Meadowside Choral Society's summer programme of engagements begins this weekend (11th July). As part of its progamme the choir is once again featuring the hymn “Friendship” with words and music by Meadowside’s founder and first musical director Cecil McFee, a former Rushen MHK and MLC who died in 1992. The first lines of the hymn are “Majestic music fills the air” and this is precisely what the choir aims to achieve.

“The Isle of Man has a strong musical community”, says choir chairman Jonathan King, “and no-where more so than here in the South. Cecil McFee well known for his political activities, having spent 11 years in the House of Keys and nine in the Legislative Council between 1951 and 1971. His musical legacy is perhaps less well known and I believe it is important for Meadowside and other groups in the South to keep this music alive.

“This month we will be co-operating with two such groups, Arbory School Choir and Rushen Silver Band. I did not meet Cecil McFee but I would like to think that he would have approved.”

The Meadowside Choral Society was formed in 1962. It meets on Monday evenings from September to July from 8pm to 9.15pm in Colby Methodist Hall. New members are welcome at any time. To find out more please contact Jonathan King on 458117 or e-mail jdc.king@yahoo.co.uk. 

On Saturday 11th July at 2.30pm Meadowside will be performing in Arbory Parish Church in an event organised by Arbory Commissioners as part of Manx National Week. Meadowside will be joined on this occasion by Arbory School Choir. Admission is free and there will be refreshments at the end.

On Saturday 18th July at 7.30pm Meadowside presents a concert in Rushen Primary School with guest artists Rushen Silver Band. Tickets are ?6 for adults and ?3 for under 18s. They are available from the Hospice Shop Port Erin or by telephoning 834601 or 438462.

Photo - Collaboration between Meadowside Choral Society and Rushen Silver Band continues on 18th July 2015.  Courtesy of Graeme Easton.