Belper choir hands over funds to charity

The presentation took place at the recent traditional Christmas concert at All Saints United Church, Stanley Common.

BelCanto handed over the cheque to the Derbyshire county co-ordinator for Help for Heroes, Paula Allen.

An audience of approximately 100 were entertained with a night of anecdotes, comedy and many of BelCanto’s favourite pieces together with Christmas songs and carols.

Paula Allen was delighted with BelCanto’s achievement and said that the only way that Help for Heroes can continue their work in assisting the injured armed forces personnel when they return from conflict is by people like BelCanto and their audiences working hard to raise much needed cash.

Paula told the audience that Help for Heroes started seven years ago by building a swimming pool at Hedley Court Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit and they are now involved in running four recovery centres in the UK working closely with the MOD and The Royal British Legion.

The £4,260 was raised by BelCanto by creating and producing a musical show Only Remembered which was performed on five occasions during the summer in commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

The shows all received terrific applause from the audiences of approximately 700 people in total. BelCanto Male Chorus would like to thank their sponsors of the shows: The Rolls Royce Retirement Association, Robert Kirkland, GK Motor Group, Dales Housing, Acclaim Housing and David Allen of William Twigg Matlock Ltd.

BelCanto Male Chorus is based in Belper. A spokesperson said: “We aim to introduce our audiences to a new génre of male choral music.

“BelCanto intends to make male voice singing an interesting, enjoyable and stimulating experience for those new to group singing and a new challenge to those already familiar with male voice choirs.

“Our small group first came together on October 6, 2009, under the musical direction of Andrew White and accompanist Sîan Mosley. We produce some beautiful sounds and enjoy the camaraderie which singing together brings.”

Belcanto rehearse each Tuesday evening from 7.45pm to 9.45pm in Belper Baptist Church, Bridge Street, Belper. New members are always given a warm welcome.