tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61885360377324642262024-03-13T08:34:19.259-07:00Gospel Generation Community ChoirGGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-489188864632763872014-05-19T02:38:00.000-07:002014-05-19T02:38:02.615-07:00Red Is The Colour!!!So, we decided that for our performance at the Bath Music Festival on Friday evening, GGCC would wear red tops and black trousers/skirts. When the GGCC members arrived at the venue it we saw a mass of red and black...from another choir!!! So, red is obviously the choir to wear this season!!! I was slightly concerned that as the other red and black wearing choir was singing first, late GGCC arrivals would see the red on stage and rush to the front and join in!<br />
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However, we did look great, all in our red and what's more we sounded...BRILLIANT!!! From the moment we started warming up in the crypt (what is about us and rehearsing in crypts!), we were on the button. Tight harmonies, great diction, high energy levels and big smiles. What more could a choir director want?!!<br />
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I think starting with the 'flash mob' style Great is He was really different to the other choirs and set the tone perfectly for our half hour slot. Hold On acapella...wow, goosebumps are us! I could go on about all the different songs but really I just need to say I was so proud to be leading such a wonderful choir. I know Heather was too (loved the trumpet solo!). Beautiful solos too and of course big shout out to Winston for accompanying us so well, we love working with you!<br />
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It was wonderful to hear three other great choirs too, Bath Community Gospel Choir, Youthful Spirit and Renewal. Altogether an inspiring, uplifting and fun evening. Thank you to the organisers for inviting us and hosting a fab event.<br />
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So the big question left is...what colour shall we wear next?!!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-44385993783875516072014-04-25T07:25:00.001-07:002014-04-25T07:25:25.291-07:00Pause and Reflect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, here we are in April 2014, about to start the first ever GGCC Summer term of rehearsals!!! Yes, after a fantastic series of concerts before Easter we don't have to wait until September to see each other again. All three choirs are going to continue to meet but fortnightly instead of weekly and will take a break over the school Summer holidays.</div>
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Before we start to look forward to what the future has, I just want to reflect on the amazing term we just had! It was a term that started in the middle of a wet, windy winter. For many of us the thought of going out into the miserable weather each Tues, Wed or Thurs wasn't a pleasant one! But I know every time I turned up to lead, from the moment we started our warm ups I knew it was gonna be good, everyone was ready to learn and brought energy and smily faces with them. </div>
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We revisited some songs we have done in GGCC before. 'Bless the Lord with me', 'Here is love vast as the ocean' and 'Shackles'. We had some new ones too 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty' which created led really to the other 'Holy, holy, holy'. We sang an original arrangement of 'Turn your eyes upon Jesus' and added 'Make you feel my love/everybody needs love' to our ever expanding repertoire. It was great to have some new soloists volunteer too. LaShauna did a great job of 'Shackles', despite being incredibly nervous and it being the first time she's ever done anything like that! Mair sang a verse of 'Here is love' in welsh for us which was beautiful and we discovered a few other welsh speakers along the way who joined her! </div>
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We had a bit of fun with some exercises to help us focus on our performance too. I think the singing in a big group while keeping balloons up was a great tool and really helped people to begin to not just focus on the notes but also what was going on around them. It was also a lot of fun! We discovered together how powerful singing 'Hold On' was in a big circle and then felt it would be great to surround our audience and sing it to them. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to sing 'Hold On' around our Shirehampton audience</td></tr>
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We had fun playing people bingo at our socials and have discovered that we have many Brussel Sprout lovers and people who speak Spanish!</div>
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We were brilliantly accompanied by Winston Edwards for a few rehearsals and he put together a top band for us again for the concerts.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful Winston!<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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The GGCC leadership team were a top bunch again. Heather with her fab directing and Ruth & Rob with their beautiful duet and general all round support. I love working with these guys, we have a lot of laughs together!</div>
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The list of things to reflect on could go on and on but I'll finish with a summary of concerts and then leave you with some pics from the Shirehampton one. </div>
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I was blown away by the very first concert this time. I usually expect there to be nerves and still a few mistakes which get ironed out over the next concerts. Not this time! The choir proved this theory wrong! They sang with such enthusiasm and accuracy I was so, so proud. And they did it to a packed audience at Shirehampton Baptist. The levels of energy that were coming from the choir from the very first song 'Bless the Lord with me' were at record highs and the audience really responded to that. It was the perfect way to start a concert series. From then on we were flying and our evenings in Easton at House of Praise and Thornbury at Thornbury Baptist provided further opportunities to show what a great choir GGCC are...but we knew that already!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first GGCC concert in the newly refurbished Shirehampton Baptist Church, lovely venue.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GGCC team with Rachel sing 'You Never Let Go'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful audience. The church was packed out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our lovely GGCC members<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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We were also able to capture a few of the songs on film. Here are some links to our You Tube channel. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7-XW4q47qs">GGCC sing 'You are mighty & Shackles'</a> & <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqKFPLT4C7Q">Make you feel my love featuring Ruth & Rob</a></div>
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So, we now start a Summer of fun! We are singing out and about at the Noise Fun afternoon at Rawnsley Park, Easton on 3rd May, singing at Gospel evening in Bath Music Festival on Fri 16th May then taking part in the Easton Arts Trail in June. Check out our website <a href="http://www.ggcc.org.uk/">Check out our website for more up to date news</a></div>
