THE piano recital given by Richard Simmance at St Cuthbert’s, Elsdon, last Saturday was a tremendous success.

The historic church was filled almost to capacity with a most appreciative audience, the raffle was well supported and there was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones over a glass of wine and nibbles served during the interval.

But it was sheer virtuosity of Richard Simmance’s playing which filled the entire church and was the mark of a night of phenomenal piano music.

His carefully selected programme of music by Brahams, Debussy, Gershwin, Mozart, De Falla and Ravel was brilliantly executed, entirely without music, and performed with considerable feeling throughout.

His playing of Debussy’s Clair de Lune, which closed part one of the programme, produced notes so hushed and delicate that one almost sensed the audience holding its breath.

The audience was clearly delighted by the whole performance, showing its appreciation with extended applause, before a short encore in which Richard played Erik Satie’s Gymnopedie No. 2.

Canon Peter Mander gave a generous vote of thanks, rightly acknowledging Richard’s selfless commitment to the project which raised funds for St Cuthbert’s, Elsdon, and for the defibrillator appeal in the village.

I hope to include details of the amount raised in these notes next week.

THE committee of Otterburn Memorial Hall is holding its annual fund-raising prize bingo at the hall on Thursday, July 30, starting at 7.30pm. The small entry charge includes refreshments.

The organisers will be delighted to receive donated prizes which can be given to Gary Satchwell, Yas Oliver, Jane Cartridge or any committee member.

I AM told that the members of the Phoenix sixty-plus social club enjoyed a very pleasant day out at Kielder last Friday, a trip which included a cruise on Kielder Water and exceptional views of one of the local ospreys fishing.

The travellers stopped for a meal on the way home at the Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn.