Pardon me boy !

The Beatles, The Motown Sound and Swing follow me everywhere I go ~ in a sense ~ since the lyrics spring unbidden into my mind throughout each day.

I sometimes find myself singing along, especially when driving and I may add a little dancing when in any room of the house, including the garden.

Being transported back in time, momentarily, provides an endorphin rush amid the day's 'to do' list ~ which is most days.

It is unlikely that I will remember the song title of the year it was released but the lyrics, I seem to know them all.

Swing was my Father's music of choice, Tamla Motown and The Beatles my own favourites.  There is nothing finer than ChattanoogaChoo Choo  Mercy Mercy me and Let it be  also any song by Coldplay, however, I am unsure about the latest MP3 Download Christmas Lights.

I never got into my brothers' music preferences apart from the inimitable Eric Clapton.

I have sung throughout my life, from as early as I can remember to my Father's records that he played and sang along to, mostly at weekends.

Later on, whilst still very young, I sang at my first concert, to raise funds for The Salvation Army ~ our chorus line was lit by candlelight and we were all wearing pyjamas.  I wish I were able to remember what we sang as it looks as though we are really enjoying ourselves in the photograph.
   

Many concerts followed at primary school where I conducted the school orchestra and, another time, danced at the local Town Hall where the Mayor was present, folks, for the 'One Night Only' performance. 

As a teenager, I had wanted to make singing recordings with my best friend ~ of course, both 45rpm singles and 33rpm albums.  I would imagine being photographed and filmed in London whilst sitting on Lambretta Scooters, wearing a furry~hooded Parker jackets whilst we sang our latest Top of The Pops No. 1 Hit.

The dream was to scoot along on the Lambretta ~ whilst clinging to Paul McCartney ~ towards Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Kings Road, Kensington, Hampstead and some shopping at Barbara Hulanicki's Biba ... whose clothes I adored and my wardrobe was testament to them.  How I wish I had kept them all !

Musical memories developed into membership of Haileybury Choral Society that has given me so much pleasure over many years.

Last summer, the 70th Anniversary of the Madrigals took place at Amwell Pool, Ware in aid of Isabel Hospice ~ the floodlit willow trees were mirrored in the pool, set perfectly for asthetics and sound ~ the audience appeared as if by magic as volunteers collected donations for the chosen charity.

Betty's Garden Party followed the concert, as it always had, in her magical home set by Amwell Pool.  We would enter the flower garden through a door on the bridge, reminiscent of the beginning of a children's fairytale complete with its happy ending.

Lit candles set inside jamjars illuminated the path towards the al fresco reception for performers and supporters, where Betty's sons and friends served drinks to the gathering communities. 

A wonderful evening to commemorate, annually, the ending of WWII, the homecoming of our heroes and remembering the ones who sacrificed their lives for our country. 

One of the highlights of Summers for my friends and me, always.