THANK YOU... Arias & Antiques - Tim Wonnacott |
Thank you to the HUGE TV personality, and friend of Clonter, Tim Wonnacott, who so generously donated his time and energy to coming to give so much JOY to the Clonter audience last Thursday. Thank you also to all the stalwart and life-long friends of Clonter, who so kindly organised this event to contribute to Clonter’s 50th appeal. And to all those that donated local cheese, 'Anne's' homemade chutney, brownies, and the wine (Thank you, Tim), not forgetting 'Ros's' homemade elderflower cordial.
It was identified by Clonter’s General Manager, in her introduction to Tim Wonnacott and the event, that included top and tailing by 2 singers and a pianist – more of that later – and the hearty ploughman’s lunch that was to follow, that everything about this event was symbolic – in her view – as to why and how Clonter had managed to survive so long, reaching this amazing milestone. |
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Ros Mahon & Juliet Hill manning the tea and coffee station |
| | Juliet Hill, who attended the very first event at Clonter in 1974, to raise money for Cancer Relief, proposed late last year that she would like to organise a fundraising event that would be comprised of a lecture, akin to the ones given, and so loved, by Andrew Brunt, and what would we think about her asking Tim Wonnacott, Macclesfield resident of many years, to come and give a talk in our 50th year. Is the Pope Catholic (no question mark).
‘Arias and Antiques’ was the title of the lecture publicised, but actually it was meant to be ‘50 years of Arias and Antiques’ – but considered a bit long to go in the annual leaflet! - to illustrate this joint milestone but also friendship, the latter so touchingly illustrated by Tim including personal photographs of Jeffery Lockett, Clonter’s founder, in his prime, and family, 25 years ago. |
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Tim regaled stories of the Duke of Westminster encountering his farm manager securing a gate with a object found in the mud, rather than a piece of string, which turned out to be a priceless ancient Celtic torc, to his time cataloguing the silver collections of Maharajas in India, which reminded all what a deeply learned antique historian, and trusted member of Sotherby’s, he was, chronicling his journey to stardom, from the Antiques Roadshow to Bargain Hunt, (and Strictly Come Dancing) modestly putting it all down to 'a lucky break'.
He also very movingly talked about the joy of working with Jill Dando, and what a wonderful human being she was.
He also generously suggested sharing the stage with some singers, to illustrate the parity of his and our history. Clonter was delighted to secure the services of Jessica Hopkins – who won the Betty Bannerman Award for French Song in 2022 – and Adam Jarman, who performed the role of the Speaker in Clonter’s production of the Magic Flute in 2023 - who will also be returning to take part in Clonter's Opera Gala, with orchestra, on Sat 23rd and Sun 24th (Matinee) November - accompanied by the legendary – to Clonter audiences - pianist Stephen Reynolds of the Clonter Fantasia fame, to be heard at the annual Opera Prize.
Just a sample of the lovely feedback we have already received: |
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"One of, if not, THE most enjoyable occasion I’ve been to this year!! Just loved the event from beginning to end, as did my friend and our husbands. Mr T W is the consummate speaker we could all have listened to all day! No chance of a Part 2, I suppose??!! Late PS: Mustn’t forget the singers who were absolutely wonderful, sheer joy. Defy anyone to have spent a happier, more enjoyable Thursday morning."
"We really enjoyed Tim’s lecture! We thought it was full of interesting and funny anecdotes, and he has a great way of telling them."
"We would’ve happily listened to him for another hour, it seemed like he had many more stories to share."
"Really enjoyed the lecture. Being a senior citizen, it’s nice to have an event during the day."
"Very entertaining, I laughed so much, my cheeks ached. Excellent, excellent!" |
And not forgetting the lunch... |
"Absolutely delicious! Perfect! Special gold star for pickle! In fact, gold stars to everyone who worked so hard to provide such a spread." |
Thank YOU for coming and all those involved.
Over £7,800 was raised for Clonter’s 50th appeal.
If you would like to donate to Clonter's 50th - Match Funding - Appeal* please follow this link - https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/27141#!/DonationDetails
*For every pound you put it, you now have the opportunity to double the impact of your donation, made any time up until 31st December 2024. |
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