A WOKINGHAM borough- based choir has raised more than £10,000 for local good causes since last September, writes choir member Ray Little.
Singers in the 60-strong Reading Male Voice Choir (RMVC) heard at their annual general meeting they had raised a total of £10,685 in the course of seven concerts this season, including £540 raised for the Thames Hospice at their last major concert of the season, at Taplow, in June.
Chairman John Kay said: “That total is no small feat, and is a tribute to your dedication.”
Musical director Clive Waterman added: “You get full marks for commitment, dedication and support.”
The season’s top earner, raising £3,568, was a concert with the Senior Songsters at Pangbourne College for the local branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, to celebrate the institution’s 200th anniversary.
Second was the sell-out Christmas concert with the Occasions Singers at Reading Minster which raised £2,393 for the church’s outreach activities.
The choir also took part in musical events with Crosfields school and Berkshire Music Trust, and in June it sang at the wedding, at the Minster, of local singer Elly Stevens who has appeared with the choir as guest artiste.
Concert secretary Martin Butler has arranged a full schedule for the choir starting in September with a weekend visit from the Mevagissey, Cornwall, Male Choir, who hosted the RMVC in April.
RMVC is due to sing in the Reading Salvation Army Christmas concert on December 6 and in the Minster Christmas concert on December 20.
Work also starts in September on the big event of the year, the third bi-annual Young Singers’ competition to be held in July.
For information, visit: rmvc.net
