From the Parish Priest

1386 people; 598 glasses of wine; 400 draw tickets; 271 communicants; 177 pieces of music; 24 prizes; 18 sponsors and a lot of cups of coffee!

What event is described in this way?

It was of course, the Waterlooville Music Festival 2006 - amazingly that took place at St. George’s Church nearly a year ago.

There were 16 concerts in 8 days, and afterwards your comments were invited. Here’s a selection:

• It was an excellent week despite lots of misgivings beforehand
• Having the Summer Fayre on the Saturday made it a very tiring week
• Could one or two of the performances be in the Precinct?
• The Church looked beautiful and the decorators should be proud
• Can you make more of serving morning coffees and afternoon teas?
• There should have been more publicity, especially in the Library
• Can some of the performances be outside?
• I was completely against using the Church but thoroughly enjoyed the week and bought a season ticket for it

Over the last few months the Festival committee has been working hard to produce this year’s programme, which takes into account some of the comments. Some of the concerts are to be outside, weather permitting, and yes - on the final Saturday “Sounds of Steel” will play in the Precinct as well as at the Church. Not only will coffee, lunch and tea be served every day, but cream teas will be served in the Church garden, and the committee has taken notice of the plea to have more publicity around - especially in Waterlooville Library. Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
This year’s programme includes among the sixteen concerts two local schools; Portsmouth Chorus and Wyndcliffe Voices; the Highbury Area Band and two local rock bands and to finish a grand “Last Night of the Proms” with Denmead Brass. The week is from June 9th to 17th and tickets will be on sale from St. George’s Church and from Kim’s Sports. Why not buy a Passport Ticket and come to as many concerts as you like for just £25?

This week of concerts has two aims.

First - to bring different styles of music into the centre of Waterlooville.

Second - to raise the profile of St. George’s Church.

Last year both these aims were achieved and through your support, attendance and prayers, the Waterlooville Music Festival 2007 can equally be a success!

Fr. Mike
Parish Priest