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<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-27810144145335183792014-02-10T04:42:00.002-08:002014-02-10T04:42:50.334-08:00Concerts are booked!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, all our Spring 2014 concerts are booked and the posters have been done! We start with a concert on Sunday 30th March at Shirehampton Baptist Church which brilliantly coincides with being at the end of a weekend celebrating the opening of their newly refurbished building! Then we travel to Easton on Wed 2nd April and will perform at the House of Praise Church, 2 Tudor Rd, BS5 6BW at 7.30pm and from there we go to Thornbury on Friday 4th April. We'll sing at Thornbury Baptist Church, Gillingstool at 7.30pm.<br />
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It's all very exciting and the songs we have chosen are going to be brilliant...not that I'm biased of course!!!<br />
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See you there!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-47211336844144378862014-01-23T06:03:00.001-08:002014-01-23T06:03:44.892-08:00Sing to Live...the series!So, I've been a bit slow getting the blog updated I'm afraid, have been pretty busy running three choirs!!!<br />
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But, it is now the end of week two rehearsals, I've just come home after the Easton one, had my lunch and feel it's time to reflect!<br />
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All three choirs have done a great job these past two weeks, positively eating up the songs. We've actually finished teaching the parts for three songs already...ok they may need a bit more practice and tweaking but the foundations are there! Heather did a sterling job teaching in week one at Thornbury with a decidedly dodgy throat, the Shire gang shivered their way through two rehearsals without heating and Em featured in a new series on You Tube all about people in the choir called 'Sing to Live'! If you haven't seen it yet, <a href="http://youtu.be/L2rpWGf-eIw">click here</a> . Em's hubbie Var has been doing the filming and he's just filmed the second instalment which will be live tomorrow...who will it be about though? You'll have to wait and see!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em taking the Easton GGCC gang through their warm ups</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em teaching the Thornbury GGCC crew how not to dance!!!</td></tr>
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So, next week the Thornbury and Shire choirs have their socials...a cuppa and cake after rehearsal. Not great for Em's waistline as she will be going to both!!! Not sure what we will do for Easton, maybe a spot of lunch together one week after rehearsal.<br />
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Well that's it for now...take care!<br />
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<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-41663411761108319742013-12-06T07:19:00.001-08:002013-12-06T07:19:21.579-08:00Amazing Concerts!So, I am sitting in my office, trying to stay warm, reflecting on what has been an amazing term for GGCC. So many things to be thankful for. Not least the three brilliant performances the choir gave for our end of term concerts!<br />
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First up was St Peters in Lawrence Weston on 28th November. The first concert is always the hardest and also happened to be the only one we did acapella. But cheering us on big style from the back was the lovely Geraldine (for those of you who don't know, she started GGCC and left Bristol earlier this year!) who travelled all the way from London just to see us. The church was shall I say 'on the cool side' but the choir's energetic singing soon warmed the place and the audience which was shall I say 'on the small side' gave us a big hand and really joined in well when they had the opportunity. We had lovely refreshments…in abundance, thanks to the Shirehampton GGCC choir. Heather and Emma felt really proud of the choir and all those who sang in small groups, they did a top job.<br />
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Next, was House of Praise Church in Easton on Sunday 1st December. Right from the warm ups at the start, we could tell the choir had picked up more confidence as a result of Thursday's concert. We knew it was going to be a good night and we were right!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In position just before the start</td></tr>
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The church was shall I say 'on the warm side' so we were all soon guzzling our water! We were accompanied by our amazing band, Winston on keys, John (JT) on bass, Larry on lead guitar and Richard on drums. The Flash Mob start to the concert was brilliant, the audience joined in with lots of energy and the choir looked like they were having so much fun. From that point on we had a great time, all those weeks of rehearsals really paid off and I think it's safe to say we left on a high.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma introducing the choir<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Then there was just our Thornbury concert left. That was on Wednesday 4th December at Thornbury Baptist Church. The church was packed out was which really encouraging, especially as this was the first time GGCC had performed there. Again we were accompanied by our wonderful band, so grateful to them they complimented the choir perfectly. You could sense that the choir really knew what they were doing in this concert as they had already pulled off two great performances. We were able to have some fun and smiles were in abundance. Heather and Emma both had a blast leading the choirs and by the end of the evening had a real sense of achievement, both for the choir and for themselves personally.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ending the concert with 'He reigns' aka 'Sing praises'!!!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Thank you to everyone in GGCC for all your hard work, you are amazing! We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and we look forward to seeing you when rehearsals start on 15, 16 & 17th Jan 2014!<br /><div>
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GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-65197207837262970402013-11-27T03:19:00.000-08:002013-11-27T03:44:20.378-08:00Last Rehearsal…Big Success!!!Last night saw all three GGCC choirs come together for our last rehearsal at Thornbury Baptist Church. We were joined by our band who will be accompanying us at Easton and Thornbury concerts. Right from the start there was a sense of excitement in the air and once we got singing it was amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr2x6EJu7HfK4Yk8sFCrU5XensZKwTIaDo4RUBEZC_8LsnRN0WQmpXeHN5mkNu687mYldubjO42HQTEIAGcl0X1OzOVppc-Ayn7jyPn8bbZU5YlN5KrtfqAO9-88YgIQJd-uJAyITJbrG/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr2x6EJu7HfK4Yk8sFCrU5XensZKwTIaDo4RUBEZC_8LsnRN0WQmpXeHN5mkNu687mYldubjO42HQTEIAGcl0X1OzOVppc-Ayn7jyPn8bbZU5YlN5KrtfqAO9-88YgIQJd-uJAyITJbrG/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" height="185" width="640" /></a></div>
