St Ambrose Church Westbourne, West Cliff Road Westbourne.

This being our 75th Anniversary year the end of season Workshop presented the Orchestra with an especial challenge.

The workshop rehearsal actually started off with the playing and singing of “Happy Birthday” pre-arranged but to the surprise and slight embarrassment of leading violist George Barker who was 87 years young on July 14th the day before.

Once again guest players looking for orchestral experience were invited to rehearse with the 50-strong orchestra and present the 30-minute concert afterwards.

The programme this time was the Ralph Vaughan Williams “ Folk Song Suite” and a selection from Rossini’s “La Boutique Fantasque Ballet” chosen by deputy conductor Dave Brooks who organised the programme.

The 14 guest players who completed application forms were : -

Debbie Kitney – Bassoon from Ringwood: Sonia Gale – Clarinet from Poole:

Rachel Bennion-Pedley – Violin from Sturminster Marshall: Isabel Broom – Violin from Bournemouth: Doreen Waller - Violin from Christchurch: Marion Walker – Violin/Trumpet from Christchurch

Marion Criscuola – Viola from Parkstone

Hazel Dudley – Cello from Bransgore: Jenny Manley – Cello from Poole

Robert McGee – Double Bass from Poole *

John Cusack – Trumpet from Bournemouth

Valerie Cusack - Flute from Bournemouth: Peta Bowker – Flute from Broadstone:

Caraline Cann - Flute/Piccolo from Corfe Mullen:

Two guest players have definitely stated that they are going to join the Orchestra and several others may do so when it starts up again on the 2nd September.

This was indeed a very happy experience enjoyed by Orchestra Members and guests alike.

Finally, the Orchestra, guests and audience moved to the Church Hall where refreshments had been prepared. Secretary Jean Budd baked and iced a huge 75th birthday cake, which was cut jointly by Conductor Sam Newgarth and Deputy Conductor Dave Brooks at the celebration party.

The Westbourne Orchestra is deeply indebted to “Friend of the Orchestra” Noreen Price who assisted Tricia Davis in organising the Workshop both before and during the event. Also“Friend” Richard Brown who helped collate the music and Jean Budd with the preparation of the refreshments. Indeed the WOS Committee is really grateful to “Friends of the Orchestra” who lend a hand from time to time to help this sort of event to run smoothly and become an occasion to be remembered. Next year’s Workshop will be even better.

* Regretfully Double Bass player Robert was unable to attend the Workshop owing to an unexpected bereavement in the family. The Orchestra sends its condolences.

Vic King 17th July, 2005