Membership renewals

Membership fees become due on 1st January each year.

Membership renewal forms will be sent out shortly ‑ the reason

for the delay being recorded below.

There is a change in the membership fees this year.

The fee may be paid in one lump sum, or in three instalments. The weekly subscription has been abolished due to difficulties in collecting it and record keeping. In order to bring in

the same amount of money during the year as previously, the new scale of fees takes into

account both the annual sum and an average weekly fee previously paid. This means that

some members will pay a little more and some will pay slightly less than last year.

When you receive the reminder, please pay promptly.

The Patrons fee remains unaltered.

Reminder to new players ‑ you may attend for six weeks, after which you are expected

to become members of the Society.

Sponsorship and support  have been received from the Sunderland City Council (Community Chest), Stockton Road URC (West Park Centre)

and the Sunderland Lions Club.

 Congratulations

Peter Chapman (Violin & Membership Secretary) and Natalie are pleased to announce the birth of Benjamin

Isaac, brother to Adam and Noah.

Percussion instruments

The instruments in the percussion section of the orchestra have been upgraded in

accordance with professional advice, thanks to a substantial donation from

The Sunderland Lions Club. Many thanks.

Rehearsal room

Since the last Newsletter, the rehearsal room at West Park has had most of the walls

covered with heavy duty curtains to improve the acoustics,

and measures have been taken to eliminate cold draughts.

Thanks to West Park Church for financial assistance towards this.

Last two concerts

The October concert featured a piano concerto ‑ the first time this has been done

by our orchestra. Although expensive to stage (the music and a piano had to be hired in)

the evening was a great success with just over 100 people present.

Dr. Patrick Zuk gave a scintillating performance.

Sunderland City Council contributed towards the costs of this concert. Many thanks.

The Christmas concert again attracted an audience of about 100 and featured our Vice‑Chairman, Neil Turnbull, as soloist.

The Newcastle Cathedral Consort were the choir for the occasion,

under the direction of their Musical Director, Michael Stoddart.

The MP for Sunderland Central, Julie Elliott, graced us with her presence.

Late news

It is with regret that Neil Turnbull has found it necessary to resign

from the orchestra and from the post of Vice-Chairman,

due to unforeseen circumstances.

Concert dates for 2011

All at West Park Church, Stockton Road, Sunderland

Editorial address: 64 Kirkstone Avenue, Fulwell, Sunderland. SR5 1NH.  Tel. 0191-549 1784

chairman_cosmos@hotmail.com