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Big thanks to all in GGCC who came, it was a way to travel for lots so we really appreciated the fact that so many made a big effort to come. Also big thanks to all the small groups/duets…well done, we know it's a bit nerve wracking but you all did a great job. Big thanks to Ruth for serving us all lovely cups of tea as we arrived and to our lovely PA guy, Will. Oh and of course not forgetting the band, Winston, John, Larry & Richard…you guys were great!<br />
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So, we're now ready for our first concert…on Thursday! 7.30pm @ St Peters, Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston, BS11 0NN…see you there!!!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-52646511637661314842013-11-20T03:24:00.000-08:002013-11-20T03:24:05.533-08:00Concerts are a-coming!!!So, next week on Thursday, we have our first GGCC Autumn concert!!! Amazing!!! Here is poster:<br />
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We are really looking forward to sharing what we have learned together with our lovely audiences. All concerts are free to get in…and out! So do come along.<br />
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<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-71843589203548552282013-11-12T05:53:00.000-08:002013-11-12T05:53:37.842-08:00On the road again!!!So, last Wednesday, 6 Nov 2013, 11 of us travelled by minibus to Calne in Wiltshire again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready and waiting to hit the M4!</td></tr>
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This time, we had been invited to go to Holy Trinity C of E Academy (Emma's old Primary school!) and sing in their assembly, take a workshop with their school choir and then perform together what they had learned.<br />
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The weather was miserable for our journey but we arrived in plenty of time and were made really welcome by the Head, Steve Heal. We had a quick warm up in the staff room before going into the school assembly. Emma led the choir in that GGCC classic 'Great Is He' and then got the children all singing the two parts of 'Freedom'. They picked it up brilliantly.<br />
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Then Emma led a workshop with the school choir.<br />
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She taught some fun warm ups and using the song 'Soon and very soon' and some group activities demonstrated some principles of choir singing e.g. blending, diction and the importance of smiling!!! The children in the school choir were such good listeners and learners, we had a lot of fun together. We finished our time there by performing with them to the rest of the school.</div>
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It was a great morning, a lot of fun!</div>
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And the GGCC crew who came along were brilliant…thanks for your help!!!</div>
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<span id="goog_1591542666"></span>GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-54773620857740365632013-10-25T06:51:00.003-07:002013-10-25T06:51:48.772-07:00Dottie writesWell, it's our half term break next week so while we're waiting for choir to resume, one of our Shirehampton GGCC members Dottie has written a lovely reflection on the journey she's been on with GGCC. So take it away Dottie:<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Singing low – thanks to GGCC!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Music has been part of my life since I was very young. I was born in Georgia, USA, so the sounds of both Country and Western and Gospel <b>music</b> are part of my DNA! I moved to the UK aged 7, and found the music in church here really strange and dull - nobody moved or clapped while they were singing! Eventually, I became used to life in the UK, had lots of happy times playing piano and singing in school and at church, and learnt to appreciate all sorts of music – choral singing, opera, musicals especially. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a teenager my voice was always low. I sang alto in choirs and in duets at church with my pal Brenda, who had an amazing soprano voice! Motherhood, and a busy professional life, meant that I could only enjoy music as a listener for many years, other than singing in church as part of the congregation. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few years ago I realised I was struggling to sing even in church – there was no way I could hit the high notes anymore, so I had to just mouth those bits! One morning I tried singing an octave lower which felt really comfortable. I realised that I was matching my husband’s voice – only in pitch I hasten to add as he often sings totally out of tune! When I got home I played about on the piano and realised that I was singing tenor notes very easily.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This happened just at the time I was thinking I’d like to join a choir but didn’t feel I could – as only men sing tenor…..or so I thought! Very fortunately I had a friend who sang with the Shirehampton Gospel Generation Community Choir. She encouraged me to give it a go. Her words were – “Dottie, come and try it – they welcome everybody who loves to sing. Come and listen to our next concert and see what you think”. I went to the concert and less than half-way through it knew that I wanted to be part of making such lovely music.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My first choir practice was interesting! I sat myself with the men – only to have several ladies advise me that I was sitting in the wrong section. I plucked up courage to say – “Actually, I’m a tenor, so plan to sing with the men”. That felt so good to be able to say! </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s great too, to have been accepted by the men as part of them. Not surprising really as the GGCC is so much about acceptance – if you love to sing you are accepted!</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve got to know people I would never had met otherwise. We are a real mix of class, culture, personal situations, and ability – but when we sing we are one voice! Singing the uplifting songs we do – born out of adversity as Gospel music is – brings us together in a way which transcends any personal faith, or none, that we might hold as individuals.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Singing, especially with other people, makes us feel good. I’m so happy to have found GGCC where I can sing low, feel comfortable, and have fun while I’m doing it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks Dottie! If any other GGCC members have stories to share, drop me an email!</span></span><br />
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Have a good half term!<br />
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GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-80391324869833520372013-10-22T02:50:00.001-07:002013-10-22T02:50:39.734-07:00A GGCC First!!!On Saturday a group of intrepid GGCC members gathered for a secret mission!!! The venue, Clifton College Chapel. The mission, to perform a Flash Mob at the wedding of Alice Bebb, former GGCC member. The only people who knew we were singing in the wedding were the Bride, Alice, her parents and one of the staff at the school so we had to come in disguise...as wedding guests and look like we were supposed to be there.<br />
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We had arranged a pre-wedding secret rehearsal in the chapel. We all found our Flash Mob positions for 'Great Is He', cunningly scattered around the chapel. Then also had a sneaky rehearsal of our second song 'Beautiful One' before any guests arrived.<br />
