On Wednesday 18 February 1903, the Newark Advertiser had a report concerning a concert that had been held in Barnby-in-the-Willows on Thursday 12 February 1903:
‘A concert is an unusual interpolation in the even tenor of life at Barnby, and it was small cause for surprise than that the schoolroom on Thursday night was packed by a large and enthusiastic audience. Notwithstanding the counter attraction of entertainment at the neighbouring village of Balderton the local effort was an unqualified success. Probably the novelty of the thing, coupled with the good cause for which it was organised impelled the parishioners from the outlying farms and cottages to come out and patronise the same. The new vicar (Rev J James) with the powerful help and cooperation of Mr Algernon Platt, Mr James Spray, Mr Nolte, and others had brought together an attractive programme and although, as so often happens, not all the artistes could discharge their obligations, yet a capital and diverting evening pleasure was experienced.’
The Vicar opened the evening with a speech and stated that this was his first appearance at such a function and thanked them for the ‘hearty reception he had received from the people of the parish’. ‘It might be strange to them, after having, so far as he could learn, nothing going on in the winter, to have a concert’. He said that an effort was to be made to restore the Church. It had got into such a state that it must be taken in hand and it meant ‘a good, big, deep dip into the pocket and fetching out a great deal that it contained’. He had not been there a week when he said that it would cost £500 to put the building right. There were four bells in the tower and all were dumb. ‘One spoke when it was tolled but not when rang’. The Vicar wanted harmony from the bells. One had tumbled off its hanging and it was a mercy that it did not fall through the floor and crack itself to pieces. He had set out on the task of restoring the Church and ‘like the boy in Pear’s soap he should not be happy until he got it done’. This comment received much laughter and applause from the audience. He was glad to see that they were willing to put their shoulders to the wheel. The Bishop of the Diocese was very warmly in favour of the project and had promised £10 when the Church was ready for reopening. The Squire of Barnby, Mr F Platt, had kindly promised £50. In conclusion he appealed for helpers in the work and asked for increased attendance at the Sunday morning services, which were not yet satisfying him.
‘Amongst those present were the following: Mrs James (wife of the Vicar), Mr and Mrs Algernon Platt, Miss Cunningham, Miss Ward, Mr Hopkinson, Mrs O Johnson, Rev C P & Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs Willock (Newark), Mr Horsewood, Miss Horsewood, Mr Jas Spray, Mrs T Spray, Mr and Mrs J C Kew (Newark), Mr Johnson, Mrs Gilbert, Miss Spray, Mrs Nicoll, Mrs Malbon, Mr Lever, Mr Young, Mrs Pollard, Mr William Vessey, Mr T Grocock, Mr C Vessey, Mr W Anderson (Newark) and others.’
The programme opened with glee, “All among the Barley” sung by Barnby Choir, having been trained by Mr Nolte. Mr Nolte and Miss Myhill next contributed with a pianoforte duet “Qui Vive”. Mr W Anderson opened the comicalities ‘and did it in such a rollicking way as to fairly raise the roof’. Miss Modd (Stubton), a pleasing soprano, sang “The Flight of Ages” earning warm appreciation. “The horse that the Mrs dries the cloths on” was the humorous selection that Mr Nicoll favoured the audience with. Miss Eva Grocock sang “The Childrens’ Home” with pleasing effect. The Vicar announced that Dr H P Job was unable to be present due to an operation case at Newark Hospital. Mr Nicoll next essayed the well known song “Oh, Lucky Jim” and was joined by the choir at the chorus. Miss Wardman vocalised “The Gypsies Warning” in pleasing manner. After the interval the choir sang “Oh, who will o’er the downs so free” and was tunefully rendered. “English as she is spoken” was sung by Mr W Nicoll, a substitute for Dr Job. “The Last Milestone” was sung sympathetically by Miss Eva Grocock. Master Jack Vessey sang “Where there’s love at home”. He has a sweet and pleasing treble voice and acquitted himself with great credit. “Barnby take me home again” was an extra by Miss Wardman due to the inability through influenza of Mr Gervase Vessey and Mr Thurston Grocock to sing the songs down to them. Mr Anderson gave “The Waiter” which fetched the audience to its feet. He also gave “That happy land (Chinese Honeymoon)”, one of the best comics out recently. Mr Nolte gave a pianoforte solo of “Au Matin” in brilliant style. A duet “No Sir” by Miss Mayhill and Mr A Nicoll was followed by “Sweet Geneviere” by Miss Wardman. Mr Bradbury and Mr Nolte gave a violin and piano duet and for an encore they presented “Killarney”, a violin solo with piano accompaniment. Miss Modd sang “Home, dearie home”, the refrain of which was very catchy. The choir repeated “Oh, who will o’er the downs” by request. Miss Modd volunteered another song “Only a bit of string”. Mr Anderson finished with an Irish comicality “Killy MacFlanagan” being the story of a lottery designed to raise money for a cathedral; however, the money was stolen. Mr Anderson complied with the inevitable encore with the dramatic recitation “The Parting”. The National Anthem closed the proceedings.
Last updated: 10 November 2000