At last Sunday’s rehearsal for the Saffron Walden Choral Society’s (SWCS) forthcoming Bach and Handel concert a presentation was made to Betty Clarke, a soprano who has been singing with the choir continously since November 1953.
SWCS president Sean Brady presented Betty with a framed certificate awarding her honorary life membership as a patron in recognition of her 60 years service to the society.
Betty has sung under eight different musical directors during her active membership.
The current director, Janet Wheeler, praised Betty for her “amazing contribution”, adding: “Betty is not only an enthusiastic and musicianly soprano, but also a great raconteur with a fund of anecdotes about the choir.
She also a great mimic of animal noises which has been of particular use in some of the society’s lighter performances!”
Betty duly responded with impromptu imitations including those of various songbirds birds, livestock and chickens before saying that singing had kept her young.
“I have enjoyed every single minute of it” she said.
SWCS’ concert in Saffron Hall is on Saturday, March 15.
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