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We then needed to make a quick exit and head for our next secret location...the dining hall! We ate our provisions, Em, Ruth and Heather quickly learned their words and then it was time to assume positions and wait for our cue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em, waiting subtly(!) for service to start, fellow GGCC agents in their positions around her<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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The service started. Alice entered looking just beautiful and then we were on. Ruth stood up and started us off and then in twos and threes we all joined in from all over the chapel. It was amazing..no one expected it and it sounded beautiful too. Our first ever Flash Mob was a huge success and we all had a lot of fun. The feedback Em has had since has been great too, a lot of people were very moved by it, it was quite a talking point!<div>
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Our second song later in the service went really well, Em, Heather and Ruth just about remembered their words and the choir did a great job.</div>
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Then it was time for the Bride and Groom to leave, Alice and her new hubby Paul looked very happy and it was a joy for us to be able to be part of their special day. We wish them every happiness for their new life together.</div>
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Well done GGCC...another first! Thanks to all who came, you were brilliant!<br /><br /></div>
GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-34225430791650006542013-10-08T06:18:00.003-07:002013-10-08T06:18:42.187-07:00It's all about CommunityThe City Academy Bristol put on a brilliant Community Fun Afternoon on Saturday. It was free to get in and free to get out...well almost, they did want you to donate some money towards the fund to keep Felix Road Playground in Easton open!<br />
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There was quite a lot of live music and dance acts and GGCC was asked to come and...sing of course! We all arrived in the glorious sunshine and headed outside for a quick warm up before heading back stage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em's just spotted the sweets back stage!!!</td></tr>
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While waiting we were introduced to one of the hosts for the stage events, a young man named Alex Beresford who is a weather presenter on TV and I soon discovered that Kim from Easton GGCC is a super fan and was going all weak at the knees!!!<br />
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Anyhow, we all soon had to focus on the ask in hand, were on for our slot. It was a big stage and but the choir (about 20 of us) made a big sound and lovely harmonies. Our classics 'Great Is He', 'Soon and Very Soon' and 'Hold On' went down a treat. I loved leading them and was so proud! For some singing, they've only just joined GGCC so had never sung all the songs til that day!!!<br />
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Many of us stayed to enjoy the rest of the afternoon as there was loads of great stuff happening along with delicious food on offer. All in all, a great Saturday afternoon out.GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-10232084086886404132013-10-04T03:49:00.000-07:002013-10-04T06:52:43.354-07:00Sweet Harmony!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three cats...together as one, sweet harmony!<br />
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Three weeks, Three choirs, Three parts, alto, soprano and men...together as one and we were hearing some sweet harmonies!<br />
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We've just completed week three of the new term, where has that time gone already?!!<br />
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I think on Tuesday we broke a record for the most songs taught in one rehearsal as we not only taught new choir songs to the Thornbury gang but taught them some of the classic GGCC anthems ready for Saturday. Heather and I really felt like we'd had a workout, as I'm sure the choir did! But they were brilliant, picked up the harmonies quickly.<br />
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The Thornbury choir continues to grow in number, new people still joining and now we've settled on which side the altos sit and which side the sopranos sit (!) we're starting to feel that we really are a choir and we do sound good! We are very thankful too for the wonderful refreshments provided before and after each rehearsal.<br />
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Shirehampton GGCC are also making sweet music! I was reflecting with one of the original members on how much we had achieved that evening, in terms of learning new words and harmonies and how when we first started people wouldn't have picked it up as fast, we have really come along way as a choir in terms of ability to hear our parts, learn them and then hold them when the others join in. Something to really be proud of. It's been great to see new members joining the Shire crew as well and how well they have been welcomed into the choir family.<br />
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Easton GGCC, well they may be the smallest choir in number but they can easily keep up with the bigger choirs! When there are only three or four of you singing a part if you make a mistake it is much more obvious which could put a lot of people off...not our Easton gang! No, they work on through little mistakes, have a laugh and have another go! Again we have had some new members this term and like the Shire choir, they have been welcomed in really well.<br />
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I am so privileged to be able to work with all these choirs. Even if I turn up feeling tired, the moment we start, the energy, enthusiasm and commitment become contagious and I leave the session on a high!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-11249505373634798312013-09-18T04:12:00.001-07:002013-09-18T04:12:43.505-07:00Thornbury GGCC raises the roof!Last night, we had the first ever rehearsal of the Thornbury GGCC choir. What a great start we got off to! There were at least 70 who came. A lot of familiar GGCC faces but lots of new ones too.<br />
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Em & Heather were a bit unsure how it would all go but right from the start the sound of singing and singing in three part harmony raised the roof. Although for many the style of learning without words or music was alien, everyone embraced the challenge and worked really hard. We had a great time and are really looking forward to next week!<br />
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Here's a pic Em took of Heather leading, not the most exciting shot ever but you might get the general idea!!!<br />
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<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-37439511032127573102013-09-03T06:35:00.001-07:002013-09-03T06:35:30.591-07:00Two Weeks To Go!So, schools were back today, the Summer holidays are over.<br />
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But the positive side is that Gospel Generation Community Choir starts again in two weeks!!!<br />
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What's more...we have a new choir starting in Thornbury! Here are all the details:<br />
