history, culture, Italian cuisine, and local wines
Grab your hand luggage and after a short flight from Manchester (Ryanair) and a cheap airport shuttle bus, you will be enjoying the pizza, Aperol and prosecco!
You may possibly feel a bit underwhelmed on the route past the docks to the city, but you soon begin noticing the faded, Renaissance grandeur of some of the buildings, hinting at the historical importance of this grand city
On arriving in Genoa, you reach the bustling waterfront area, known as Porto AnticoThis is a vibrant hub where you can dine among the wealthy yacht owners and crew in one of the many waterside restaurants, watch street performers or attend a music festival Here you will also find The Aquarium, the largest in Europe It's a popular choice, especially with kids Just a few steps away from The Aquarium is the Galata Maritime Museum. Here you can trace the port's history from the 15th century up to the present date.
The heart of Genoa is its medieval historic centre with its imposing cathedral di San Lorenzo, closely guarded by the majestic Genova Lions and its labyrinth of narrow alleys called 'Carruggi.’
Wander through the ‘Carruggi’ and you will be struck by the imposing six-floor high Renaissance buildings. These were once flamboyant palaces showing off the riches and status of noble persons and merchants; now they are grand apartments, commercial properties and tourist accommodation. Think an Italian Bridgerton!
Genoa (Genova) - A Hidden Italian Gem
by Michaelle Kelly
Don’t miss Via Garibaldi, where grand palaces like Palazzo Rosso (red palace) and if white is more to your taste, the Palazzo Bianco. Both offer a glimpse into the city’s opulent past and show-case stunning rooms and art collections.
One moment you’re in a bustling piazza filled with locals chatting over espresso, and the next, you’re in front of a stunning church or an ornate palace
Genoa’s many churches and museums are fabulous. If art is your thing, see Rubens’ 1605 masterpiece The Circumcision of Christ in the lesser-known Church of Jesus and Saint Ambrugio and Andrea. If contemporary art is more your thing, the Villa Croce Museum of Contemporary Art will not disappoint
Now, let’s talk about food!
Genoa is the birthplace of pesto, so you can imagine how fresh and delicious the trofie al pesto is, along with freshly baked focaccia bread. Whether it’s the classic version or topped with fresh olives or herbs, you’ll be in carb heaven!
While pizza and pasta are obviously plentiful, the Ligurian sea supplies the freshest and finest seafood. Whatever you choose, a crisp Vermentino (local white wine) is the perfect accompaniment!
Cin, cin!
Genoa (Genova) - A Hidden Italina Gem
by Michaelle Kelly
But Genoa is just the beginning as it is a great base for exploring some of the most picturesque spots in Italy. A short boat or train trip away are the stunning villages of the Cinque Terre (Five Towns), famous for their colourful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea and camogle
an iconic resort that’s perfect for a day trip Here you can enjoy a leisurely lunch by the sea front, take a scenic hike, or simply soak up the views and people watch!
Getting to Portofino is easiest by boat from Genoa or a short train ride to St Margherita and connecting shuttle bus. Favoured by film stars and celebrities, the popular picturesque town of Portofino really is a must do. The pastel-coloured houses contrasting with the azure sea creates a picture perfect and Instagram worthy spot, you will be the envy on your socials!
You can dine at the luxurious (expensive) Delfino’s restaurant where you might be dining alongside Andrea Bocelli, Elton John or Kylie Minogue! For a wallet-friendlier choice, try aperitivo at one of the many nearby seafront bars. The view is just the same!
Next stop, the popular Cinque Terre. Five idyllic villages perched on rugged cliffs and overlooking the sea Whether you arrive by boat or take the train from Genoa (1 train change) the journey through Cinque Terre is a feast for the senses A warning though – the villages get hot and busy in peak times We usually go out of season!
Not one of the five villages but one of our favourites is beautiful Camogli, a lesser known but equally charming seaside town and harbour. Camogli is also easily reached by boat or train from either of Genoa’s stations. Camogli is all about the laid-back vibe. Here, life revolves around the beach and the food, especially the seafood, and Focaccia di Recco, a local specialty, (a thin, crispy bread filled with creamy cheese) Camogli boasts beautiful tall houses along the sea front decorated with colourful facades
Many have fake windows painted among them to avoid the historical window tax imposed on the residents. Camogli is often referred to as ‘the village of widows’ due to the number of fishermen who met their untimely demise at sea. In August, you can catch the annual Stella Maris festival where locals celebrate St Mary and bless the sea by lighting and floating candles, a wonderful sight. Often overshadowed by Italy's more famous cities, Genoa, with it's position between the sea and the Apennine mountains, the many surrounding towns is a journey through stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, impressive buildings and it's gastronomic delights really is a hidden gem with its distinct charm Blending the old with the new, it’s a city that feels authentic and alive.
Genoa is the perfect ‘go-to’ for those who love to explore and discover hidden treasures. Whether you’re into history, art, food, or just soaking up the local vibes, Genoa has something for everyone To me, it’s one of those places that once you visit, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back to again and again, which I do!
DRINK TO GENOA
by Michaelle Kelly
CATCHING UP...
In April, Jess became a full member of the Heartbeat Chorus Bass Section
Jess has a gorgeous resonant voice, she's a looker (so she's in the middle of the stack!), she is a performer and she's an excellent zombie too!
THE TAG
We all know that singing in a small group is challenging, exciting and fantastic fun Oh, And it helps our singing enormously, Nancy has suggested small groups learn either Faith or Royals (or both for high acheivers!) with a view to performing on 18 October at our concert to raise funds for Windlehurst Methodist Church. The groups are working together on their own, but will have coaching from the Music Team at a later date
Have you joined a group? No? Want to? Contact Clare Kitchenham.
LOTTO NEWS
And finally....
Thanks to everyone who has contributed.
We are taking a summer (?) break Our next publication will be in the Autumn Please share your news and stories with any of The Magazine team
THE MAGAZINE TEAM | Ann, Mandy, Michaelle, Karen, Hils P and Janet