A DECEMBER concert given by a borough choir supported an organisation that helps to fund a primary school and an orphanage in Africa.
Titled A Christmas Celebration, the concert at St Teresa’s Church, Wokingham, brought together the voices of the South Berkshire Singers and children from the St Teresa’s Catholic Academy Chamber Choir.
More than 300 people were able to enjoy the event directed by Karen Phillips with accompaniment from Simon Dinsdale.
Music included: Vivaldi’s Gloria, Ave Maria, The Carol of the Bells; and Once in Royal David’s City.
Youngsters from St Teresa’s Catholic Academy Chamber Choir performed Something is Happening, The Love of God has Come, Welcome Jesus, and All over the Hills, directed by Krystle Hewitson, with accompaniment on the church organ from David Lumsden.
The two choirs together sang, By Candlelight, and Sleigh Ride, ending with a series of Christmas songs for the audience to join in with.
“South Berkshire Singers were delighted to raise so much money,” said Dave Donaldson.
“We perform three concerts a year, always in a church, and we usually raise money for that group’s chosen charity.
“This year we were joined by around 30 children from the St Teresa Acacemy choir, so lots of happy parents came to hear the music, and the church was absolutely packed.”
Proceeds from the concert, £3,000, went to Corpus Christi Africa Fund (CCAF.
The organisation supports Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School in Nairobi, Kenya, and SUUBI Orphanage near Entebbe, Uganda.
South Berkshire Singers also performed for the residents of Acorn Drive Retirement Home, and Wild Acres Care Home a few days later.
“I’m relatively new to the choir,” continued Mr Donaldson.
“It’s very friendly, and I’m very pleased I joined.
“The music is challenging but we have a very enthusiastic choir director to lead us.
“At the moment we have around 60 members, with three new joiners coming to our first rehearsal this month.
“It’s marvellous to turn up and sing – there are no auditions, tests, or having to sing on your own.
“You just join whichever group, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bass, that you think you are best suited to, and get on with it.”
The choir meets at All Saints School in Wokingham every Tuesday evening, at 7.30pm for a 7.30pm start.
People interested in joining should contact the membership secretary at: www.southberkshiresingers.org.uk or by contacting the choir via their Facebook page.
For more about the charity, visit: www.taycliff.com and search for Corpus Christi Africa Fund.