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The Shirehampton GGCC choir starts on Wed 18th September, 6.30pm-7.45pm @ Shirehampton Baptist Church, Station Rd, Shirehampton.<br />
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The Easton GGCC starts on Thursday 19th September, 11am-12.15pm @ House of Praise Church, 2 Tudor Rd, Easton.<br />
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So, we look forward to seeing everyone again and maybe some new faces too!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-33237024203364432392013-06-25T06:17:00.000-07:002013-06-25T06:18:38.095-07:00Shirehampton Baptist Church, Our Last Summer Gig!So on Sunday evening, 23rd June, a good number of the GGCC family gathered again to sing in the evening service at Shirehampton Baptist Church. It had been nearly two months since we were last together so we maybe felt a bit rusty at the start of our warm up but in no time at all the confidence was back!<br />
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We had a great time sharing some of our favourite songs with the congregation and they did a grand job joining in with some of the songs.<br />
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Thank you to Shirehampton Baptist for having us and making us so welcome. Thank you to all who came from GGCC too, quite literally we couldn't do it without you!!!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-6843628016431219372013-05-28T04:04:00.002-07:002013-05-28T04:04:28.614-07:00Gospel Choir at Summerhill Infants, Term 1 ends in style!So, it's now school half term...we had a beautiful bank holiday weekend but now the rain is back! But just before half term started we had the very first performance of the Summerhill Infants Gospel Choir!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em getting the choir into place while parents watch on</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Explaining to the Mums, Dads and carers they were about to sing too!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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For six weeks a group of 20 eager children from years 1 & 2 have been meeting after school on a Friday for an hour, taught by Emma and Marsha (Marsha is in Easton GGCC). In that time they managed to learn four songs, complete with actions and a lot of fun was had along the way! We wanted to show the parents and carers what we had been up to so had a short performance last Friday and even though is was the end of term, the children were tired (and so were the Mums and Dads!), we were given a real treat. They all sang so well, especially the duets and trio! There were quite a few nerves but they all had a go and sang beautifully. Several parents came and told us how much they enjoyed it. Everyone received a certificate and some sweets to take home with them.<div>
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We are planning term 2 of the choir which will resume the first Friday back. Em & Marsha need to find some new songs to teach now! Any ideas?!!<br /><br /></div>
GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-68651173019328040062013-04-30T06:12:00.003-07:002013-04-30T06:12:52.060-07:00GGCC goes on the road...to Calne!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"We're in Calne!"</td></tr>
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Here they are, the intrepid GGCC choir members arriving in Calne, Wiltshire on Saturday afternoon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Kim!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob is a true gent and helps folk off the coach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the hill to the church</td></tr>
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Why were we in Calne? Good question! The Pastor of Calne Baptist Church, Sam King had invited us to come and give a concert at his church to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK. It just so happened too that Calne was where Emma grew up and Calne Baptist Church was her old church, so double the reason to go!<br />
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Emma went ahead of the choir in the afternoon to run a Gospel Choir workshop in the church and the lovely Heather Staley went with her too. There were 14 workshop participants and they were brilliant! We managed to teach and learn 5 songs in just 2.5 hours, including actions!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em explaining roots of Gospel Music to workshop crew...see if you can spot Heather too!</td></tr>
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The workshop-ites then joined GGCC for the concert in the evening and became part of a bigger choir. They also got to sing on their own so they could show off what they'd achieved that afternoon. Some of them also volunteered to sing in small groups for one of the songs, at least one of them had not sung in public since they were told by a music teacher at school they couldn't sing (shocking!) so that was a massive step forward for them.<br />
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GGCC were treated to a wonderful tea provided by the church, no run of the mill sandwiches and cake there! We felt so welcome.<br />
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The concert itself was amazing. GGCC were their usual brilliant self, sang so well and joined in with the actions they'd never done which Em had added to one of the songs, with loads of energy. It was the first time Em had ever led the choir for a whole concert and she loved it. The support and love GGCC gave her made such a huge difference as well.<br />
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After the end of the concert it was time for GGCC to get back on the coach and it sounds like there was much fun and laughter...and singing all the way back to Bristol.<br />
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Em got an email from Sam at the church too to say a big thank you and also to let us know they'd managed to raise £550 for Alzheimer's Research so that's fantastic!</div>
GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-87839320621677658612013-04-19T05:01:00.000-07:002013-04-19T05:01:36.910-07:00Shirehampton Primary Gospel Choir's first performance!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirehampton Primary School Entrance</td></tr>
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On Wednesday this week (17th April) an intrepid group of children from Shirehampton Primary collectively now known as the Shirehampton Primary Gospel Choir performed for the first time...ever!!! They were amazing!<br />
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We have been meeting over 7 sessions on Wednesday lunchtimes, each just 30 minutes long and in that time managed to learn words and actions for 3 songs. There were around 16 children who performed on Wednesday to the rest of their school...which is a lot of children! As they had never sung these songs in public before it was slightly daunting but they were all brilliant, sang their hearts out and made me very proud!<br />
