On a sunny Sunday in May 2025, local musicians Serafini brought their ‘pop up’ 18th century style Coffee House to St Marys Church Hall, Potters Bar. Over fifty people were entertained to a whole afternoon of delightful live music, raising the magnificent sum of £1,125 for Cherry Lodge Cancer Care.
Serafini, who have been playing together for 15 years, specialise in performing chamber music from the baroque era (early 17th century to mid-18th century) composed primarily for entertainment in the intimate environment of a drawing room or supper club.
The event was organised by ensemble member and baroque flautist, Janet Marsh, as a special thank you to Cherry Lodge for their wonderful support during her own cancer diagnosis and treatment over the past two years. Janet also sends thanks to Tina and Kirsty for their help with promoting this event and also on the day.
Joined by fellow musicians Trisha Montague (violin), Dinah Beamish (cello), and keyboardist Elizabeth Dockrell-Tyler, the ensemble treated the audience to a programme of musical gems by J.S. Bach, Telemann, Rameau, Couperin, Graun, and Quantz , interspersed with a selection of entertaining ‘Tales from the Coffee House’.
For many in the audience, unfamiliar with this charming and relaxing style of music, the afternoon was a joyful revelation. The ensemble captivated the audience with their stylish performance and were rewarded with enthusiastic applause.
As an accompaniment to the music a wide selection of home-made cakes were available – coffee and walnut, tarte au citron, apple flan, Victoria sponge with strawberries and cream, and even fruit cake with Wensleydale cheese – together with plentiful hot and cold drinks.
A wonderful team of volunteer helpers included two young Ranger Guides attired in 18th century style coffee house aprons, all in keeping with the historic theme of the afternoon.
Seated at tables decorated with flowers, the audience clearly enjoyed the informality of eating and drinking in a relaxed setting while listening to the music.
Five lucky raffle winners also took home special coffee house themed prizes, including a bumper hamper filled with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits, and chocolates.
As the last piece of music came to an end, one appreciative member of the audience said: ”It was the most enjoyable afternoon of music I’ve been to in a long time. The playing was superb. And the cakes were delicious!”
Cherry Lodge sends warm thanks to the Serafini Ensemble for putting on this fundraising event, and also thanks Janet Marsh for her account of what was clearly a very enjoyable and successful afternoon.
