Jill Whitten

16th March 2008 - Three generations of one family in Woodbury concert

Woodbury has a first over the Easter weekend. Three generations of the musical Gittings family will perform on Saturday in the village. The group comprises Rob and Mary, their daughter Katherine and her husband Julian Atkinson (both of whom play in the celebrated City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra), plus grandchildren Lucy and Sarah (14 and 12 respectively and both members of the National Children's Orchestra). Last but not least, is Harry (8).

The Gittings are a local family from Exton. Between them this multi-talented clan cover the violin, cello, double bass, piano and clarinet. Their programme has a really wide range of pieces, including works by Bach, Handel, Paganini, Rossini, Debussy, Dvorak, Gershwin and Scott Joplin. It's a unique musical feast not to be missed.

The concert is in aid of the Friends of St Swithuns fund to install plumbing and a kitchen in the village church. Says FoSS Chairman Jill Whitten, "It's a challenge to get any family together in one place these days. But Rob and Mary have managed it for our spring concert. It's a special privilege to have them play and we're thrilled to be hosting such talented people. With a big welcome and free admission for kids we hope it will prove an inspiration for some of the area's budding young musicians".

The evening starts at 7pm on Saturday March 22 at Woodbury Village Hall. Tickets, which include savoury snacks, dips, salad, bakes, fruit and soft drinks, are £6 - pay at the door - and kids are free. Bring your own wine if you wish.

Contact: Jill Whitten, Parsonage House, Woodbury EX5 1EG - tel 01395 233121 email jillwhitten@onetel.net