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It has been a lot of fun getting to know the group, they came up with most of the actions for the songs themselves and even a new verse for one of the songs. We will now take a break over the Summer as Naomi won't be able to help Emma run it anymore. Emma hopes to find a helper for September so she can restart it then...watch this space!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-55798490298417672742013-04-01T09:01:00.000-07:002013-04-15T08:11:27.305-07:00The Wedding of the Century!So, it's official Geraldine and Carey are now Mr & Mrs!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geraldine couldn't contain her excitement!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was such a privilege for the GGCC choirs to be part of what was truly the 'wedding of the century'!</span></div>
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From the moment we all arrived at Christchurch Clifton there was a massive buzz of excitement. We all assembled in the crypt area downstairs for warm up and run through.<br />
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Em & Kim Samuels were the Choir Directors for the day, leading a combined Renewal/GGCC choir of about 150 people!!!<br />
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Before we knew it it, rehearsal time was over and it was time for the wedding. We quickly all assembled on stage and waited for the bride to arrive, and she was bang on time!!!</div>
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Geraldine and her Bridal party came down the aisle dodging hundreds of balloons, led by a group of djembe drummers.</div>
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Accompanied by the most amazing group of musicians (harp, brass section, djembes, organ, guitars, bass, drums, piano & keys) we all sang our hearts out. The new anthem written by Geraldine & Carey was beautiful and we all remembered it...well most of it!!! </div>
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It truly was a musical extravaganza. All the hymns just came to life and the choir did a fab job of leading the singing. </div>
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Geraldine & Carey exchanged their vows and rings and then sang a verse of Be Thou My Vision (while Em & Naomi frantically tried to get GGCC back on stage as they had to be there sooner than we thought!!!).</div>
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Then we had our surprise...SECRET SONG! It was a song Em & Naomi had written especially for Geraldine & Carey and rehearsed in secret with the choir. Called 'The Right Time', the GGCC choirs sang it beautifully and Geraldine was genuinely surprised and I think touched by the song. So well done GGCC! You can hear a version of the song we recorded when you watch the video there is a link for below.<br />
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So, after singing Total Praise (WOW!) with Renewal choir it was time for Mr & Mrs Luce to leave. They danced down the aisle to 'Celebrate' by Kool & The Gang which the choirs and band performed...so much fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many kisses!!!</td></tr>
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What a day! We have a short video of the day from the choirs perspective, to watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRe573ZY0As&feature=youtu.be">CLICK HERE</a><br />
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Em & Naomi are so proud of all the GGCC family, we loved being able to celebrate such a joyful occasion with you all<br />
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Here's one last pic of the happy couple cutting the cake at the reception!<br />
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So, we now send Geraldine off to her new life in London with Carey...we will miss her SO much but know she will come and visit!<br />
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Next for GGCC is our concert in Calne on 27th April...watch this space!<br />
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Bye for now!</div>
GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-8250461870772551342013-03-15T08:18:00.001-07:002013-03-15T08:18:15.315-07:00A Fitting End...And Beginning!On Thursday 7th March the three GGCC choirs from Westbury Park, Shirehampton & Easton came together to celebrate 10 years of the adventure that is GGCC!<br />
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It was an evening full of emotion. We were treated to amazing performances of the 'best of' GGCC songs by all the choirs.<br />
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Geraldine shared how GGCC had started, with just one song 'Hold on' a decade ago, never dreaming we would be where we are now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeIqQBMx4y5L4eYJUmjROBKI6k2zFyhaiXAFEV7u_luQ0OEBdJzdDA48-TkTxu2RKwwlhaQl2s3MIgbzocudIUy1oS-n76boUB5d7y59fo8VrtRuk0T7-4mL8l-JuVXRFxno4qopJjvxz/s1600/Geraldine+in+action+march+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeIqQBMx4y5L4eYJUmjROBKI6k2zFyhaiXAFEV7u_luQ0OEBdJzdDA48-TkTxu2RKwwlhaQl2s3MIgbzocudIUy1oS-n76boUB5d7y59fo8VrtRuk0T7-4mL8l-JuVXRFxno4qopJjvxz/s1600/Geraldine+in+action+march+2013.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geraldine warming the choirs up!</td></tr>
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Emma explained how she had joined the GGCC family back in January 2007 and then how the Easton GGCC was launched in September 2009<div>
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We watched a video which captures a bit of the story of GGCC and we hear from choir members about why they like the choir. You can see this video by clicking <a href="http://youtu.be/X7kWPjh_moE">here</a> .</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZMKMXXvbHrpgcSQiWO_TLOCRGDfnWoRpMCTvgh9qJIk_sMlw2E1WfOiMMJ2rP74oHUhDqYcWzmj7NCLOyC46tRytNed3dGfBaA23pj9Mv0WcAK84I3Uvri7eu5tsHXdgjneUSrcpq2ON/s1600/watching+video+march+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZMKMXXvbHrpgcSQiWO_TLOCRGDfnWoRpMCTvgh9qJIk_sMlw2E1WfOiMMJ2rP74oHUhDqYcWzmj7NCLOyC46tRytNed3dGfBaA23pj9Mv0WcAK84I3Uvri7eu5tsHXdgjneUSrcpq2ON/s1600/watching+video+march+13.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GGCC members watching themselves on the video<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Nikky & Ju talked about how the Shire Choir had started in 2011 and how it has such a lovely family feel.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikp4yzauKUqc-m_M2X4uVe6Uqu0cVFzbg_3VePyHnS8M-5c3tqp53xiTWmHO29XrDHMjh4CIslR_WSeCuPIebdmn9GOoOqQg46iXghwaN7FS1ojka3A6q9Cfy1DjQHXXQTaDlYaLsAfnF/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikp4yzauKUqc-m_M2X4uVe6Uqu0cVFzbg_3VePyHnS8M-5c3tqp53xiTWmHO29XrDHMjh4CIslR_WSeCuPIebdmn9GOoOqQg46iXghwaN7FS1ojka3A6q9Cfy1DjQHXXQTaDlYaLsAfnF/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirehampton GGCC singing Lean on Me</td></tr>
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It was also an evening to say goodbye. Firstly goodbye officially to the Westbury GGCC choir as this group won't be continuing after Easter. It has been a wonderful community these last 10 years where Geraldine, Naomi & Emma have all learned so much which has enabled them to take the GGCC dream out to other parts of Bristol. Lives have been touched and changed and we are so deeply thankful. We have invited all the Westbury GGCC to stay in the GGCC family and maybe join one of the other choirs.</div>
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We also had to say goodbye to our lovely Geraldine. Yes we'll still see her at the wedding and wedding rehearsals but this was out last GGCC concert with her. It seems impossible to imagine GGCC without her, what an inspirational, funny, talented, humble, Godly woman. She will be deeply missed. Geraldine's move to London means the end to the current GGCC team so it was very fitting that Em & Naomi sang 'I just can't give up now' with Geraldine again. This was a song that deeply impacted both them and many many other when they sang it in March 2012. </div>
