MIDLANDS Today presenter Joanne Malin will compere a special evening of entertainment to celebrate 50 years of the Housman Society.
Joanne, who has lived in Bromsgrove for the last eight years, has stepped in after fellow presenter Nick Owen was forced to pull out.
She said: “I’m delighted to step in and help with what will be a really lovely evening of poetry and music.
“At the moment Nick, who is a close colleague and friend, is recovering from surgery, so when he asked me to stand in for him, I didn’t hesitate.
“I’m certainly not a Housman specialist but I’m excited to be learning more about our town’s famous son in the setting of his old school.”
The Housman Celebration is on Monday, July 10, at Routh Concert Hall, Bromsgrove School.
The event starts at 6.30pm with a drinks reception and, as well as Joanne introducing the evening and reading a poem or two, includes some of the famous poet’s work put to music courtesy of the The Dante Quartet, with renowned pianist Benjamin Frith.
Tenor Alessandro Fisher will also sing the magnificent Housman settings by Worcestershire’s Ian Venables. Completing the cast and reading work from Bromsgrove’s famous poet are Housman Society members Linda Hart and Max Hunt.
Organiser Jo Slade, from the Bromsgrove Society, said: “The BBC’s Nick Owen has a deep affection for Housman and his poems, so we are sorry he’s no longer available.
“We do hope he is back to full strength soon.
“Having met with Joanne Malin and felt her enthusiasm for Bromsgrove and our celebration event, I know this is going to be a wonderful evening.
“We have 100 tickets left to sell, and I hope the local community will come out and enjoy this fantastic event.”
Tickets are available at Decanter Spirit on the High Street, online at bromsgrove-school.co.uk/boxoffice or by calling 01527 579679
