St Chad's Church Concert Pleasley Vale

Such a pleasure to go back to this delightful little Church in its idyllic setting by the river. We always seem to deliver a good performance for the relaxed and appreciative audience.

It is such a special place and building that I was moved to Google it.

It was first built in 1876 by Joseph Paget.

He had become very wealthy and had decided that his household and the increasing population of his Mill Workers in Pleasley Vale would benefit from having their own Church built in Pleasley Vale

It was first built on the Derbyshire side of the river in the Diocese of

Litchfield with Dr. Quilter as Vicar.

However, in 1880, Joseph Paget's daughter was to be married at St. Chad's, the service to be conducted by Joseph Paget's father-in-law, Rev. Abrey, Dean of Derby.

Rev. Dr. Quilter showed open dissatisfaction to this event and so after the Wedding, Joseph instructed that the Church to be taken down and rebuilt on the other side of the river------out of Derbyshire and the Diocese of Litchfield and into Nottinghamshire and the Diocese of the Bishop of Lincoln.

The design of the Church and its Furniture was by Cox and Sons of London who had acquired much of the stock of Furniture and Gothic designs by Edward Welby Pugin. the leading Gothic architect and designer of the day. His father designed the architecture and furniture for Westminster Palace after a fire and his most famous work was the Big Ben Clock Tower.

There is lots more information on St. Chad's on line.

There were just a few changes to our programme. Unfortunately Liz Smith was too poorly to attend and sing her lovely solo piece,. so Ash said he would play an extra piece instead, and selected the Ashokun Farewell. I was expecting the beautiful, lyrical and poignant version so primed the audience they may need hankies to stem the emotions!! AND THEN, Ash played the piece much more upbeat with jazz improvisations!! His other solo was "All of Me". Both rapturously applauded.

All other soloists gave their usual excellent performances and the whole choir sang with their usual enthusiasm and joy.

Our lovely resident pianist Janet was unable to attend so we had a replacement accompanist Mr Steve J

ohnson. What a Star!!

He was only able to rehearse with us once but he fitted in with the choir and Ash's direction so well it was a pleasure to perform alongside him. His sensitivity when accompanying the soloists was remarkable. We could not have asked for a better substitute. Thank you Steve.

I think a good night out was had by all. I don't believe I have ever been apprehended by so many folk congratulating the choir on a super

"Do."

Jan. x