A CHANCE meeting between two local heroes at an honours award ceremony in Wokingham has led to a windfall of more than £900 for survivors of domestic abuse after a ground-breaking sell-out concert by two of Berkshire’s leading choirs.
Clive Waterman, musical director of the 60-strong Reading Male Voice Choir and Vickie Robertson, founder and chief executive of Wokingham-based Kaleidoscopic UK, met earlier this year when they were presented with their British Empire Medals for services to the community.
Clive returned to the choir and suggested they mount a special concert in October – domestic abuse month – to raise funds for the charity and awareness of domestic violence.
“When I put it to the choir they were very enthusiastic,” he said.
“I was very impressed by Vickie and her determination to prevent what she endured happening to others and to show survivors that it is possible to get out of an abusive relationship.”
“Her organisation needs money to expand.
“It seems natural for an all-male choir that raises funds for good causes to help repair the damage done by abuse.”
“It is the first time we have raised money to combat domestic violence and I am grateful to Vickie for letting us help.”
Reading A440 mixed-voice choir, directed by Charlie Penn, partnered the male voice choir in the concert at All Saints’ church, Norreys this month.
Mother of four Vickie founded Kaleidoscopic UK in 2019 after surviving a dozen years of domestic abuse herself, and after a childhood in a violent family.
She said: “This is an amazing result from a fantastic concert.
“I have lots of ideas for helping survivors and we need every penny we can get.
“I am truly grateful to both choirs.”
The charity, which has received enquiries from Europe, America and Australia and Russia, empowers survivors with support groups and education courses, both face-to-face and online.
Vickie is campaigning for more recognition and protection for women who have broken off violent relationships.
“This is the time of greatest risk”, she said.
“Two women a week are killed in England and Wales after separation, and every 30 seconds across the country there is a call to police about domestic abuse.
“Last year Thames Valley Police received 56,000 calls – more than 1000 a week.”
She also wants more domestic abuse training for court officials, court staff, lawyers, sentencers and their advisors after her own experience of seeking court protection.
All Saints Rector, Rev Hannah Higginson, said: “I am delighted the concert raised so much for Kaleidoscopic UK and raised awareness of their vital work. “With two brilliant choirs coming together in our beautiful church, it was a great event.”
Our thanks go to guest writer Ray Little for this article.
For information, visit: rmvc.net, a440choir.org.uk, kaleidoscopic.ukand allsaintswokingham.org.uk
