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Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011

21 Apr 11 - 09:14 PM (#3140041)
Subject: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Hi folks.
I have only just learnt about this big spectacular event that is happening soon and thought that I would put you in the picture so you can judge for yourself if you might be interested in coming along to take part in what could be something really SPECIAL and VERY MEMORABLE indeed - and your chance to appear on telly!

The email I received from a colleague contains a clarion call and a call to arms from James Beattie; the "Big Sing Yorkshire" organiser and producer. I include here the main points from his announcement as follows:

"Voices wanted for prestigious premier of a new Yorkshire Anthem: can you or your organisation help?
..Big Sing Yorkshire is a high profile event celebrating the unique contribution singing groups and choirs have made to adult learning in the region... this flagship event for 'Adult Learners week'.
Hundreds of singers will converge in St George's Square HUDDERSFIELD (just outside the train station)on 21 May to form a huge "flash" choir who will perform...'Jerusalem' and 'Ikla Moor'..and the new Yorkshire Anthem.
We want as many voices there as possible...you don't need to read music or be trained in anyway at all..the whole event has been designed to be accessible to people who have never sung a note in their lives..to be part of the thrill of singing in a large group. We guarantee an experience you will never forget!
Nationally renowned poet Ian Mc Millan (the "Barnsley Bard")has been commisioned to write the text for a new secular Yorkshire Anthem which will be set to a 250 year old tune called "Yorkshire" (some will know it by the hymn called "Christians Awake")
...it is accessible to anyone including the absolute begginer..no need to prepare..no audition..just bring your voice, your passion for singing and as many people as possible.
Inspirational choral animateur Sally Egan will lead a rehearsal workshop in the morning..from 11am to 12.15pm ..and the final performance ..will be 1pm to 2pm...and a prominent local brass band will accompany us. The result will be amazing! A musical testament to the enthusiasm and talent across the region for choral singing and witnessed by Television viewers across the region.
Invite as many people as you can to come along.
For more info: visit website: www.bigsingyorkshire.org.uk
Email:bigsingyorkshire@gmail.com Tel: 01274 593672
...Most of all we want YOU to add your voice to the number by taking part..we want to make a big Yorkshire sound.
The event takes just 3 hours and has been located handily just outside the Huddersfield train station (in a huge public square.)
There are trains from Bradford,Wakefield,Halifax,Leeds,Hull,Sheffield and York.We really want singing groups from all over Yorkshire...Spread the word!"


So what do you think folks? Do you think it is worth the effort to come over to Huddersfield to take part in what could be one of the most memorable days in your lives and be proud as a Yorkshireman/woman and be part of a huge event on TV?

I think so. And as the man said.."Spread the word!" and let's come in great numbers.

God bless and thank you and I'll see you in the square!

Chris


22 Apr 11 - 07:32 PM (#3140700)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

refresh


23 Apr 11 - 08:08 AM (#3140979)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: dozy rozy

I'm definitely coming.


23 Apr 11 - 08:21 AM (#3140986)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: GUEST,DaveMc

"...has been commisioned to write the text for a new secular Yorkshire Anthem "

Looks like them on t'other side of the Pennines have finally accepted what we Lancastrian's have said all along: God's Own Country lies here in t'West. Happy Easter!


23 Apr 11 - 09:48 AM (#3141015)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Chris in Portland

From Google Books --
Here's some words to Christians Awake.
Christians Awake
Cool book - precursor of Hit Parader!
Which tune? This hymnal lists 2 tunes - Tune

Thanks for reviving the tune, whichever one,
Chris


23 Apr 11 - 12:03 PM (#3141095)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: bradfordian

Christians Awake


25 Apr 11 - 12:39 PM (#3142077)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Cheers for links to Christians Awake folks.

Chris


25 Apr 11 - 04:05 PM (#3142195)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Zany Mouse

Sounds interesting. Can anyone tell me about disabled access and parking please? I have a blue badge.
Rhiannon


25 Apr 11 - 06:17 PM (#3142268)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

There are parking spaces with disabled parking between the George Hotel and The Kings Head (formerly The Station Tavern Inn)in the square to the right of the main station columns and entrance as you face it and lots more parking further round to the right from there.
Probably better to get there in good time before the rush for the Big Sing Rhiannon!

The square itself is a vast open space which is fairly flat and easily accessed by wheelchair or on foot.

BUT as I don't have intimate knowledge about disabled access and parking near the station I would hate to mislead you so hope that someone who does will come on to give you more precise and dependable information.

Best regards and hope you can make it Rhiannon.

Chris


26 Apr 11 - 10:00 AM (#3142646)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Can anyone give Rhiannon more reliable details please.

Thanks

Chris


27 Apr 11 - 03:11 PM (#3143579)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

refresh


28 Apr 11 - 03:30 PM (#3144240)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Zany Mouse

Refresh


28 Apr 11 - 05:09 PM (#3144324)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: migginz

Although it is is advertised as a "flash singing event" it would probably be best to have a look at the website
Big Sing Yorkshire and register your intent. You can also contact them and check access arrangements.


29 Apr 11 - 10:27 AM (#3144717)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Thank you very much migginz for putting up the web site. I'm a bit of a techno-phobe and can't do the blue clicky stuff yet so I am much obliged.

Chris


29 Apr 11 - 04:08 PM (#3144903)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Zany Mouse

Thanks, Migginz


02 May 11 - 09:49 AM (#3146427)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Please spread the word about The Big Sing folks.

Many thanks

Chris


04 May 11 - 08:49 AM (#3147633)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

reboot


05 May 11 - 02:55 PM (#3148700)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: GUEST,James Beattie

Hello Chris

Thanks for spreading the word about Big Sing Yorkshire. We've been delighted by the response so far. It looks like it's going to be a fantastic turnout, 250 and counting!

