Thanks to staff at Whanganui Hospital

Pat Cush's July Loosey at Space. PICTURE / JOAN STREET

JOAN. The Wanganui Community Choir's concert at the Baptist church last Sunday was a special one. Teiron Jones created the choir when he came to live in New Zealand after life in Africa and Oman. A distinguished singer and musician, he had vast experience in the area that was his passion and he brought to Whanganui his skill, warmth, love of African music and his growing love of this country.

He lived above Four Seasons Theatre and I remember listening to Monday evening rehearsals of this new choir in the theatre auditorium, sometimes at the same time as Mike and I rehearsed plays. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious and today his choir has grown and flourished.

He died recently, a tragic loss, and the concert featured his favourite songs. Now, under the baton of Lynn Whiteside and accompanied by the extremely talented and versatile (as well as beautiful) Abigail Livesay, the choir responded to the occasion and sang their hearts out.

This is a choir which loves to sing and the singers were like "greyhounds at the slips" when the afternoon began. The first bracket immediately showed how unified they were — harmonies tight, pace perfect and diction clear. A Song of Ruth was quite beautiful. All the songs, chosen as they were for Teiron, had something special to them and the choir acknowledged that. Moving for me were Touch The Wind and You Lift Me up — gorgeous. I love to watch Lynn conducting. She sparkles in every way, enjoying the performance and communicating joy to her choristers. Abby is the perfect accompanist, playing with amazing skill and feeling but always as support rather than soloist — a rare skill.

Guest artists were a delight. Jonathan Greenwell combined his talents as compere, conductor and then musician alongside the other four escapees from Brass Whanganui, performing for us before returning to a full weekend of rehearsals for the upcoming Nationals. I love the unique flair of Aydie Holland. She looked stunning, oozed confidence and accompanied her thrilling voice on her ukulele. I didn't realise that instrument could reflect such different moods. Her self-composed Atmosphere was especially moving.
Youth Choirs can be tedious. You know they are a good idea but ... Not this one! Two brave and endearing boys joined 12 smiling girls to give us some super melodies. Each singer was featured and there are some lovely voices there.

Abby's mother Winfred Livesay has a stunning voice and presence. Her songs were beautifully chosen and emotionally performed. I was deeply moved by the loveliness of her performance, so delicate and so controlled. Quite haunting.

This was a smashing concert. I loved every moment of it and, like Jonathan commented, it offered a show of huge Whanganui talent. Hearing the recorded voice of Teiren himself singing Hine was very special. He will not be forgotten.

JOAN. Huff and puff. Yes, I do a lot. More importantly, this is the title of the excellent new exercise class just opened and offered at the YMCA every Thursday morning. I was interested and went along. There was a queue to get into the grounds and it was almost impossible to park! I joined more ladies than I had ever expected to see in the beautiful building that once was St George's school. It would not be offensive to say that we were of all ages, shapes and sizes and all a little nervous. No need! This was a great session and we all felt bubbly, satisfied and excited at the end.

Last Thursday we were still a crowd. However, parking was made easier for us and we were directed to the main hall. Time to meet and chat with a few strangers or acquaintances before we began. The music was great and we sang along. I giggled quietly to myself when I was a bit slow to follow instructions. It didn't matter how much or how little we managed to do. It was fun!

For a gold coin we can enjoy movement and laughter and companionship. What more could we ask. Thank you so much, Mary Tolley. I shall be a regular.

MIKE. No article last week. All was in preparation, but the best laid plans of mice and men... On this occasion we were thwarted by a medical intervention — an all-embracing term. Specifically, I suffered a couple of dizzy spells on Friday afternoon, then, soon after, passed out while walking Zoe at the dog reserve. Apart from mud, blood and a feeling of huge embarrassment, having caused some concern among the ladies there, I walked home and was told in no uncertain terms by Joan that she was going to take me to A and E. We were admitted without delay and tests were carried out. Later, a doctor performed the most intensive, thorough examination I have ever experienced. Although all test results were encouraging, it was decided I should stay in the Medical Ward overnight. Saturday brought more tests — ECGs, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, etc — at frequent intervals, with a doctor stating that it would be advisable to stay another night, to consolidate their findings. Since this was Saturday, it offered the relief of reading a novel, rather than watching "the Wedding"! More tests during the night and again next morning, before I was discharged in the early afternoon.

The concern for my welfare, the caring attitude of the staff and the incredible thoroughness of my treatment by nurses and doctors alike was quite overwhelming. Joan and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who helped. Finally, when my sister-in-law, who lives in the UK, heard this story, she was amazed. "Two days in hospital? You'd have been lucky to have been given two hours here!"

MIKE. The most recent exhibition at Space features the works of nine artists, all familiar names to the local "cognoscenti". It is an eclectic collation, showcasing, in alphabetical order, Jodi Clark, Patrick Cush, Ben Dingle, Glen Hutchins, Peter Ireland, Caitlyn Mackley, Prakash Patel, Paul Rayner and Lorraine Webb. It runs for two weeks, until Friday, June 8.