Proms in the Park

11th of September 2010




The first "Proms in the Park" here in East Garston, was organised by Dawn & ChrisTonge, Dawn explains how it came about; -  We had thought about hosting a Proms in the Park evening after attending one in a friends’ garden a few years ago but hadn't ever done anything about it. Last year we realised too late, that the last night of the proms actually fell on the night before the village fete. That's when the decision was made to organise it for 2010.
Arrivals began around 7pm and the marquee proceeded to fill up very quickly. Patrons came with their picnic tables, chairs and hampers, whislt they themselves were decked out in warm clothing and appropriately coloured hats and flags. The evening was held in aid of the "Air Ambulance" Service. The reason we chose the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance as the charity to benefit, was because it is a organisation that several people we know personally have needed the services of, and because it is a service that any of  us may need to call on at any time throughout our lives.
The TVCAA has no funding from central Government or the National Lottery therefore all funding comes from the community and businesses
of  Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Chris was master of ceremonies throughout the evening and kept the audience amused with some well placed comments during the performance. The best of which was - when after enduring three songs from some awful screech owl of a woman, he remarked "Don't clap too loudly, she may sing another one" - Unfortunately he was right - she did - in fact she went on to screech another three at us.
Soon however, we were into the "Proms" proper, flags waving with people on their feet and singing with gusto. Rule Brittania, Land of  Hope and Glory, Jerusalem, all included in the programme. A fabulous "BRITISH" evening.
We would like to thank everyone who attended on Saturday and all those who couldn’t be with us but gave donations.   Thanks to all those who helped on Saturday to erect the marquee and a very big thank you to James Pryer whose technical knowledge made it all possible.

Seventy people attended and really entered into the fun of the Last Night. A total of £500 was raised for the T V and C Air Ambulance.

Dawn

 

 


Photos : Ken Tarbox
Text : Dawn Tonge : Ken Tarbox

 

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