Ian McMillan's new Yorkshire anthem is now written and it's going to be made available on the website from this weekend. As well as the words on their own, there's a version which is set to 4 part harmonies if anyone wants to have a go.

Just a bit of trivia for you, the version of Christian's Awake is the Wainwright version from c. 1750 and as one of the replies hinted actually hails from Lancashire, but it is so much associated with Yorkshire it is called "Yorkshire". Huddersfield Choral Society have sung it before every Messiah since the 1870s (including on a recent Classic FM broadcast), Bradford Festival Choral Society (who are coming along to join in) recorded it with the Black Dyke band in the 'seventies, but the record lies with Halifax Choral Society, formed in 1817 the oldest choral society in the world, who've been singing it since the 1840s.

Thanks for your support and do please keep signing up and spreading the word!

Best wishes

James Beattie - Event Organiser, Big Sing Yorkshire


05 May 11 - 08:32 PM (#3148924)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Thanks James. I will keep on spreading the word and believe that this event will be truly memorable and that interest will continue to grow and peak as we get nearer to 21 May.

I am convinced that all your considerable time and effort in organising this event will be very well rewarded and that it will be a brilliant experience for everyone who attends.

Best regards

Chris


09 May 11 - 09:52 PM (#3151162)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Re-boot


13 May 11 - 07:53 PM (#3153681)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

So come on , who's up for this?

Chris


13 May 11 - 07:56 PM (#3153683)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

I am hoping Tyke will turn up with his little Mic!


16 May 11 - 06:24 PM (#3155387)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Only a few days to go.


16 May 11 - 08:11 PM (#3155445)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: dozy rozy

See you there.


17 May 11 - 09:25 AM (#3155677)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Cheers dozy rozy


18 May 11 - 02:57 AM (#3156126)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Dave Hanson

Think I'll go, bus or train from Halifax, no problem.

Dave H


18 May 11 - 03:52 AM (#3156144)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Musket

Many years ago, Ian McMillan reworded a song from South Pacific. "What ain't we got? We aint got dogs!"

Now.. I would love to hear that sung in the middle of Huddersfield with commentary by Harry Gration....

I no longer live in God's own Country, although the border crossing is only two miles away. Though I might shove a ferret down my trousers at the appointed time in solidarity.

Have fun.


18 May 11 - 07:45 PM (#3156687)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Nice one Ian. The mind boggles at the lenghts you will go to to be a true Yorkshireman. Mind your manhood though!

Chris


20 May 11 - 08:49 AM (#3157516)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Hope everyone has cleared their throats ready for The Big Sing tomorrow!


20 May 11 - 09:17 AM (#3157527)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Captain Farrell

I`ve just had a look at the words for new Yorkshire anthem sorry Ian no no no


20 May 11 - 10:00 AM (#3157547)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

What's the problem with them Captain Farrell, I haven't seen them yet?

Chris


20 May 11 - 12:14 PM (#3157616)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Mo the caller

You really should go to the web-site and read them (well, you have to sing them to get the flavour).
Words cannot express....


20 May 11 - 02:15 PM (#3157692)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: dozy rozy

I've seen them. Disappointing codswallop.


21 May 11 - 10:01 AM (#3158138)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

Ian McMillan's words to 'The Yorkshire Anthem' on first impression certainly did seem a bit querky and not quite what I expected.

But Ian is well known for his querky use of humour and sense of fun and when the song was sung by the crowd in the square in the sun it all seemed to flow with the music very well and make sense.

It certainly put a big smile on everyone's faces and got the biggest applause and appreciation and that's what counts.

Big thumbs up to James Beattie, Sally Egan, Marsden Concert brass band, Ian and all the volunteers.

Chris


22 May 11 - 05:41 AM (#3158566)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: bradfordian

Enjoyable outdoor sing in brilliant sunshine. Great leadership and tuition from Sally Egan. Great to sing Jerusalem with a brass band.
On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at....last verse is surely......."then we shall all 'av e'ten thee"
New Yorkshire anthem....I think not. Light heated, ok, novel, ok, but now best forgotten. "The sun is a great big Yorkshire pudding in the sky"...what!!!

There was a bonus. A lovely pint of COPPER DRAGON in the HEAD OF STEAM.

bradfordian


22 May 11 - 09:24 AM (#3158648)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Soldier boy

I had 'Hop Head' bitter. Beautiful!


23 May 11 - 06:50 AM (#3159066)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: GUEST,BBP at work

Well, I went along and had a great couple of hours. Haven't been to Huddersfield before (I live in Lincolnshire)and didn't have time to stay on for a mooch around. Shall have to go back and investigate more thoroughly sometime.

Many thanks to all who set it up and yes, the Yorkshire Anthem wasn't what I'd expected either.

Didn't see any obvious signs of the tv but I suspect they were covering the Hepworth Gallery opening weekend in Wakefield (which is where I ended up on Sunday afternoon).

Added in the Chris Wood gig at KFFC on Friday and the Duncan McFarlane Band gig at Addingham on Saturday and it turned out to be one very brilliant weekend!

Deirdre


24 May 11 - 01:17 PM (#3159823)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: GUEST

Shame Ian McMillan didn't turn up to hear the first public performance though!


24 May 11 - 01:19 PM (#3159825)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Arthur_itus

Did they do it in the nuddy :-)


24 May 11 - 03:09 PM (#3159879)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Dave Hanson

In Yorkshire ? in May ? get real.

Dave H


24 May 11 - 03:23 PM (#3159891)
Subject: RE: Televised Big Sing Yorkshire 21 May 2011
From: Arthur_itus

Brass Monkeys was it :-)