Last night some of the WAGS were invited to witness a very special celebration; to a selected audience of family, friends and dignitaries of Richmond, our very own Musical Director Carol Gedye was awarded 'Honorary Freeman of the Town of Richmond'. 

Proposer Councillor Stuart Parsons stood and gave the most wonderful speech that explained the reasons for the accolade. All of which came as know surprise to those WAGS in the audience who have been on the journey with Carol since April 2010 and equally no surprise to those there representing the Station Singers, the community choir Carol started after the response to setting up the WAGS. We have asked for a copy of Carols speech that she gave in response as we believe you would all be interested to read it, as soon as she stops reeling with the ceremony and gets through the next few weeks we will publish under all about us. 

Councillor Parsons kindly did some commercial breaks, during his speech, to let the audience know that we would be performing in Tescos tonight, Richmond Christmas Market on Sunday and in the Garrison Memorial Church on the 14th. As well as a mention for The Station Singers Concert at St.Marys on Saturday 10th December. 
None of these events go on without rehearsal, so to give you an indication how hard Carol and (all the choirs) pianist, Brett Overin works, this is their schedule:
  1st - WAGS at Tesco, 
  3rd - Station Singers all three choirs together rehearsal,
  4th - WAGS Richmond Christmas Market,
  7th - Station Singers - Rehearsal,
  8th - WAGS & Station Singers - Rehearsals back to back,
10th - Station Singers Christmas Concert,
14th - WAGS Christmas Concert 
It's this level of dedication to music to all her choirs, that results in the product that our audiences delight in hearing again and again! It is, however, so very much more than that because it isn't just about the last six years, Carols dedication to music spans 25 years in Richmondshire alone. Young and old alike have delighted in being taught to sing by Carol, who has always advocated that 'anyone' can be taught to sing. Also it would be wrong of us not to mention William Gedye, our honorary WAG, a man who's dedication to Carols choirs can easily be seen at all of our performances, when he dons his WAGS Pink T.shirt and fleece. His pride at last nights ceremony shone out.

All of 'The Military WAGS Choir, Catterick Garrison' past and present are delighted that 'our' Carol has been given this accolade, for those of us lucky enough to have seen her last night it was truly touching to see her supported by her whole family, friends and Richmondshire.
A TRULY WONDERFUL EVENING!