THE Crediton Singers will be performing at the Methodist Church in Crediton on Saturday, June 24, starting at 7.30pm.

“This is a free concert in aid of FORCE, the local Cancer charity”, says Diane Cummings. “All our concerts are for local good causes. Instead of charging people for admission we much prefer audience members to make a donation at the end. So far we have raised hundreds of pounds for local charities including ELF, Balloons and Hospiscare.”

The group has been around for just three years and comprises around 20 singers. “It’s a choir full of people who never thought they’d be in a choir,” jokes Diane, “but they love practicing on Mondays and singing in concerts.

“Our repertoire has grown and at the two concerts we’ve got coming up - the second is at Stockleigh Pomeroy Church on July 1 at 7.30pm - we’re singing a wide range of stuff including gospel music, two of Elton John’s biggest hits (‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, and ‘Candle In The Wind’), an Abba medley, a chorus from ‘My Fair Lady’ and anthems by John Rutter.

“If you like Italian opera we offer Verdi’s famous ‘Va Pensiero’ and supporting music by English composers including the beautifully haunting ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ by Philip Stopford.”

The Singers, under the direction of Tim Matthews, are also welcoming to the concert local younger talents including folk violinist Freya Jones and pianist Daniel Toll, both of whom attend QE School.

Jason Bomford, tenor, who also lives in Crediton, will be adding his considerable singing talents to proceedings.

Refreshments will be available and there is ample parking locally.

“This concert comes at the end of the 2017 Credfest,” adds Diane, “and we think that it is a happy coincidence that our concert should be held at this time because is goes to show how much enthusiasm for music there is locally. It would be wonderful to see a big audience at the concerts and we encourage people to join in the choruses!”

Alan Quick