SNOWY conditions failed to deter supporters of Haslemere Musical Society’s Come and Sing event at St Christopher’s Church on Saturday.

A record number of singers responded to the society’s open invitation to take part in its popular annual choral event and they raised the rafters with their performance of Fauré’s Requiem.

Society secretary Sue Ecclestone said: “The Arctic vortex did not dissuade nearly 100 people from turning up. Singers piled in for the energetic warm-up at 2pm directed by conductor Joanna Tomlinson, who led the singers and later the small orchestra that arrived at 4pm.

“Clive Osgood accompanied the singers, while Joanna gave tips on how to sing with passion and good technique. Once the orchestra was in place there was a final run-through, with friends and family turning up as audience. Haslemere Musical Society’s new chorus master Cole Bendall sang the baritone solos in the performance and Clare Loosley melted the hearts of all with her soaring soprano voice in the Pie Jesu.

“There was the famous table laden with exciting cakes and lots of welcome cups of tea and plenty of friendly chatter in the two breaks for refreshment and re-charging of energies.

“Everyone agreed it was a fantastic afternoon of music making. Finally, a collection was made for Macmillan Palliative Care Midhurst which has been so helpful with one of the society’s members, who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. Several hundred pounds were raised, which has pleased greatly the suffering patient.”

? The next Haslemere Musical Society event is Haydn’s The Creation at Haslemere Hall on Saturday, March 2. The orchestra and chorus will perform with soloists Susan Young (soprano), Philip O’Brien (tenor) and Jon Stainsby (baritone). To book tickets, call the box office on 01428 642161.