AT the start of its recent 'Summer Serenade' concert, Launceston Choral Society's Musical Director, Jonathan Mann, made a presentation to Roger Warland FRCO, who has been the regular rehearsal pianist and accompanist for the society since 1996.

Roger and his wife are now moving to the Bath area to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Jonathan Mann remarked on how much the society owed to Roger who had travelled each week from Mary Tavy to rehearsals for 13 years and had rarely ever missed one. His good humour and kindness had been much appreciated by the choir over the years. Roger replied that he had enjoyed his association with the Choral Society and hoped it would go from strength to strength.

The varied programme which succeeded, contained music for all tastes: 20th century classics by 'Fats' Waller and George Gershwin, motets by Mozart and Stanford, madrigals and a great English anthem by John Ireland, as well as some musical silliness in the form of 'Tea for Two' and John Rutter's 'Banquet Fugue.'

Guest accompanist, David Crocker, played two sets of varied organ pieces including 'Saints on a Spree' and 'Hornpipe Humoresque' both of which included a snatch from Widor's great Toccata and Fugue.

Following the choir's singing of 'I do like to be beside the Seaside,' Jonathan continued the Blackpool Tower Ballroom theme by making the organ sound like a mighty Wurlitzer for favourites 'The Whistler and his dog,' 'Butterflies in the Rain' and 'The Teddy Bear's Picnic.'

After this, Teddy the Bear, assisted by his human, explained that the Choral Society had chosen Launceston Lions Ambulance Teddy Bear Fund and North Devon Hospital Baby Unit as the recipients of the retiring collection because of the comfort and care given by one of his furry colleagues when the youngest honorary member of the society, Eleanor Foster, was rushed to Barnstaple with her mum in March.

Eleanor, now nine months old, is back to attending all rehearsals and occasionally passes comment on the standard of the singing. A total of £200 was raised at the end of the concert.

The choir's next concert will be on Saturday, November 14 when the choir will be singing works by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and his father William Lloyd Webber.

Are there any tenors out there who would like to join the society? They are a friendly bunch and rehearse on Monday evenings during term time at Central Methodist Sunday School. For more information telephone 01566 772701.