19th June 2004, Mint Methodist Church

Saturday 19th June saw frenzied rehearsals taking place at Bishop Blackall in the morning as usual. The reason for the extra tension was that the Summer Concert was taking place later in the day at The Mint Methodist Church in Fore Street Exeter. Richard seemed particularly irascible, but all was explained later when he revealed that he had been looking after 9 dogs earlier in the week!

At lunchtime all the instruments and equipment were loaded into Ian Venn's van and sent off to the Mint for the afternoon rehearsal. It is important to note at this point that Ian volunteered to look after all the instruments for the remainder of term, transporting them as and when required to the various concert venues in and around Exeter and Sidmouth. We must pay tribute to him and to Jacquie Rusalen as well as Robert Harwood, who regularly offer the use of their vehicles to move all the heavy instruments to and from Bishop Blackall. They are stars and we could not operate without them.

Of course it is always helpful to have some extra porters to help with the loading and unloading, so thanks also go to those adults and children who regularly carry out this chore. If there are any other parents and children who are able to assist in this way "don't be shy" all offers of help are always most gratefully received, and never refused!

After the pre-concert rehearsal at the Mint, a quick tea was gobbled up by seasoned performers, while the large number of new players nervously awaited their first stage appearance with increasing apprehension. There were no corners to hide in though as the backstage facilities seemed particularly cramped (largely due to the fantastic increase in numbers in the Orchestra). Perhaps it would be useful for everyone to learn the art of "power-napping" as demonstrated by Eppie in the interval and by Arthur in pauses during the rehearsal!

In the auditorium, the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Bennett and Mrs. Patricia Bennett had arrived and were welcomed by Lynda, and all too soon it was time for the performers to go on stage. The programme was wonderful and all the children performed magnificently. Each piece had a character of its own, but who can forget the contrast between the lively exuberance of Watermelon Man followed by the enchanting, delicate music of the harp solo by 9 year old Eleanor.

As the evening drew to a close we were treated to an Encore before spilling back out into the crazy world of Exeter by night.