Young performer remembers first choral concert
NO ONE will take more joy from the 70th anniversary celebrations than Norma Shuttlewood.
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NO ONE will take more joy from the 70th anniversary celebrations than Norma Shuttlewood, the sole surviving foundation member of the original Mackay Choral and Orchestral Society.
Mrs Shuttlewood can still recall walking to choir practice when it was held above Zaglas' Cafe in Victoria St and taking part in the society's first concert in the Olympic Theatre on Thursday, August 2, 1945 when she was about 19.
Fred Reeves, who had formed the group in February, 1945 sang and was accompanied by a violin obbligato played by Mrs Shuttlewood, then Miss Norma Hague.
She became involved with the group through another member, Mr F.H. Birt, who had been head master at the Home Hill school she had attended. He had been transferred to Mackay Central State School around the time Mrs Shuttlewood moved to Mackay and regularly walked with her to choir practice. She also knew Mr Reeves, who had been transferred from Ayr.
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Not only will Mrs Shuttlewood be at Saturday night's dinner to mark the milestone, she is also supplying choir outfits dating back to 1949 for a fashion parade. The earliest is a costume she remodelled using the skirt of her wedding dress.
Another society life member, Don Shann, is unable to attend the celebrations, but former conductor Cathie Neale (1996-1999) and deputy conductor Cathy Hall (1990-1996) are coming from Brisbane and past accompanists Mavis Braithwaite (nee Rigbye) 1956-1960; Denise Stevens (nee McGrath) 1974; Margaret Sturdy 1975-1980; Jan Whelan 1992-2007; and Barbara Allen (nee Hughes) 1983-1993 will be there.
Mrs Shuttlewood said she had been saddened to learn of the death this week of John Eales, a long-serving chorister, life member and past president and "a very fine gentleman".
Originally published as Young performer remembers first choral concert
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