£1,000 raised at Sandford Summer Concert

A CONCERT held at St Swithun's Church, Sandford, on a lazy Sunday afternoon was a wonderful community event.

It began and concluded with the Moorland Mandolins (formerly the Mandolin Orchestra of Devon) who played pieces from the 16th century up to a recently written tango.

For most, this was the first time they had heard a mandolin orchestra and it was a professional treat.

The other music was supplied by Sandford's very own choir, Sandford Sings, conducted by Claire Anstee.

They performed two sets of acapella songs from around the world with skill and enthusiasm, even getting everyone to join in a Zulu song just before the interval.

This was a moment to remember the late Keith Stanlake who had been a member of the Singers choir and who also loved the church.

With generous donations for a handsome tea in the break, as well as a raffle for a luxury hamper, more than £1,000 was raised to be split between two worthy village causes. One was the Millennium Green and its work in renewing the pond; the other was towards the Churchyard Path Fund to create safe access for all.

Thanks went to the sponsors Sandford Crossing and Sandford Heritage Group and to everyone else who helped in any way to make it such a memorable summer event.