EML week ending 8th August

Over the past couple of weeks, we've welcomed SongCycle, an all singing, all cycling quartet. SongCycle was formed in 1996 following the four founder members first combined entry into the “Friend’s of Essex Churches Sponsored Cycle ride” when as well as raising money for charity by cycling from church to church, they sang a different four part motet in each one and have continued to do so every year, having raised nearly £20,000 to date. Since inception SongCycle has progressed to singing in a variety of styles which is not barbershop, but ‘à la King’s Singers’ and their repertoire ranges from the sacred motets and canticles which they sing in cathedrals and churches to popular music by composers such as Lennon and McCartney and Billy Joel. "Their renditions of ‘Postman Pat’ and ‘Bob the Builder’ are certainly not to be missed, and you will always be guaranteed good professional entertainment”, a sentiment heartily endorsed by John, Bishop of Chelmsford, after they performed at his retirement party in the spring of 2003. The group are or were all members of the Parish Choir of St Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood, and together with their passion for singing, they have a liking for real ale, good food and wine. SongCycle has sung in Exeter and Wells Cathedrals and Bath Abbey as well as numerous churches and chapels and entertained thousands of people at secular concerts throught the country. Over the years they have broadcast on local radio stations and in 2007 appeared on BBC's Songs of Praise with Aled Jones. Duncan Kay the original bass left the group in April 2008 having moved to Worthing but they are pleased to welcome Sam Adams who replaces him.

They really were an exceptional bunch of men, very enthusuastic about what they do and they also brought in a recording of their version of Four Little Boys which was sung in almost a Barber Shop Quartet style.

For more information see http://www.songcycle.co.uk

Coming up next week on EML, we take a look at the Bejing Olympics as well as tips on how to survive the Credit Crisis as well "Credit Crunch Lunch" - sampling all the value products to see which you should avoid and which you should buy to replace your luxury items.