Washington Update

Excitement and anticipation are rising within the ranks of St. Mary's Robed Choir as the date fast approaches for the biggest undertaking in the Choir's 100+ year history. Yes, WASHINGTON 20061

You may have noticed that the media are now taking an interest (Birmingham 13, Birmingham "Forward", Church Times, Birmingham Diocesan Bulletin to name a few) as this is not just a major event in the life of our church but for Birmingham itself. It is the first time that our city will be represented on the other side of the globe in what is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Our MP, Lynne Jones, has been championing the cause of the Robed Choir within Birmingham City Council.

Intensive rehearsals have been taking place for the last few months to prepare the music (a challenging programme that would grace any Cathedral's repertoire); fund-raising events have taken place to put in place the £46,000 that the enterprise will cost to mount; charities have lent their support; hundreds of letters have been written and now, very soon, it will all actually happen.

What will the Choir do in Washington?:

• They will sing daily choral services in Washington National Cathedral from 14th - 20th August (except Saturday, twice on Sunday) and in St. Paul's, K Street, on Sunday 13th August
• They will represent our church and City at various venues in Washington
• They will visit the White House and the seat of US Government
• The choristers will broaden their horizons and their education by visiting many of the historical and cultural sites in the US capital.

What can WE do in our church to help give our singing youngsters our support?

• Well, there is the concert given by St. Mary's Robed Choir and Singers on SATURDAY JUNE 24th We can come and support by our presence and contribute by means of the retiring collection.
• In the morning of the same day there will be a CAKE STALL in church where we can buy goodies in the knowledge that our contributions go towards helping the effort.
• There is a SPONSORED CHORAL CHALLENGE on Saturday July 15th. This year the challenge is to sing in all of the churches in the Moseley Deanery during the day (some 15 of them).
• There will be an itinerary and we can join the choristers at various stages to listen - we can also support them by way of sponsorship! Don't be surprised if you are accosted by young faces eager to sign you up!!
• There will be a GRAND RAFFLE by the Friends of the Choirs - prizes are being gathered even now and it is hoped to unveil this well before the summer holiday. We can ensure our chances of fine prizes from meals out (to fill us up) to a day's fitness centre membership (to slim us down) and a B&B trip away (to help us recover). There are lots more other prizes to tempt.

Mick Perrier and the entire Choir would like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to put this project into effect, especially Rob Brown (finance), John McKinley (sponsorship), Mark Simons (publicity), the Friends of the Choirs and all our sponsors without whose support this would have remained just a dream. Let's hope that we can help them in real practical ways during the home straight, ensuring them of our real support and keeping them all in our prayers.

Postscript:

Many thanks also go to many of the Choir members who have contributed through fundraising activities and their support is always appreciated by the Choir and the Church.

Washington Fundraiser

James Barwell has kindly offered on behalf of Husselworks, a £20 donation to the Washington Fund for every design or print ordered.

Husselworks offers a high level service focusing on cost effective design and print solutions for any business operations, large or small.

Contact James on:
Tel: 0121 550 9995
Mobile: 07743 037050
Email: jamesbarwell@-husselworks.com

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