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Then after goodbyes it was time to say some hellos! A big hello to the new GGCC team...Heather Staley & Ruth Chandler who have both been part of Westbury GGCC for a while are joining Naomi & Emma to guide GGCC into the future. So they joined us to sing 'Shackles'...and we found a couple of men to join with us too! Thanks Mark & Rob!</div>
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To finish off the evening all three choirs sang 'Total Praise'...a favourite of Geraldine's. You can get an idea of how amazing it sounded by <a href="http://youtu.be/mmKgymRzKeU">clicking here</a></div>
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And the evening wouldn't have been complete with another rendition of the amazing three spiritual medley! Yes Nobody knows, Steal Away & Swing Low Sweet Chariot all sung together, in harmony at the same time! Wow!!!</div>
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Before I sign off for now here are a few other pics...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiley GGCC!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the concert, warming up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aBR71SaA60kJMjrpsl3fTLzFNDzCnNH4N4OCocEwCYRw5Xa_EI_XmZSKnjadMRc4Vd3JcnuS7x6kaMuMKoiTU1osBNzes6TcrkVQyggWRB2iXIc4oLWaVmSJX4nrjmdKDILQV1aSkgnD/s1600/Janice+&+Mearl+march+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aBR71SaA60kJMjrpsl3fTLzFNDzCnNH4N4OCocEwCYRw5Xa_EI_XmZSKnjadMRc4Vd3JcnuS7x6kaMuMKoiTU1osBNzes6TcrkVQyggWRB2iXIc4oLWaVmSJX4nrjmdKDILQV1aSkgnD/s1600/Janice+&+Mearl+march+13.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janice & Mearl from Easton GGCC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZcEhZkN3Y9YZaBnjhjlDIdz-WDtMllzzCysl6RAyS9m39HQmt0-2GTONL6JwVjJ5TLU7ytAI1-uiLZTt5QrG-qEKw7EClaqGXs5PTbfDja-xoVbqaAlVSYHc2sVJiIgu0bpHuLm1JtXb/s1600/Marsha+march+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZcEhZkN3Y9YZaBnjhjlDIdz-WDtMllzzCysl6RAyS9m39HQmt0-2GTONL6JwVjJ5TLU7ytAI1-uiLZTt5QrG-qEKw7EClaqGXs5PTbfDja-xoVbqaAlVSYHc2sVJiIgu0bpHuLm1JtXb/s1600/Marsha+march+13.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsha sings People Get Ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cl2LBc9OAtEynAmFHnw8n9CkVngeqJlxlY6slHCSSr8HuTmAsyHJpd0hEyD8l8no1SFnIUM-wnoP4SYiRoEAm0SM_0a_fe-tG839Nd3Y-w37QV7_xfCHGLhSCj7fFOakfj3ieNL8aNp2/s1600/Geraldine+in+thought+march+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cl2LBc9OAtEynAmFHnw8n9CkVngeqJlxlY6slHCSSr8HuTmAsyHJpd0hEyD8l8no1SFnIUM-wnoP4SYiRoEAm0SM_0a_fe-tG839Nd3Y-w37QV7_xfCHGLhSCj7fFOakfj3ieNL8aNp2/s1600/Geraldine+in+thought+march+13.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot to be thankful for Geraldine!</td></tr>
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<br />That's it for now. Back soon!<br /><div>
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GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-38203108954123008212013-03-04T01:34:00.000-08:002013-03-04T01:34:30.428-08:00Concert week!Wow, this term has gone so fast! I cannot believe it's our big concert this week!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB18gN4qXv126HKjYnXAdbB5PogoDCNFhPn5Kyrb-EIGOen5VhAo4qadXrPZQzmVJvuwN1_SPtmMHNi8NFGeCI44LsCSImKvN60Dhfz1AYAxc9v4Ipg9dD0-J50RbqreJ9KiTBMpPHVGJE/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB18gN4qXv126HKjYnXAdbB5PogoDCNFhPn5Kyrb-EIGOen5VhAo4qadXrPZQzmVJvuwN1_SPtmMHNi8NFGeCI44LsCSImKvN60Dhfz1AYAxc9v4Ipg9dD0-J50RbqreJ9KiTBMpPHVGJE/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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We are really looking forward to celebrating 10 wonderful years of GGCC with you and your friends/family...do get inviting if you haven't already! It'll be our last GGCC concert with Geraldine so we may need to have a few tissues handy...only the women of course!!!<br />
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It seems that new things are already opening up for GGCC without us having to try very hard! Emma & Naomi have started a Gospel Choir in Shirehampton Primary school recently. The first week was a bit manic with 34 children in a small space but the second was a dream with 15, lovely, attentive children. We had a lot of fun and they were full of good ideas for how we could do things. We are meeting on a Wednesday during lunchtime, only 30 minutes and it races past. We are going to perform the songs we've done in a school assembly before Easter.<br />
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If you want to take a look at the what the head of Cabot Primary school had to say about our visit before half term and see another pic then visit <a href="http://www.headcabot.blogspot.co.uk/">http://www.headcabot.blogspot.co.uk/</a> . We recently received some lovely letters from some of the children there, thanking us for our visit. Quotes include:<br />
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"I am sorry to say but I thought old people were boring but now I realised they are talented"<br />
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"When I am older I think I will try and make a choir with lots of old, middle and young aged people"<br />
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"I really want to thank you you inspired me and all of Cabot"<br />
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"It made me feel an emotion inside me"<br />
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"I loved it when you were smiling and singing"<br />
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Really lovely to hear from the children isn't it?<br />
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Well better get on with concert preparations! See you all there!GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-77067297649379802492013-02-22T09:21:00.002-08:002013-02-22T09:21:45.963-08:00Party Time & Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaLbLovrVBV66js61yXeIR4AUQg3P-KEzIOUIhe-XqTl5Xefj3MgfUjgzZRJovLzDtha9AINj3UkrOETm7g0woBPtXmON05qL7hllPvcKMzsJeICbcktZ2dUQnJKUGG-IvKqr3wq_yVRi/s1600/helium-balloons.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaLbLovrVBV66js61yXeIR4AUQg3P-KEzIOUIhe-XqTl5Xefj3MgfUjgzZRJovLzDtha9AINj3UkrOETm7g0woBPtXmON05qL7hllPvcKMzsJeICbcktZ2dUQnJKUGG-IvKqr3wq_yVRi/s1600/helium-balloons.gif" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
On Tuesday we had a very special GGCC gathering. All three choirs came together for a bit of a PARTY! It was an evening to celebrate with Geraldine & Carey and Naomi had made a beautiful cake for them.<br />
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It was also an evening to reflect on the last 10 years of GGCC...yes GGCC has been going for 10 years! It started as just one choir at Cairns and is now three with over 100 people. It has been a joy to see how the choir has grown and to hear the countless stories of how much it means to the people who come. </div>
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Once Geraldine and Carey are married they will be living in London. So this means we have to say goodbye to Geraldine at Easter...very sad! She will be missed so much but I know we'll still see her from time to time.</div>
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So Naomi & I will be running GGCC without Geraldine from April and have been busy coming up with a plan! We shared the broad headlines with the choir on Tuesday. They are:</div>
