Surprise songs for bakery diners

PATRONS at Gaffney’s Bakery were treated to a surprise performance by the Wandering Minstrels last Sunday.

Formerly known as the Heathcote Songbirds, the name was changed this year when the group began to incorporate acting as well as singing into their performances.

“The choir originally started at U3A about four years ago,” said leader Sally Heley.

“We’ve been performing a few times a year at the Anzac and Remembrance day services, U3A events, and singing carols at Gaffney’s.

“Interest has grown and the group includes several men now, which is nice. This year we decided to do something different.”

Instead of standing all together as in past years, they meandered among the tables, singing, and acting out songs such as Good King Wenceslas.

“Our new name is reminiscent of Chaucer’s times and we enjoyed wandering through the audience,” said Heley.

“Singing with our group, whose ages range from 60 to 80s, were young sisters Lily and Ella.

“It’s wonderful to have their fresh voices join us, and they are both very talented.”

A retired primary school teacher, Heley formerly taught singing and drama, and reached grade six in her own musical studies.

“We practice every week and work towards this performance all year,” she said.

“I encourage all the things I learned but the main thing is to enjoy it. I would hate for anyone to think it was a chore.

“I’ve sung all my life and we all look forward to using what voices we have left to sing forever.”