1990, History and other events
The first of two years mastering The Seasons, 1990 also saw Princess Ida - with its cut-out cardboard soldiers - and the birth of both Serendipity (under Nancy Cornwallis), and the Diamond Valley Vocal Eisteddfod (under Graham Ford). We donated $1600 to charity, $13,900 up to now.
A new venture for the Diamond Valley Singers was a camp at Camp Tallawalla, Toolangi (near Healesville) at the end of March. Musical activities in the form of a master class and a concert were a major feature, but since the primary aim of the camp was simply to have fun together other less serious activities, such as a "bad taste" dance, were also on the program.
In late April, another group of Diamond Valley Singers took a country town by storm, this time, Horsham. Graham's promise of a wild weekend in Warracknabeal last year must have been fulfilled! This time, Nancy, Judith, Allan and Graham were the performers.
Serendipity begins
Another outcome of the May special meeting was the formation of a small singing group for those members of Diamond Valley Singers who were not involved in the stage production. And so the group to be later known as Serendipity was born, the brainchild of Irene Hayes and Nancy Cornwallis. With Nancy as conductor and a membership of around twelve, this group has flourished and now performs regularly in a wide variety of venues.
Following Princess Ida the Annual General Meeting was held in late October, with the newly elected committee consisting of Graham Ford (President), Brent Reichenbach (Secretary), Merrill Hogan (Treasurer), Dianne Richter, Michael Knuckey and Irene Hayes. It was decided to continue with Gilbert and Sullivans, but that it might be wise to do a more popular one next year, perhaps The Gondoliers. There was some dispute about whether or not to do the rest of The Seasons as many found it very difficult, but eventually it was decided to go ahead.
Preparations were already under way to perform Born To Die, a new Christmas cantata written by John Bumford, and conducted by Beryl Nicholls. This was performed at Diamond Creek and Eltham Uniting Churches on the same day with soloists Mavis Ford, Jeanette Donehue, Marilyn Billing, Elizabeth Inglis (now Hickey), Dianne Richter, Judith O'Shea and Morris Mathers, with narrator Martin Reilly. The final commitment for the year was at the Diamond Creek Carols by Candlelight, where two items from John's cantata were presented.
The Diamond Valley Vocal Eistedfodd begins
The Queen's Birthday weekend saw, as usual, various Diamond Valley Singers trying their luck at the Bendigo Eisteddfod. It was during this weekend that Chris Livingstone came up with the daring idea of organising a local eisteddfod, probably at Diamond Creek. Chris and Graham kept talking until two in the morning! Since no other eisteddfods were held after September, Melbourne Cup day was suggested. The eisteddfod would have four sections only, with small prizes, and would provide a friendly atmosphere. Meals could also be provided. Graham was also enthusiastic and planning began. A committee was formed in July and it was decided that, for financial and legal reasons, the Eisteddfod would be officially under the auspices of Diamond Valley Singers.
One of the most significant events for this year was the inaugural Diamond Valley Vocal Eisteddfod, planned by a committee chaired by Chris Livingstone. It was held on Melbourne Cup Day at Diamond Creek Uniting Church and consisted of four sections - novice, ballad, musical comedy and aria, the aria being sponsored by the Diamond Valley Council.
There were a number of innovative ideas, but the main thrust was to have a friendly eisteddfod, and that was certainly achieved, most competitors expressing pleasure in the relaxed atmosphere. The adjudicator was Joanne Ryan-Neal, a well-known teacher and singer who had played opposite Graham in La Gioconda; David McNicolwas the accompanist. David had accompanied at the Sun Aria Final so it was a great honour to have him with us. Graham very ably compered the proceedings. Ladies of the church provided meals and the day was deemed a great success. Jenni Williams won the Novice Section, and Honourable Mentions in various sections went to Kay Driver, Allan Luke and Judith O'Shea.
The year wound up with decisions about next year - The Crucifixion and other smaller items at Easter, The Seasons at Christmas and The Gondoliers as the chosen Gilbert and Sullivan.