- Worthy Cause
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Date Posted: Wed, 13 Jul 2022
From Worthy Farm to a worthy cause and back in a day!
Worthy – 1 29 June 2022
Most people who were fortunate enough to get Glastonbury Festival tickets would probably savour every single minute they had there to scour the fields of Worthy Farm in Somerset for every sound of music they could possibly find or hear!
But, one man, Alan Boxer, and his band -- well orchestra to be precise-- returned home during the Glastonbury festival to Kentisbeare, Mid Devon, in order to conduct the premiere of the “Culm Valley Orchestra” in the local Village Hall last Saturday afternoon, and so raising over £500 for another ‘Medics4Ukraine’ Medical Trauma Box for Ukraine!
Playing some moving pieces after a Chinese rendition of Tu Ning, the Kentisbeare audience including several children, were treated to a wonderful repertoire from Bizet to Beethoven and Walton to Delius.
Alan Boxer, Conductor of Culm Valley Orchestra is also Music Director of VoiceWorx Community Choir. Alan and fellow VoiceWorx choir member Dr Neil Rushton, (known locally as a highly active peace campaigner and part of the Festival Medical Services team for Glastonbury Festival), have sought several opportunities to raise funds for ‘Medics4Ukraine’.
Neil had first introduced Alan to Nich Woolf BEM at the festival over 20 years ago! Nich is also a key player in the Festival Medical Services team and, having been awarded the BEM as a Paramedic for his services in helping people in very dangerous situations such as Haiti, Syria and Afghanistan, as well as Ukraine, the three of them persuaded the various musical groups that Alan leads to make donations to ‘Medics4Ukraine’.
VoiceWorx Community Choir, also based in Kentisbeare held a joint choir concert with Tale Valley Choir and ‘Bel Canto’ choir (also led by Alan) in April raising over £3,500 to help supply another seven Medical Trauma Boxes for Ukraine.
Nich Woolf, who attended the concert, explained the ‘Medics4Ukraine’ mission: “To supply lifesaving trauma supplies to the front line; to train fellow medics to help save lives in extremes, and to supply paediatric medicine.”
Music is said to bring people together, and Barbara Wood, VoiceWorx Chair, who attended the Orchestral Premiere too was delighted to meet Tamara there, a Ukrainian Refugee who is staying with another choir member.
Tamara was visibly touched by the generosity and support she received from fellow choir members attending and, wearing a T-Shirt with a slogan saying, “I was born free”, expressed her grateful thanks on behalf of her fellow Ukrainians for the great support from the UK.
Encouraging Tamara to come along to a rehearsal, Barbara told her that Alan Boxer will no doubt return to VoiceWorx and ‘Bel Canto’ choirs, as well as ‘Activ8’, the local youth theatre, with more wonderful ideas and songs for everyone to try!
“In our choir, we have learned songs that we never thought we could, ranging from the Beatles and Queen, to Elbow and George Ezra, with many classical, folk and all genres along the way of the VoiceWorx journey! Hopefully Tamara will join us too and teach us some Ukrainian songs!”
Worthy – 2
Dr Neil Rushton added: “If music can heal the world, then these acts of selfless determination and collaboration can only be positive in a world of uncertainty that has regressed 60 years in the wake of wanton Soviet aggression.”
Alan Boxer, who returned to his friends at Glastonbury later on Saturday evening to enjoy the live sessions from fantastic Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and many others, said: “There was huge support for the Ukraine at the festival, complete with a live appeal from President Zelenskyy himself.”
The next fund-raising event for ‘Medics4Ukraine’ will be the VoiceWorx Summer Music Festival on the afternoon of Sunday 17th July which will feature VoiceWorx and ‘Bel Canto’ choirs, Castle Town Folk Group from Bradninch, plus other local young musicians and soloists, in The Wyndham Arms Garden in Kentisbeare.
Entrance is free, for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment to help support a worthy cause, and donations can be made direct to ‘Medics4Ukraine’ at: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/Medical_Boxes_Ukraine
Further information and contact details from Barbara Wood 07815 882523 and www.voiceworx.org.uk
ENDS
Attachment: 
- Covid Precautions Winter 2021
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Date Posted: Mon, 15 Nov 2021
REMINDER Covid precautions are still important – keep on testing!
Test, Mask, Coat, Chair Sing!
Bring your chair, coats & layers to keep warm
& a drink to lubricate those vocal chords,
wear a mask on entry & when registering,
and most of all,
ENJOY A GOOD SING!
What better therapy is there, after all?!
We are following guidance around this as follows. Please read:-
Covid testing and vaccinations:
We would prefer attendees to be fully vaccinated, in order to protect each other.
Please do a Lateral Flow Test before attending to show a Clear result (ie negative)
If you have been in close contact with someone positive, or have been pinged, please only attend if you have negative tests, AND please follow the NHS guidance emailed to you.
