Patrons' Newsletter Highlights

The Auction

The auction on Thursday November 8^th was held once again at the Parkside Hotel, at Woughton on the Green. Welcoming drinks and a delicious three course dinner put us all in the appropriate mood to throw caution to the winds and bid for the truly excellent lots.

The auctioneer Alan Downer extracted our cash in his usual entertaining and masterful manner to such good effect that we achieved an all-time record total of £7532! The standard of lots was higher than ever and included some superb holidays and special treats. One unusual lot was the right to choose an overture for one of the concerts – the successful bidder for this threatened to choose the 1812 complete with cannon, at which Chris Loake was clearly seen to blanche…

Our thanks go to all the patrons and businesses who so generously donated lots and, of course, to the bidders. Many thanks go especially to Dee Ludlow – it is her organisation and magnificent lots that make this auction such a success.

Forthcoming Events

The Wassail – December 11^th 2001

Now a reminder of the Wassail evening to be held in the foyer of the New Stables Theatre at Wavendon. This will be on Tuesday 11^th December from 6.00 to 8.00pm and is a joint event with the Milton Keynes Arts Club and the Friends of the Stables Theatre. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served to lubricate our voices for the carol singing in which we will be accompanied by a quintet from the Woburn Sands Brass Band.  If you have not yet been to the new Stables Theatre this is your chance to find out where it is, especially since the orchestra will be playing there two nights later for the Malcolm Arnold birthday concert!   For tickets (£7.50), please use the attached booking form or, for card transactions only, please telephone Sue Smith on the number below.

Patrons AGM – February 1^st 2002

Next year’s AGM will be held at 7 pm on Friday 1^st February in the Milton Keynes Village Hall. It will be followed by the French Evening (see below)!

French Evening – February 1^st 2002

Our French evening which was originally planned for October 19^th and unfortunately had to be cancelled, has been rescheduled for Friday 1^st February in the Milton Keynes Village Hall immediately following the Patrons AGM (7.30 pm).

This event is similar to the riotously successful Italian evening last year but this time we will be tasting French wines from Bacchus. Those who attended last year will, I hope, be happy to know that we will be using the same caterer (Elizabeth Edwards) this year. The menu will not be decided until after Christmas but there will be two courses as before (French cuisine, naturally). There will be a choice of three main dishes including a vegetarian option.  For tickets (£15.00), please use the attached booking form or, for card transactions only, please telephone Sue Smith on the number below.

Patrons’ Concert March 3^rd 2002

On March 3rd the Patrons are sponsoring the concert ‘Best of British’. Patrons will be able to attend a rehearsal at 3.45 pm and have tea with the orchestra. Everyone who has attended these rehearsals on previous occasions has greatly enjoyed it.

Incidentally the soloist for the Elgar Cello Concerto in this concert, Thomas Carroll, is appearing at The Stables at Wavendon on Sunday 25^th November at 11.30 am so you might enjoy a preview of his remarkable talent.

Following the rehearsal we have booked the whole of the ground floor at Metros for a two course supper. Just as last year this is not a fundraising function but an opportunity for the patrons to have a get together. The menu will be decided nearer the time but there will be a choice of three main courses including one vegetarian, and a choice of two puddings.

Supper will be served from 5.45, leaving time to make our way comfortably over to the theatre at 7.30 pm.

For tickets (£9.00), please use the attached booking form or, for card transactions only, please telephone Sue Smith on the number below.

Calendar of Events

Tuesday December 11^th 6-8 pm
Wassail at the Stables
Tickets £7.50, please order by December 4^th

February 1^st 7 pm
Patrons AGM at Milton Keynes Village Hall

February 1^st 7.30 pm
French Evening at Milton Keynes Village Hall
Tickets £15.00, please order by January 15^th

March 3^rd 3.45pm
Patrons Concert and Metro Dinner
Tickets £9.00, please order by February 17^th

Feedback from Patrons' on this area would be appreciated. e -Mail to Sue Smith: