by Michael Berry
THE first music and picnic event organised by Friends of Birchwood Forest Park has been hailed a great success.
Many families came out of their homes to enjoy live music from the Birchwood Community Brass Band, conducted by Lynne Cordingly and singing by Lisa Ann Connor.
Lynne said: “I started playing with Birchwood Brass Band about 10 years ago after studying Band Musicianship at college and then moved to Warrington before joining the band.
“I came back to the band, after a break, to be the conductor from February of this year.”
While people were enjoying the brass band, the friends of the park sold barbecue food and refreshments at the cafe.
Lynne added: “We had a good audience and it was fun to entertain and to see them enjoy it.”
There was a variety of music being played by the band including film themes from Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo.
After a short break, Lisa Ann Connor took to the stage to sing a wide variety of songs from the past which started off with Walking on Sunshine, which was perfectly timed with the sun coming out from behind the early afternoon clouds.
“I fell in to singing after enjoying musicals and studying in Widnes at a performing arts school which is no longer there.
“I do a bit of everything with songs from the 1960s to the 1980s, Motown, soul and modern songs with a vintage style.”
Lisa performed songs by ABBA, Tiffany and a faster paced version of My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.
The sun continued to shine throughout the rest of the afternoon and people thoroughly enjoyed the August summer bank holiday weekend.
For more information on the Birchwood Community Band, who are always looking for new members, visit www.birchwoodband.co.uk
Lisa Ann Connor Picture Michael Berry
(L-R) Walter Pridden, Kathy Pridden, Julie Kimbrey and George Simcock – Picture Michael Berry
