Find an activity:
| Frequency | Fortnightly |
| Time | 10.15 am on Tuesday |
| Duration | 1 1/2 to 2 hours |
| Location | Unitarian Chapel Hall |
| Coordinator | Kathy Webster |
We are a happy informal group - singing for fun, not as a choir. We choose about 8 items to sing each time, from a large repertoire including old favourites, songs from the musicals, a few originals, and sing-a-longs.
We have a mixed membership of sopranos, altos, tenors and baritones, and a lovely pianist who takes us through our scales at the beginning of each session. Members do not have to be able to read music, although some do.
Each April at the U3A Monthly Meeting, together with other groups we give a concert for members. In the past we have visited other organisations and charities to sing for them.
When Dr Ruth Gordon came to Kendal from South Africa she made sure she could belong to and take part in as much as possible of the social life of the town. She joined the U3A, several interest groups welcomed her into their circle, and members often had the chance to enjoy her lively illustrated talks at our Monthly Meetings.
So it began. She set up our Singing for Fun group in her home, and by Jove it was fun with a capital F. We were introduced to many different songs, some of which we liked more than others, and many original pieces. For these Ruth wrote the words to music written by her friend Doris Fenn, who came over from South Africa and was present at our first concert for U3A members in 1999.
Ruth died on 11 January 2002, aged 91. When a celebration of her life took place at the Unitarian Chapel we were privileged to sing for her, and later, with the blessing of her family, to rename our group in her memory.
And so we continue, as we know Ruth wished us to . . .
July 2010
Our meetings continue to delight, although a fall in numbers has been disappointing. During my recent absence on holiday, I am assured all went well thanks to Betty, Joy and all the others who helped.
March 2010
We continue to enjoy our sessions and recently welcomed two new gentlemen. After a delay because of the weather, we were able to have our after-Christmas lunch at Kendal College. Preparations for the April Concert are proceeding, slowly but surely and this year the new U3A Recorder Group have a place in the programme.
Kathy Webster
November 2009
Our group continues to flourish. We recently welcomed another lady who had been on the waiting list for quite a while. Average attendance remains around the 35 mark.
In December we had an extra session on the 15th when we were joined by the Instrumental Music Group for what has become a regular event when we sing our carols with accompaniment. We also look forward to our after Christmas Lunch at Kendal College in the New Year.
Kathy Webster
June 2009
It is a well-known fact that singing enhances your health and well-being. That being so, we are most fortunate as we continue enhancement once a fortnight throughout the year. Average attendances tend to be 30/35 and I still have a waiting list. Our wonderful pianist Joy is a great asset and recently 18 of us had a most enjoyable day at Rydal Hall with Mary Gordon learning some new songs.
The Annual Concert in April went off well with the many groups contributing and I have already chosen the theme for next year. Watch this space!
We look forward to welcoming the Instrumental Music Group in December for our carol singing morning.
Kathy Webster