Ventilation and air circulation:
This is thought to be important, especially among singers to improve air-flow.
Despite the colder weather, some doors and windows will be open.
We will not open all of them, but need enough open to encourage air-flow in the Village Hall.
Masks:
PLEASE wear masks and keep your distance when queuing around Heather, and when entering the hall.
We are very grateful to Heather for all she does. She needs to register who attends, but would prefer that payment is made on-line to minimise not only her workload, but also her contact with cash and yourselves!
Otherwise, wearing a mask is still optional when moving around, but is encouraged if you prefer.
Chairs, use of toilets, drinks and sanitiser:
Remember to bring your own chairs – We are all agreed this works well, and are keen to continue so that we don’t have to sanitise and wipe hall chairs down!
If you use the loos please be extra vigilant and leave them tidy and clean!
Bring your own drinks - again, we think this works well as we don't have to sanitise the kitchen etc.
Sanitiser will be available, but bring your own for easier access when you need it.
- Latest news and Action Group Notes
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Date Posted: Thu, 21 Oct 2021
VoiceWorx - Action Group News
A few notes and updates for you
4th October 2021
Present: Alan, Barbara, Heather, Paul, Linda, plus Ceri Neil, & David
Apols: Gavin, Caitlin
- How’s it going so far this Autumn?
- Home page and other pages have been updated and further updates will follow. AB/PS/BW aiming to keep it up to date.
- Songs AB has done songs with backing tracks, music sheets and also lyric sheets now being added. All agreed this is really good to have as we work on new songs.
Rehearsals – wonderful to be back together!
Alan is happy to continue “solo”. Sue won’t be coming this term – we wish her all the best, but understand that her family needs her this term.
REMINDER Covid precautions still important – doors and windows need to be open – please test before attending – don’t come if ill or been in contact with others who are – masks optional but encouraged if in very close contact for example. Remember to bring own chairs – All agreed this works well, and keen to continue so that we don’t have to wipe hall chairs down! BRING YOUR WOOLLIES & A DRINK!- How are the finances looking?
- 71 on the register
- Some new, some pre pandemic coming back, 7 registered, not yet appeared.
- Main costs Music Director and music, hall, insurance and prof indemnity, website, plus sundries.
- Marie Curie donations over £900 – aiming to get past £1k with a final push on 4th December.
- Plans, arrangements and jobs needing doing for 4th Dec and 11th December
4th Dec – “The CHARITY BIG NIGHT OUT”- Poster coming soon - - get it in your diary and invite friends and family.
- ALL are welcome – this really will be a BIG NIGHT OUT!
- We will be asking for help nearer the time to set the hall and stage up – and take it down!
- Meantime – get spreading the word – tickets coming soon! A charity event for all the family raising funds for Marie Curie with Framed, Marram Grass and The Dilly Boys – food and bar!
- 11th Dec: VoiceWorx, Bel Canto and Cullompton Community Choir
- Watch this space for a poster and details.
- Morning rehearsal 10am. Doors at 6.30. Concert at 7pm.
On the day:-
- Setting up stage and seating
- Staging and PA
- Gavin doing the bar ✔️
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- Front of House
- Selling a raffle programme
- Providing raffle Bottle prizes
- Organising the draw – for collection on exit!
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- Selling tickets
- Sharing on social Media
- Other events and dates for the diary
- 1st Nov: True Colours – recording at rehearsal in hall for Marie Curie video
Blue shirts, BBlack bottoms and Black shoes with Yellow Daffodils- 27th Nov: - Carols in Uffculme switching on the lights – with Maria
- Carols around the Pubs for anyone who wants to join in.
- Two Sunday evening rehearsals. Sun 5th Dec 7pm. Sun 12th Dec 7pm. Come and learn a few harmonies and descants!
- Singing carols on these nights. Come to what you can!
- Weds 15th Dec: Halfway House (Willand) and Merry Harriers (Westcott)
- Thurs 16th Dec: Thirsty Farmer (Whimple) and 5 Bells (Clyst Hydon)
- Fri 17th Dec, possibly carol service, and singing at the Keepers Cottage
2022 ideas in the pipeline to be confirmed- Cully Market on 26th Feb?? End of half term?
- 2nd April 2022 - Easter Concert
- 4th April - BIG SING
- Sat 7th May CHOIRWORX is BACK! We will be surveying members soon about ideas for this event.
- Payhembury Concert TBC
- 16th July 2022 - Wyndham Garden Festival YES
- Other ideas:
- Concert with Bradninch Choir (maybe April 2nd?)
- Summer singing gigs - as this year maybe, but not all through August! Lyme Regis
- All being well, restart in Autumn 2022 on 12th September and run through the year, as always missing half terms and school holidays.
Attachment: 
- VoiceWorx in the news!
