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Harrogate

Season 2022-2023

Meeting Reports

21st April 2022

We were entertained by Stuart Atkins who played and sung excerpts from well known American musicals and solo performances as part of his presentation, “The Great American Songbook”.

With contributions from Irving Berlin, Rogers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael and many others, we were treated to many familiar songs made famous by the likes of Fred Astaire, Ethell Merman, and Judy Garland. Particular note was made of the work of Sammy Cahn who was a friend of the speaker and amongst his famous works wrote “Three Coins in the Fountain” immortalised in the film by Frank Sinatra.

The presentation ended by a medley of songs penned by George Gerswin which included his famous “Rhapsody in Blue”

Last entry for the 2021/2022 season

On Thursday 28th April we held our Annual General Meeting which was followed by our retiring Chairman, Bill O’Rourke, concluding his excellent series of “mini-talks” on the history of Harrogate town centre.

I think we have all enjoyed and learnt from these recollections - especially those members who are long-standing Harrogate residents. Bill now retires as chairman and his place will be taken next season by Chris McDevitt. Bill has agreed to take over as our Social Secretary with the aim of reinstating our much-valued outings and other social activities.

Following the AGM our members adjourned to the Ascot House Hotel where they enjoyed our traditional End-of-Season lunch.

This season has been our first one as a mixed group and we are much encouraged by the fact that 25% of our membership are now ladies. We are intending to have a marketing campaign in the autumn with a view to recruiting more women to join the Forum.

The 2022/23 season kicks off on Thursday, 6th October and, as usual, we will be having an excellent programme of talks.