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1. Sadly Westbury GGCC will be finishing. It has been the choir that has been around the longest and is the biggest but we feel it's right to bring it to and end. As we do so we can celebrate all that it has been, so many people have been blessed by being in this choir and by seeing them perform.</div>
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2. Shirehampton & Easton choirs carry on. These two are the younger choirs and will continue. We will take a break over the Summer and relaunch again in the Autumn.</div>
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3. A new GGCC in Thornbury! Yes in the Autumn we will start a new choir and the lovely Heather Staley will be leading that with Em & Naomi's support...exciting!</div>
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4. School choirs. We have just this week started a gospel choir in Shirehampton Primary and have arranged to begin a other in Summerhill Infants school after Easter. Another exciting development!</div>
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So, things are changing. Change brings mixed feelings, feelings of sadness and also excitement. I know that's definitely how I am feeling and I'm sure most of the choirs feel the same. But in the words of that great High School Musical song (that Em & Naomi kept trying to get GGCC to sing!)..."we're all in this together!"</div>
<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-55551180503373791272013-02-12T06:30:00.003-08:002013-02-12T06:30:56.750-08:00Freedom Is Coming!Well last Friday a group of about 20 from GGCC joined Emma to take an assembly at Cabot Primary School in St Paul's. It was the last day of Music Week at the school so we were invited to help explain the roots of Gospel Music, sing a couple of songs to the school and then teach them a song.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma teaching 'Freedom Is Coming' to the school</td></tr>
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We had a blast! The children were so well behaved and one of the teachers commented on how the youngest in particular seemed mesmerised by the singing. We started off with the song 'Hold On' which sounded beautiful. Then one of the choir members, Sarah, who works at the school did a great introduction to Gospel Music and the importance of the message of hope and freedom which is at its core. Then Emma taught the song 'Freedom is coming' in two parts to all the children. They picked it up in no time and soon we had the whole school on its feet, stomping and clapping along too. The Head teacher commented on how he hadn't just been affected in his head by the singing but had felt impacted deep inside which was amazing and he said we could come back any time! To round off a great assembly the GGCC gang sang 'Great Is He' as the children all went back to their classrooms...clapping as they went!<br />
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Thanks to all from GGGC who came along, Sarah and Emma were so glad they didn't have to do it on their own!<br />
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So, this week is half term BUT CHOIR HAS NO BREAK! All three choirs are still rehearsing...see you there!<br />
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<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-4850976682124521512013-01-25T08:43:00.000-08:002013-01-25T08:43:09.008-08:00Hot Chocolate To The Rescue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GeI0VPafZCTUlfqGDtXYVgYXx38bO17C7DKZVwyFRhcx5jtr6ZXCL3oeX5PtN556Mj0Ijfz5xosNGtlcG8xKrKTfZe2hdEm9FzFtLOANz3p1xUh6-3JuvQHOnZ-yjL0HMn8hw2pYxlJ1/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GeI0VPafZCTUlfqGDtXYVgYXx38bO17C7DKZVwyFRhcx5jtr6ZXCL3oeX5PtN556Mj0Ijfz5xosNGtlcG8xKrKTfZe2hdEm9FzFtLOANz3p1xUh6-3JuvQHOnZ-yjL0HMn8hw2pYxlJ1/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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With freezing temperatures and snowfall this week there was only one thing for it...</div>
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...we needed HOT CHOCOLATE!!! Seemed to go down well at all three choirs, maybe we should do it more often?</div>
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The weather did affect the choirs this week. We had quite heavy snowfall just before our Westbury rehearsal started and it continued to snow for the whole time so quite a few didn't make it. Those of us who had got there were keeping an eye out as we didn't fancy being snowed in...even if there was hot chocolate! Still it was all ok, it had calmed down by time we left. We had a great hour and a quarter in the warm and made good progress with a new song, Total Praise.</div>
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The snow threatened to disrupt Shirehampton's rehearsal on Wednesday but didn't quite manage to. There was quite a lot of giggling from the alto section that night as Geraldine started to teach them their part for Total Praise...the phrase on their lips was definitely "how low can you go?!!"</div>
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Thursday was Easton and we were missing lots of folk...but those who came sang their socks off and got at least one other song under their belt. </div>
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So, what will next week bring? We shall wait and see!</div>
<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188536037732464226.post-31617928012657455192013-01-18T08:31:00.002-08:002013-01-18T08:31:13.131-08:00Let it snow!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm guessing for most of us this is the scene we woke up to today!<br />
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As a Mum of two young boys whose school was closed today I have just spent the afternoon out sledging and only fell off once! Now back in the warm it gives me time to reflect a bit on our first week back at choir...</div>
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So, first we were at Westbury and we have a new photographer amongst us who caught Geraldine and I on camera. If you can think of a good caption for either picture, let me know! </div>
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This term GGCC are re-visiting the greatest hits! When Geraldine, Naomi and I met before Christmas we thought it would be great to celebrate about 10 years of GGCC and what better way than to do a selection of our favourite songs. </div>
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Shirehampton GGCC have a new home now so we all met for the first time at Shirehampton Baptist Church on Wednesday and had a few newcomers too...fantastic! Here we are in action:</div>
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We all agreed we like our new home and the acoustics are lovely too!<br />
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On Thursday it was Easton's turn and boy were we glad of a cosy warm welcome at House of Praise...there were a few first snowflakes outside too. Great turn out considering how cold it was and we had a lot of fun, managed to look at three songs which is pretty good going in an hour and a quarter.<br />
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Well it's so great to be back with you all. Keep warm this weekend and see you next week!<br />
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<br />GGCC ganghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04407675852082130130noreply@blogger.com0