The Merlin Music Society held what would have been the first concert of the 51st season on Thursday 12th September. The audience of 99 was treated to a song recital by Anna Huntley and James Baillieu.

Unfortunately, falling membership numbers in recent years has meant that it is no longer sustainable to promote concerts of this calibre, and the committee, in collaboration with members, recently took the decision to close the society.

The society, not wishing to cancel artists at short notice, offered tickets free of charge, and the society was delighted to see so many members of the community attend.

An EGM was held before the concert, enabling the committee to explain more fully to members the reasons for closure.

The EGM also gave supporters, past and present, the opportunity to express their gratitude to The Merlin Music Society, and the committee was grateful to hear such positive comments on the society's contribution to cultural life in Monmouth.

Had the society been able to sustain an audience of close to 100 at each concert in recent years, then closure would not have been inevitable.

One more concert will be promoted by the Merlin Music Society on Tuesday 10th December given by the Welsh Chamber Orchestra, presenting a programme of seasonal music by Bach, Handel and others, in The Blake Theatre at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £10 and are available from The Blake Theatre box office.

The photograph shows past and present committee members, including Rachel Underwood (Chairman), David Lawson (Music Director), Tony Ferguson (Vice-Chairman) Stephen Shaw (Treasurer), PJ Shaw (Secretary), Christine Ferguson (Membership Secretary), Sheila Clitheroe (Programmes Secretary), Alison Milledge and Ted Bannister.