Kentish Express Ashford & District
Choral concert boosts coffers
A community choir raised more than £1,000 for charity at a concert to celebrate a group’s 50th anniversary.
Ashford Community Choir “Love to Sing!” put on the show at St Mary’s Parish Church with the Ashford Guitar Ensemble.
The concert marked the 50th anniversary of the Ashford Soroptimists, the town’s branch of an international club that transforms the lives of women and children worldwide, and cash raised was donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s East Kent Development Group.
Musical director Tessa Fineman said: “Dave Green’s talented young guitarists and gifted vio- linist Emmanuel Webb played some brilliant ensemble and solo pieces and the fabulous choir sang and danced to songs from the shows as well as presenting a rousing First World War medley to a packed and appreciative audience.
“Enormous thanks are due to Astra West, president of the Ashford Soroptimists, and Colin Preece, Vicar of St Mary’s, for helping organise such a wonder- ful concert and for making everyone feel so welcome.”
The concert was particularly poignant for Tessa as she stepped down from her role after seven years due to health issues.
Phil Jones, Diane Bradfield, Betty Joynson and Barry Andrews led the choir in her place, accompanied by pianist Jean Smith, and Karen Hill has been appointed the new musical director.
Secretary Maureen Andrews will also be bidding farewell to the choir at the end of term as she is retiring.
The choir meets in the performing arts studio at Highworth Grammar School, Quantock Drive, Ashford, from 7pm to 8.30pm every Tuesday in term time and new members are always welcome.
See www.ashfordcommunitychoir.com for more.