THE next Dementia Friendly Tea Concert will be on October 19 at St Chad’s Church, on Campleshon Road, near ork Racecourse.
“We have something a bit different to enjoy next month as Julia Elliott and Peter Harrison will be presenting Branwell Brontë’s Flute Book,” says co-programmer Alison Gammon.
The 2.30pm concert will be an exploration in words and music of the fascinating musical world of Branwell Brontë (1817-1848).
“He was keenly interested in and influenced by music and kept a notebook of his favourite tunes arranged for the instrument, including popular songs such as Home Sweet Home and All Through The Night,” says Alison.
“Branwell played the flute and his sisters Emily and Anne played the piano. Peter will be playing an historic flute, which will give us a flavour of the sound world of the Brontë Parsonage in Haworth.”
As usual, 45 minutes of music will be followed by tea and homemade cakes in the church hall. “The event is a relaxed concert, ideal for people who may not feel comfortable at a formal classical concert, so we do not mind if the audience wants to talk or move about,” says Alison.
“Seating is unreserved and there is no charge, although donations are welcome. We give the hire cost to the church and the rest goes to Alzheimer’s charities.”
The church has a small car park and on-street parking is available along Campleshon Road, but it can be busy, so do allow plenty of time. “If you are more mobile it would really help if you could park on the street to allow for disabled parking in the car park,” requests Alison. “There is wheelchair access via the church hall.”
The remaining concerts in 2023 will feature Giocoso Wind Ensemble on November 16 and Ripon Resound Choir in a Christmas programme on December 7.
The monthly concert series will continue on Thursdays at 2.30pm. “Many of our musicians will be returning to play for us, so there is plenty to look forward to,” says Alison. “Sanitiser is always available in the church and church hall if you need to use it.”
