A BOROUGH music group has donated over £2,000 to a Norreys church building project.
All Saints Church in Wokingham recently opened its newly refurbished building.
The new space now functions as an arts venue and meeting space for the wider community, as well as serving the parish.
South Berkshire Singers gave a concert there in July, and have dedicated the proceeds to the church’s building project, which All Saints named, SpaceForAll.
Around 300 people came to the concert, raising the sum of £2,071.
Choir member Dave Donaldson, said: “It was a very enjoyable evening in which members of the choir, under the inspirational direction of Karen Phillips and our talented accompanist Simon Dinsdale, were all proud to play our part.
“We were joined by the children’s choir of St Teresa’s Catholic Academy, Wokingham, under the direction of Krystle Hewitson.
“The children performed four songs and sang, Captain Noah And His Floating Zoo, with us.
“Everyone worked very hard to learn this, along with, Feel The Spirit, The Turtle Dove, and The Seal Lullaby.
The choirs were joined by five professional musicians; tenor David Walder, Alex Kershaw on drums, Lionel Browne on bass guitar, Krystle Hewitson on flute, and Catherine Bickley, on clarinet.
All Saints Church treasurer Anne King and church warden John Burbury received the cheque.
Ms King explained that the SpaceForAll project has realised the church’s vision of a new community space for Wokingham’s growing population.
Whilst retaining its role as a parish church and place of worship, the new spacious building is accessible and flexible, as a community meeting space, inspiring arts venue, location for cultural and educational events, and a unique place for special occasions.
“This new spacious and flexible community space will help meet some of the pressing challenges residents of our community in this area of Wokingham will be facing in the next few years,” Ms King said.
On receiving the cheque, she added: “All Saints was really delighted that our SpaceForAll’ programme was chosen as the South Berkshire Singers’ charity of the year.
“We were overwhelmed by the success of the concert and extremely grateful for the money which will help to support and develop the space in the future.”
South Berkshire Singers describes itself as a friendly choir.
The group invites new members to join them, and promises a warm welcome.
Rehearsals take place at All Saints School in Wokingham every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.
For information, visit: www.southberkshiresingers.org.uk or the choir’s Facebook page.
