History of The SLRO - Into the 21st Century
New Associations and Fundraising (continued)
Rehearsals are usually attended by between twenty and thirty players, varying in age from teenagers right through to octogenarians. Most players live in south Liverpool although a few come from further afield in Merseyside, Knowsley, Warrington and Widnes. Until recently, our staunch French horn player, Shirley Kenyon, had travelled every week from her home in Worsley, west Manchester, having originally met Liverpool players at the Grasmere (now Rydal) Orchestra. Commitment indeed!
Liverpool Hope's School of Creative and Performing Arts is gradually moving to its new location, The Cornerstone, known as Hope at Everton, L3. Although the Music staff are retaining the Music Salon's use at Hope Park, the College's set of timps will be based at Everton. The SLRO was therefore faced with a major dilemma either to buy a set of timps or to move to the Everton site. The idea of relocation was unpopular with many of the members for a variety of reasons, despite the Committee having been impressed by the facilities and their concern that most of future music students will be living there too. This is a factor which will obviously affect Liverpool Hope student membership of the Orchestra in the years ahead. Through Des O'Hare's contacts, a second-hand set of timps is currently being purchased and will be kept at Hope Park when Ian Sheppard has organised the necessary repairs. Professor Stephen Pratt has kindly agreed that the College will help with costs. In return, the College will have use of the instruments should a set be needed at Hope Park.