MUSIC TO OUR EARS

A community choir has been given a ‘grand’ start to the festive season.

For Cambuslang and Rutherglen Rock ‘n’ Pop Chorus has been awarded £1000 by the local area committee.

The cash boost will enable the group – set up in 2011 to bring people together in song – to buy a digital keyboard. This new equipment will enhance the live performances the group undertakes across the year.

The 50-strong chorus is open to residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen and meets weekly at Rutherglen Old Parish Church. Here, the talented group rehearses for a variety of performances across the year including the annual Landemer Day.

Area committee chair, Councillor Russell Clearie and depute chair, Councillor Richard Tullett, went along to the Rutherglen Exchange shopping centre at the weekend where the group was entertaining Christmas shoppers as part of the ‘Music in the Mall’ series. And after handing over the ‘big cheque’ they even sang a few carols along with the choir.

Secretary Kim Jackson, said: “The event at the weekend was a great way to get into the festive spirit and being presented with the £ 1000 cheque was the icing on the cake.

“This will give us the chance to invest in a keyboard and perform with ‘live accompaniment’ rather than to backing tracks.

“We are very grateful to the area committee and delighted that the councillors came down to watch us perform.”

Councillor Clearie added: “There is a great joy in coming together to sing, and the chorus provides an opportunity for local people to do just that. The health and wellbeing boosts of music and song are well documented and I am delighted that the area committee has been able to support such effort.”

The chorus is keen to start a junior section in early 2015 and will soon be advertising for young people of primary five age and over who love to sing.

For more information on how to apply for a community grant, visit www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk.