1987, History and other events

Once again, performances of The Messiah and a popular G&S musical, The Mikado (still at the Eltham College theatre). enabled $2400 to be raised for World Vision, who have received about half our donations to charity over the years. This made $6000 in total since 1985.

The Annual General Meeting, held at the Billing home in early October, took the form of a video showing, followed by the formal meeting and supper. Keith Billing chaired the elections. A draft constitution had been drawn up, and a formal committee was to be formed. In addition, memberships fees were to be introduced. Graham announced that $2,400 would be donated to World Vision from proceeds. At the meeting Graham was elected President again, with Dianne Richter, who had joined during the year to assist Graham as producer, as Secretary, and Nancy Cornwallis as Treasurer. Other members of the committee were Chris Livingstone and Rod Gorfine.

The new committee soon got into action and began planning for 1988. However, to wind up 1987 it was decided, after looking at a number of options, to perform Maunder's Bethlehem at Diamond Creek Uniting Church mid-December and to participate in the Diamond Creek Carol Service the following week.

For Bethlehem, soloists Nancy Cornwallis, Mavis Ford, Allan Luke, Paul Clements, Graham Ford and Chris Livingstone (no solos for the poor altos!), together with the choir, worked under the able conducting of Beryl Nichols with Val Lennie on the organ. Beryl's Dragon Lady of The Mikado could now exercise her power in a different field.

Val Lennie was a violin teacher and organist and the conductor of the Diamond Valley Choral Society. With limited resources she had created musical magic with her choir over the years, often also organising an orchestral accompaniment.

Some members of the V.M.S. gave a concert at Box Hill Masonic Centre the week before Christmas, again demonstrating the versatility of the group, and providing opportunities to sing for people who may not have the solo roles in other works. A rather different experience was a concert at the Lyceum Club for the Australian Federation of University Women (where do people get to hear about us?). Seven singers were admitted within the hallowed walls, (Emilie belatedly) and enjoyed a sing and a sumptuous supper.