Organisers of a popular pre-Christmas concert in our village have revealed that it raised hundreds of pounds for humanitarian aid in war-torn Ukraine.
‘Handel’s Messiah’ is traditionally performed every two years by Ruddington & District Choral Society (RDCS) in St Peter’s Church. This time around, on Monday December 12th, its members chose the work of The British Red Cross in Ukraine as the good cause to support. Thanks to the generosity of the audience, following their performance a total of £500 was raised towards the aid effort.
RDCS Secretary Maggie Bar {pictured top right with Chair Jonathan Waite and Treasurer Debbie Anderton holding the cheque} explains: “RDCS is a charity, but we are in a position to raise money for another charity by means of a bucket collection. This voluntary donation scheme enables us to select a different organisation each couple of years, and this is based on members’ suggestions. This time there was very much common ground, so The British Red Cross work in Ukraine was chosen. The Messiah concert is always our charity concert, and raising five hundred pounds is a great achievement – so thank you everyone for being so generous!”
She adds: “Due to COVID, our December 2020 performance was not possible, so the recent event in St Peter’s Church was a very special occasion. Thank you to everyone who came along on what was a very cold evening.”
RDCS’s next concert in the Church is on 13th May 2023 at 7.30pm: “The previous week will see the Coronation of a new King and, very aptly, we are to perform music that is often associated with Coronations” reveals Maggie. “That includes some magnificent Handel, such as the ever popular Zadok the Priest.”
Meantime, choir meetings take place in St Peter’s School on Ashworth Avenue, every Monday during term time from 7.15pm, and newcomers are always welcome. You can attend RDCS rehearsals for three weeks before deciding whether you wish to join.
Before that, however, there’s another ‘Come and Try Us’ Morning in St Peter’s Church this Saturday January 14th from 10am until midday, and also look out for taster sessions later in the year like on 16th Sept, to which anyone interested in the choir is warmly invited. They will be singing through some of Handel’s Coronation Anthems – for which the sheet music will be provided.
You can find out more on their website at www.ruddingtonchoral.com.
{Photos courtesy of RDCS}
