Wallace’s favourites, two of Christy’s Minstrels, and other pieces of merit. The concert opened with Hatton’s “Happiest Land”, followed by Macfarren’s “Guiding Star”, the latter being sung in good style by Mr. Skinner. Then came Hatton’s “Beware”, after which Mr. Dean was deservedly applauded for his rendering of Wallace’s “Good Night, Beloved.” Following this was the part-song “Onward Roming(sic)” and “The Friars of “Orders Grey”, the latter as a barritone(sic) solo by Mr. Phillips. “The Polka Serenade (as sung by the Swedish Minstrels) was a spirited song, with voice accompaniments, in which there was a solo given by Mr. Dean in a charming manner, and the performance was lustily encored. “Little Bennie” was sung by Mr. Tinley in a soft and pleasing manner, followed by “Ripe Strawberries”. Mr. H. Brett jun. gained an enthusiastic encore for “The Bell Ringer,” and the first part of the concert closed with the “Drum March”, a descriptive battle song, the solo by Mr. Dean. The second part commenced with “The Village Blacksmith”, followed by “The Stout British Ship” the latter by Mr. Walter. “April Showers” was called for a second time, as was also “Peggy Dear”, a solo and chorus descriptive of a sleigh ride, in which Mr. Skinner created a sensation by singing the solo in a musical but jaunty style, accompanied by the crack of a whip and the jingling of bells. A pretty duet was given by Mr. Dean and Mr. H. Brett, jun., and the performance was varied by a cornet solo played by Mr. C. Hayes, Band Sergeant of the Artillery Volunteers. Thomson’s part-song “Yo ho!” with organophonic imitations by H. Brett, jun., was warmly applauded, as was also “The Soldier’s Love”, a favourite part-song of the Orpheus Glee Union’s. Mr. J. Skinner having again appeared to advantage in a Christy Minstrel’s song (for which he had obtained permission), this excellent concert was appropriately concluded with “The Minstrel’s Good Night” and the National Anthem.
A Repetition or nearly so, of the concert above described, was given in the George-hotel Assembly Room at Battle on the 14th of February, to a numerous audience, who were by no means chary of a need of praise to our local amateurs. So well pleased were they with the entire performance that several of them expressed a wish for another opportunity of listening to the vocal abilities of the St. Leonards Musical Union.
An Appreciative Letter appeared in the St. Leonards Gazette of Feb. 22nd as follows:- “Sir, - On Thursday last I attended a concert given in aid of the Infirmary and Dispensary, and I was highly gratified at the efficient manner in which it was carried out. I have been to most of the local concerts given during the last four or five years, and in my humble opinion, considering the small number of performers, it was the best local concert we have had. I think great praise is due to these gentlemen, (more particularly to Mr. Dean in coming so far) for giving such a concert, and I -
