History of The SLRO - Into the 21st Century
New Associations and Fundraising (continued)
Mention must be made of the social aspect of Tuesday evenings. Until the beginning of the 2001-2 season, hot drinks and biscuits had always been smoothly managed by Eileen Tregunna and prepared by herself and/or with the help the late Dot Danher (timpani) and Margaret Dee at the interval. At Christmas, Eileen would present the players with beautifully arranged light refreshments and alcoholic drinks. Eileen has now handed over this catering responsibility entirely to Margaret Dee and Anna Robinson (percussion). Recent conversion of the 'tea room' means it is now only possible to serve cold drinks with the biscuits; a retrograde step. The drinks interval has enabled the SLRO to create a friendly environment, with members mixing well without regard to age group, profession or instrument. This socialising has led to Phil Newton suggesting a more ambitious social gathering. It will take the form of a buffet before members attend the College's Psappha Concert in March 2002. One of Professor Stephen Pratt's piano compositions, 'Winter Fantasy' will feature in the programme. This event epitomises the beneficial symbiotic relationship of the SLRO and the College (now renamed Liverpool Hope University College).
As will be apparent from the foregoing text, the SLRO is run on democratic lines and its continued success is due to its many members' cooperation and input. It has been a guiding principle of the original SLRO founder members that the Orchestra should not be run by or be dependent upon the say so of one or two for its existence.