How it all Began...
The rustic look was how it was in Byford
An example is The Heritage Listed
Jarrahdale Masonic Lodge giving the community over 110 years of
Service
It was built in 1896, as the
Old Post Office tourist centre and provided a wealth of
information on the attractions of our area. The Old Post
Office not only served and still does as a tourist centre, but also as a
museum, documenting the history of the area. It is home to a
large collection of historical records and photos, unique to
this museum. Located on Jarrahdale Road,
Jarrahdale.
Here in Byford, Jarradale, Serpentine and surrounding
districts there were no choirs around to speak of and yet
the folk around here loved to sing so two lovely ladies got together....
With
support and encouragement from Anne Dyer of the Byford Learning
Centre and Robert Kay from the Australian National Choir
Association, the Heritage Country Choir formally came into
being on July 14th 1998, fulfilling the dream of these two local
women, Eileen Davis and Sally Gomes-Trent and realising their shared dream
to let the Byford Hills come alive to the Sound of Music.
The choir held its first rehearsal at the end of July with
24 choristers in fine voice. We were fortunate to
start with Musical Director Wendy Watts who was able to
offer us a wide choice of repertoire ranging from old standards
like "Danny Boy to the gutsy African Freedom song, "Siyahamba".
Our first public performance was a short 12 weeks later
in front of 50 family and friends and so inspired were we
by that event that we undertook another four singing engagements
over the festive season of 1998.
With a lot
of willing hands and
harmonious enjoyment this has grown to what it is today - people
meeting people who just love the sound of music and the
atmosphere it brings.
The Heritage Country Choir in 2010 will see 12 years of service to the Community and surrounding districts.
After an eventful 11
years the choir is still going strong and
with our (all ages) membership up to 40, plus a fledgling junior
choir, and we look back on our many highlights.
Many events are remembered vividly such as the ABC Choir
of the Year competition, our common concert with the Armadale
City Concert Band, and many more.
However even our small events are
always satisfying also when we see how the patients in the hospital
or the elderly in the retirement homes get so much enjoyment from our
singing and seem to insert a pleasant relaxing change in their
daily routine. It always lifts our hearts to see them smile
and join in with us.
The
community spirit in these Byford hills is continuing to
pulsate with vibrant energy fun and laughter and the
appreciation and generosity of its people keeps us singing
for them with the greatest of pleasure.
Our Aim
Is:
To enjoy the fun of singing together; to
learn to improve our singing and musical skills; and through
our music foster a stronger spirit of
community.
We enjoy a good sense of humour and the
laid back yet also professional end result the choir
is able to acheive.
