A FULL and varied evening of folk-based music is promised on Tuesday, March 15, at Crediton Congregational Church. The title of the event, "Songs of Love and Loss", suggests a moving and uplifting experience.

The music will start at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm). Admission is free, but donations will be invited at the end. Food and drink will also be available by donation.

The evening is being held in aid of the charity "Volunteers for Mental Health", with musicians performing for free, and all proceeds going to support this unique small charity that has been working for 20 years to improve conditions for patients living inside a closed psychiatric institution in Romania.

Clare Rose (Trustee) has been touched by the extraordinary generosity of spirit shown by those involved and is delighted that the evening has been supported by such an inspirational line-up of local musicians, and headlined by the highly respected and popular singer/songwriter Reg Meuross.

Clare said: “I am passionate about the work we do and enormously grateful to all the musicians for giving of their time and talents to support our work. I hope that very many local people will wish to go along and enjoy the concert and reflect on the power of music to make connections!”

Reg Meuross is a master storyteller who brilliantly sets his stories to music, making unforgettable melodious songs that he plays and sings beautifully. He has a haunting quality in his voice that just draws you in, backed up by complete ease on the guitar.

He will be joined by singer/harpist Anna Tanvir who has recently moved to Crediton.

Anna has been living in France and India and is known for her beautiful voice and celtic harp. She has played in venues all over France, India and Madagascar and sings in five different languages, drawing inspiration from traditional melodies with universal themes.

Anna has been working with the community choir, Mellow D, for the last few months.

The flourishing 25-strong vocal group has been performing for nearly two decades, and is made up of singers drawn from all around the Crediton area. They sing for the sheer joy of it and the pleasure they give to their audience.

John Richards is well-known in Devon and has many local fans. He has a lovely deep voice and is a great guitarist too. He and Anna have played together on and off for nearly 40 years.

There will also be three students from QE School taking part. Alice Turner (11), Kiri Lee (16) and Megan Mahon (18), join what promises to be a warm-hearted musical evening.

Alan Quick