Photo Cheques Presentation (L-R): Rachel Sloane (choir founder), Maureen Weekes (choir charity raffle co-ordinator), Jo Webster (League of Friends for Felixstowe Hospital), Jo Revett (Dora Brown), Clare Burman (Guide Dogs for the Blind) and Emily Bennett (choir music coach). Photo: Norman Lloyd
Felixstowe Community Choir held a Family and Friends Concert, at The Orwell Hotel on Monday 15th April, where they presented cheques for £500 to four charities chosen by choir members: Dora Brown, League of Friends for Felixstowe Hospital, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Suffolk Animal Rescue. Attending were Jo Webster (League of Friends for Felixstowe Hospital), Jo Revett (Dora Brown), and Clare Burman (Guide Dogs for the Blind). Suffolk Animal Rescue were not able to send a representative. The money was raised by the choir’s weekly raffle and from choir funds.
“We are very pleased to donate more money to some very good causes,” said choir founder, Rachel Sloane. “Charities are nominated by choir members annually and then a vote decides where the money will go. Over the nearly twelve years we have been going, our not-for-profit community choir has given £38,500 directly to charities, as well as appearing in many fundraising concerts.”
“The League of Friends were honoured to be chosen as one of the charities to attend last night’s concert, which was really uplifting,” said Jo Webster. “Receiving a cheque for £500 was a wonderful surprise! The League of Friends raises funds to buy items that improve the hospital environment for both patients and staff and as such £500 will make a real difference, so thank you.”
Jo Revett, from Dora Brown added, “The team at Dora Brown are so grateful for the choir's support. Every penny of your donation will help Dora continue to help local families in crisis, creating habitable, functioning and supportive places to live in again.”
The choir has appeared at the Spa Pavilion, Ipswich Regent and regularly sings with the Festival Orchestra for Music in Felixstowe.
Felixstowe Community Choir is very informal and friendly, with the 50 - 60 singers, men and women aged over 18, meeting on a Monday evening at The Orwell Hotel, 7.30-9.30pm. The cost is £5 a night, there is no audition, no sheet music and no special clothes to buy. There is a charity raffle each week.