CHOIR'S FREE SHOW FOR CHARITY

Beechwood Shopping Centre in Cheltenham is to host the Cotswold Male Voice Choir in aid of Classic FM’s charity Music Makers, which funds music education and therapy projects for disadvantaged children and adults.

The free afternoon concert in early October is part of their national 1-2-3 Sing! campaign which Classic FM says will be the biggest celebration of singing the UK has ever seen.

At least 30 members of the Cotswold Male Voice Choir will be singing a broad repertoire including male voice choir favourites, classic and operatic, big show numbers and popular music.

Beechwood centre manager Owen Acland said: “The choir contacted us after receiving an invitation from Classic FM because they knew we hosted other events.

“It is a win-win situation. They will be entertaining our customers for free and will hopefully raise a substantial sum for the Music Makers charity.”

Choir chairman Steve Allsup, said: “We also see it as a recruitment opportunity. No matter what any man thinks of his singing ability, I recommend they take the first step by coming along to a choir rehearsal, even if it is just to listen.

“I kept putting it off for six months before I joined. That was nine years ago and I haven’t looked back since.

“It’s fun, very relaxing and a terrific atmosphere. Apart from the health benefits to our singers, I always leave our Wednesday rehearsals at Dean Close School feeling uplifted.”

The Choir has a total membership of 43 with a six strong back-up staff including musical director Martin Dear.

Whether you are interested in singing or just want to listen, visit Beechwood Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 2.

They will be singing from 12 noon for two or three hours.

For more information about the Cotswold Male Voice Choir visit www.cotswoldmvc.org or phone 01242 511139.