Thameside Harmony were very happy to be at Barnes Fair once more. In this pastoral setting, chairs were set out among the trees, and all were in holiday mood despite the weather. The performers tent was nicely adjacent to the Pimms tent, always a help to cheer on the English summer! Some old friends and former Chorus members were there to support us and we hope our new ensemble made a good impression on them. The 23 singers wore jolly red stripes and red roses to set off our black costumes, and Phillip our principal MD was looking particularly stunning in an eye-catching scarlet and gold shirt to match. Where does he find these amazing garments?

We began with 'Under the Boardwalk', appropriate enough as all the fun of the fair was going on in the background, with the prancing horses on the Carousel nearby. There were quite a few people joining in with our Beatles collection, 'Yesterday' and 'All My Loving' which is always nice to see. Our new repertoire songs 'Always' and 'Lullaby in Ragtime' went down well with the mellow atmosphere on the Green. The first half was concluded with a crescendo at the end of 'One More Song'.

There was just time for another trip to the Pimms tent and a sandwich or two before the second session began. A variety of songs were sung, from the pure sound of the Irish Blessing to the rowdy favourite 'Java Jive', ending with 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' as a fitting finale. After so much harmonising the Chorus dispersed to enjoy themselves browsing at the stalls around the Fair and relax after the show. Sunshine arrived at last to illuminate the day. Thank you people of Barnes for inviting us, we all had a wonderful time.