Stuart Garside was chairman of Harrogate and District Blind Club for six years, and is no stranger to our Ripon branch. On April 8 he gave us an insight into the recent Songs of Praise broadcasts from St Wilfrid’s Church, Harrogate. With riggers everywhere and rehearsal proceeding for two successive broadcasts, it was a morning of dizzying activity.

Two groups of singers were involved in the two broadcasts and it soon became apparent that not only the music had to be agreed on, but words too! The choirs rehearsed first then the congregation, some of whom didn’t know the words and others hadn’t met the music before. As an experienced singer Stuart felt that it was an ‘academic’ production, too precise, clinical, with words not being used for a joyful purpose, but the tension of the occasion was relieved by the producer giving little stories in the intervals.

Next Tuesday we shall welcome again the Side by Side music group whose visits we have much enjoyed in the past.