Summer Evening of Arias in the Barn

Report by Michael Crawley

Petworth Lawn Tennis Club’s Summer Evening of Arias in the Barn was a triumph. Funds raised for resurfacing the club’s hard courts and to support the locally based Sylvia Beaufoy Youth and Community Centre in delivering Duke of Edinburgh Awards comfortably exceeded target. Guests travelled from as far afield as London to hear acclaimed soprano Sarah Jane Dale and tenor Andrew Morris sing arias from well-known operas, accompanied by the talented Jeremy Cooke on the piano. Serenaded by minstrels in the Loggia while picnicking in David and Victoria Thomas’ stunning gardens, they then gathered in the courtyard for pre-performance drinks generously provided by Nyetimber before taking their seats in the Barn.

Fittingly the first aria sung was ‘Libiamo’, the famous drinking song from ‘La Traviata’. More drinks were served in the interval during which a Grand Auction was held. Dendy Easton of ‘Antiques Roadshow’ fame, auctioneer for the evening, and unphased by a spit of rain, successfully knocked down lots ranging from rugby tickets with lunch thrown in to stays in holiday cottages. With the World Cup match of England v Panama about to begin Sarah Jane and Andrew concluded the performance with a stirring reprise from Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’ which the guests joined in with gusto: ‘Vincero, vincero’! They were then warmly invited by Club Chairman David Thomas to round off the evening with further glasses of sparkling wine.

Enormous thanks are due to those who kindly donated, sponsored and supported the event, including Nyetimber and club patron Lord Egremont through The Leconfield Estates, and to those who attended.

Petworth Lawn Tennis Club has two grass and two hard courts as well as a well-appointed Clubhouse. The club is keen to expand its membership not least in the Junior section.

For more information, visit: www.petworthtennis.co.uk