Honouring Derek Norcross

Celebrating 'The Man of our Town'

The 2nd Derek Norcross Memorial Concert on Thursday 11th September raised a superb £2,500.   This event followed on from the wonderful evening held last September when choirs from across Hastings came together to sing in celebration of the hard work, creative spirit and uplifting presence of Derek Norcross during his tenure at St Michael’s Hospice.  Derek loved music, and the evening did his memory proud. A melting pot of musical talent gathered at the crowded St John's Church, Pevensey Road, St Leonards, organised by Master of Ceremonies Roger Wilcock.  Hospice Chairman Julian Avery paid tribute to Derek and welcomed guest of honour Audrey Norcross and the Mayor of Hastings, Maureen Charlesworth.  The evening was introduced by the perfectly pitched St Michael's Singers accompanied by their organist Norman Illman. They were swiftly followed by pupils from St Paul's School Senior Choir who raised the roof with their rendition of 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot'. The audience were charmed by two songs performed by singers from the Pestalozzi International Village who had come together to sing especially for the occasion. Few will forget the Brass Ensemble (Andy and Evan Gill, Jim Alexander and Jon Penton) and the haunting sound of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez being played on the Flugel Horn, 'just as it was in the film 'Brassed Off' only better', said one audience member.  No one could fail to be impressed by the wonderful phrasing and mellifluous tenor voices of 'The Boys' from 'Audrey and the Boys' (Neil Sellman, Michael Woodhams and Steve Corke) who performed a medley of famous Broadway musical hits.  The evening ended with audience and performers singing the Rodgers and Hammerstein number: 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. 

For further information contact Perdita Chamberlain on 01424 719252 or email.