Winter’s Tales: Enjoy seasonal songs by The Greenwood Quire

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with music and song. Britain’s oldest provincial learned society, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, is bringing a historic concert to Broad Street Methodist Church on Friday 23rd October.

Don’t miss the chance to experience an unforgettable performance by The Greenwood Quire, a group making glorious music across South Lincolnshire. Step into the communal winter world of 19th-century rural England, through the haunting words of Thomas Hardy and the festive, traditional tunes of West Gallery musicians.

‘Winter’s Tales’ is influenced by historic characters, their work, and the music of Sunday worship. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many of these tunes were preserved in books and manuscripts compiled by a wide range of composers and collectors. Using archive records and contemporary accounts, life in historic England shines out through the instruments, voices and music of the people.

“This is a really unique opportunity to experience the music traditionally performed by local musicians in churches and chapels before the introduction of organs and harmoniums,” explains Sharon Hoult, from Spalding Gentlemen’s Society. “The resulting concert will provide a fantastic evening of entertainment that’s not to be missed!”

The concert starts at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). It will be held at Broad Street Methodist Church, Broad Street, Spalding PE11 1TB. £5 per person. Attendees can book in advance on www.sgsoc.org/events/winterstales.

Founded in 1710 by Maurice Johnson II, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society’s early members included Isaac Newton and Alexander Pope. For more than 300 years, the Society has been a beacon of Enlightenment ideals. Today, it operates as a public-facing museum (currently closed for building works) and educational charity that believes curiosity, discovery and the search for knowledge should be nurtured and open to all.

For further information, please email outreach@sgsoc.org. To find out more about Spalding Gentlemen’s Society’s upcoming events, volunteering opportunities, and how you can get involved, visit www.sgsoc.org