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CONCERT.- We have before had occasion to notice how agreeably, through the interest and assistance of a few ladies and gentlemen, the inhabitants of Castlethorpe and neighbourhood, have been enabled to spend an evening, and we revert to the subject with pleasure. Those who know anything of human nature, know how beneficial to mankind is social intercourse. And few can measure in words how powerful for good it is, when one common object is in view, and that object mutual benefit and improvement. One of the readiest and most pleasing methods of promoting kindliness and good fellowship, is through the medium of music, which stirs the emotions, assuages discord, sooths, cheers, and invigorates the mind; it nerves the soldiers to battle, and in all its various spheres, life is a battle, and every community is part of a great army requiring to be prompted to fight against the common evils of ignorance and vice. That we must support our schools and further education, is a fact patent to everyone, from the loftiest statesman to the humblest cottager, but as “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy,” so it is equally appreciated, the healthful and refined recreation is as essential to the sentiments, we have much pleasure in expressing our satisfaction with the excellent entertainment afforded at Castlethorpe on the evening of Tuesday last. In consequence of the indisposition of the Rev. J. Wiglesworth, the duties of chairman devolved upon Mr. H. Pike, who kindly undertook the office at the last moment. The doors were open at seven, and the rapid influx soon showed what an interest was taken in the well chosen programme. Towards half-past seven scarcely a seat was to be had. A duet, the Madame Angot Qyadrilles, played by Miss Walpole and Miss D. Walpole, with admirable precision, opened the entertainment. This was followed by a glee from a class of children trained by Master T. Varney, to whose indefatigable exertions, the young trebles would have done more justice, had they had their leader to give them confidence, which in a public performance is indispensable to perfect success. In Master T. Varney’s absence, they were ably accompanied by Miss D. Walpole; and we much admired “Lightly tread, ‘tis hallowed ground”; and the assistance given by the bass voice of Mr. T. Gregory, Mr. H. Cowley and Mr. G. Nicholls was a great advantage. A recitation by Miss W. Mansel, “The Magpie’s lecture,” was given in her well-known happy manner. “Wild Bells” sung by Miss S. Varney, who has a sweet soprano voice, with evident fluency and accuracy of tone. Great applause was elicited by “Hunting Tower,” a duet sung by Mr. T. and Miss Pike, and the last verse was repeated. “In Shadow Land,” a very pretty song was sung with great taste and feeling by Miss Walpole. “Oh Belle Mahone,” a graceful melody was very nicely sung by Mr. T. Gregory, and the refrain in which Messrs. H. Cowley, and G. Nicholls joined was particularly effective. Mr. W. Pike was vehemently encored in a comic song “Oh fie for shame,”; and the dry humour of Mr. Shakeshaft was much appreciated in another of the same character. The second part commenced with an instrumental piece played by Miss D. Walpole, with the lightness of touché and charming execution, which delights all real lovers of music. Mr. T. Pike gave great pleasure in his naïve reading of “The Bashful Man,” and retired amidst much applause. Miss Watts reached some of the tenderest feelings of her audience in “Home Sweet Home,” and was compelled to yield to the repeated encores. Mr. C. Whiting sang “You naughty, naughty, man,” in a most genial and unaffected manner, which gained him the greatest approval, and he sang the last verse again, in accordance with the vehemently expressed wishes of the audience. Of Miss Mancel’s most excellent recitation “Phaeton Junior,” we can only say with all those who had the happiness of hearing her, that we wished for more. The proceedings closed with “God Save the Queen,” which was sung enthusiastically by all present.
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