AN excited Val Mitchell had come from Wendover to watch some of her Women’s Institute colleagues, Joyful Divas Sing, in their choir at Waddesdon Festival over the weekend. Called MAD about Waddesdon its name derives from Music, Arts, Dance and Drama and is fast becoming a diary date in Buckinghamshire bringing together enthusiasts from around the county and beyond.

Mrs Mitchell said: “This really is a good thing. There’s so much to see and do and all of the people seem to be enjoying themselves. The choir was lovely and all the children dancing; and it is all made so much better by the super weather.”

The Joyful Divas were formed last year as part of the National Federation of Women’s Institute’s initiative ‘Singing for Joy’.

After the choir had its set on Sunday, there was still plenty to come including Larkmead School’s dance team from Abingdon with a modern take on Hansel and Gretel.

An energetic Urban Strides crew then took to the Bandstand stage with a rollicking, foot-stomping dance which drew the crowds closer to the stage, many joining in the rhythm, obviously enjoying themselves. Others watched from further away, picnicking while listening to the music and catching glimpses of the dancers’ routine through bobbing heads in front.

Then it was a change of theme when Hart Beats drumming group played a striking set with a West African flavour; intricate patterns on the djembe and dundun drums under mainstay Justine Hart who teaches the instruments in High Wycombe and Wendover. The group is now celebrating its 15th anniversary since starting up in Buckinghamshire.

Over in the Sing Workshop marquee a number of different workshops had gone on throughout the day including baby signing, the Kercher School of Dance, Kobika Starlites Cheerling, Urban Strides and Sing – the latter bringing people interested in choir singing together and giving them a chance to try out their talents before possibly joining a choir full-time.

Meanwhile out on the lawns were carnival rides, bungee jumping, foodstalls and more for people of all ages and interests to try. It was a genuine weekend of something for everyone and obviously popular with several thousands of people taking advantage of the sunshine to watch or join in.