Music, Prosecco, and community spirit lit up St Nicholas Church last Saturday, 28th June, as the Friends of St Nicholas hosted their eagerly anticipated second annual “Prosecco, Proms and Pastries” evening.
Building on the success of last year, the 2023 event was promised to be bigger and better – with tickets selling out just days in advance. Draped in patriotic red, white, and blue, the church was adorned in tribute to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, complete with military uniforms on display.
Residents of Withernsea turned out in force for the occasion, joined by local dignitaries including South East Holderness Ward Councillor Sean McMaster, Withernsea Mayor Alex Camplin, representatives from HM Coastguard and the RNLI, and members of the Armed Forces and Veterans’ Breakfast Club.
The entertainment for the evening was once again provided by the Withernsea Ladies’ Choir, led by Patrick Pearson and accompanied by Paul Pike. Their repertoire of classics delighted the audience, who later joined in jubilantly during the second half to sing beloved anthems such as You’ll Never Walk Alone, Jerusalem, and God Save the King.
During the interval, attendees enjoyed glasses of sparkling Prosecco and an assortment of pastries generously supplied by the Spotted Duck tearoom in Fitling. A special moment of the evening saw the mayor presented with her very own “Withernsea Riff-Raff” hoodie, a token of appreciation for her ongoing support of the church’s projects.
Organiser Flo Fogg-Stevens reflected on the event’s success:
“The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing! There were so many smiles and a wonderful sense of community. It was fantastic to see even more people attending this year – including individuals who had never set foot in the church before.”
Darrin Stevens, Chairman of the Friends of St Nicholas Church, shared similar sentiments:
“The spirit of the evening was incredible. Smiles all around, and such a lot of fun had by everyone. It takes a tremendous amount of effort, and we had a brilliant team of 12 volunteers who worked tirelessly to set up on the day and during the event. The food and drink included with tickets made it a great value night out – truly a win-win! While we always worry about whether people will enjoy themselves, seeing the lively sing-alongs and the glowing feedback proved it was all worth it. The stand-out surprises this year were the impressive flags and those big bangs!”
A total of £1,300 was raised on the night, with funds being distributed between the Churches Conservation Trust, the St Nicholas clock restoration fund, and the Friends of St Nicholas Church. An additional £60 raised from the sale of cakes and refreshments was donated to the Withernsea Armed Forces and Veterans’ Breakfast Club (AFVBC).
Councillor Sean McMaster was full of praise for the occasion, stating:
“It was wonderful to see Withernsea residents coming together for an evening of great music and even greater community spirit – all to support a fantastic cause. The Withernsea Ladies’ Choir truly shone, and the audience’s energy was electric. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Friends of St Nicholas and their phenomenal volunteers for organising such an enjoyable and inclusive event.”
Mayor Alex Camplin echoed his comments:
“It’s heartening to see our community rallying behind events like these. The Ladies’ Choir were once again outstanding, and the audience participation made the evening even more special. Huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this event to life – may it continue to foster joy and connection in Withernsea for years to come.”
Reflecting on the atmosphere, a Withernsea Ladies’ Choir spokeswoman added:
“The audience participation was brilliant – loud and enthusiastic throughout! Wartime favourites filled the air alongside our harmonies, creating an unforgettable evening. All credit to the organisers, who outdid themselves yet again. Everyone left beaming from ear to ear.”
Darren England, Chairman of the Withernsea AFVBC, expressed his gratitude:
“What a tremendous night! It’s only the second year of this event, and it just keeps getting better. The Withernsea Ladies’ Choir were exceptional, and the community spirit was palpable. We were especially touched by the decision to donate funds from cake and scone sales to support local veterans. Those contributions will make a real difference to the lives of former servicemen and women in South Holderness.”
As the evening came to a close, the strong sense of camaraderie and joy left its mark, with attendees already looking forward to next year’s Proms, Prosecco, and Pastries night – an event sure to remain a highlight on Withernsea’s community calendar.