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Date Posted: Sat, 3 Oct 2020
VoiceWorx was recently featured in a Radio Devon interview with Barbara Wood.
Listen in here!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0r2pw25dpmp4jlv/IMG_6393.mp3?dl=0
For more information, see: www.dropbox.com/s/0r2pw25dpmp4jlv/IMG_6393.mp3?dl=0
- Welcome to "Sing Together From Home"
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Date Posted: Sat, 3 Oct 2020
Welcome to "Sing Together From Home"
(Our not-so-catchy title for this Autumn's VoiceWorx LIVE Online sessions)
Please contact us direct to register part way through the term.
MUSIC / TRACKS / WEBSITE
Music and rehearsal tracks for all the parts for our headline songs are all accessible on the website once you register.
ONLINE FOLDER of TRACKS and MUSIC
If you can't access the website pages it may be because you haven't yet been registered as a member.
If you are coming for a free "taster" you will be given temporary access.
PRINTING OUT MUSIC
The music will be displayed on the screen as we sing, however I'd recommend that you print out your own as well. That makes it easy for you to practise when away from the sessions, and some people find it easier to have their copies in a folder ready to go because they can make marks on the music or highlight their parts etc.... But it's your call!
HELP! Any QUESTIONS or TECH concerns or want to chat about how it will all work?
Contact Alan@voiceworx.org.uk
Hope to see you soon.
- Voiceworx LIVE online tonight
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Date Posted: Mon, 6 Apr 2020
Dear Singers,
You should have received a link for tonight's rehearsal.
Please contact me direct if you have not yet received it.
Take care everyone - and all of us on the Action Group hope you see again on-line all after Easter.
Look out for further emails.
From the Action Group
Alan, Barbara, Caitlin, Fiona, Gavin, Neil and Nikki
- BBC One Show screening of 21 July Festival
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Date Posted: Tue, 10 Sep 2019
- Rehearsals start again on Monday 9th September
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Date Posted: Sat, 17 Aug 2019
We have 40 sessions in the 2019/2020 academic year, including 3 Big Sing end of term social events, and no charge to perform at concerts.
New members are always made welcome at any time. Come along before 7 pm on a Monday night, and introduce yourself. Your first taster session is free! Bring your children for a £1 each (8-18) after first free taster session.
ANNUAL £210
Annual fees payable in September are based on £6 per week with 5 free weeks.
If you prefer not to pay annually then you may pay either weekly or termly.
TERMLY - One week free each term
Autumn 14 weeks £78, Spring 12 weeks £66, Summer 14 weeks £78
WEEKLY £6 (18 and under £1)
Fee rates will normally be revised in September to coincide with our new financial year (Sept to Aug)
WE HOPE YOU WILL DECIDE TO COME ALONG AND SEE HOW MUCH FUN AND
HOW FRIENDLY VOICEWORX IS!
- Summer Music Festival and Bar b q
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Date Posted: Thu, 27 Jun 2019
Our popular festival in the garden at The Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare 21 July
From 12 til late.
All day entertainment.Attachment: 
- Choirworx Festival Invitation
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Date Posted: Thu, 4 Apr 2019
An Invitation to join our Community Choir and Singers Festival
Bank Holiday Weekend Sun 5th May 2019At 'The Venue' in Uffculme, near Cullompton, Devon
The weekend will be led by the inspirational choir leader, performer and composer Scott Stroman
Choirs as well as individual singers are welcome.Experience the fun of mass choir signing, workshops and tuition during the day, and hear some choirs perform in a short concert at the end of the day.
Join us for one day, or both days and make a weekend of it.
The format will be the same both days but with different musical material.
We are privileged and delighted that Scott Stroman is coming to lead our Choir Festival. His motivating and captivating approach working with choral groups down the years has enthused singers of all ages and stages. His energetic style encourages, teaches and develops powerful, high quality performances from everyone! 
‘The Venue’ is the latest impressive addition to Mid-Devon’s performance and meeting spaces. As well as the main auditorium space and 2 studio spaces, we have access to additional classroom spaces, a bar, cafe, outdoor space and a team of ChoirWorx Ambassadors ready help you have a fabulous day! 
For more information, see: www.choirworx.org.uk
- Summer term 2019
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Date Posted: Wed, 11 Apr 2018
Our Summer term ends with a full weekend of singing.
Saturday 20 July rehearsal for our Big Garden Festival with friends in the Wyndham Arms Garden on Sunday 21st July, followed by an entertaining evening sing song at the pub, open to everyone,
then our regular Big Sing on Monday 22nd July.
Come along and see us on Sunday - it promises to be an exciting day!
Bar b q, drinks, music and good friends, raising funds to support Vocieworx to recover from the email scam.
See News and Events for more details and poster coming soon!
See www.choirworx.org.uk for exciting news of our festival 3 May 2020.For more information, see: www..voiceworx.org.uk
