January 18, 2024 – At their recent Monday rehearsal evening The Rushmoor Odd Fellows Male Voice Choir welcomed Rodney Bates, Manager of Farnham ASSIST, to receive monies donated by the audience at their Christmas concert in December. With Gift Aid included this totalled over £1,000. The concert featured several Christmas themed songs from the choir and guest performances from the St. Lawrence Chobham Handbell Ringers lent an even more festive air to the proceedings. It culminated in a joint performance of Ding! Dong! Merrily On High which was very enthusiastically received. This was the choir’s first major outing under the leadership of new Musical Director, Philip Viveash-Brainch, who also delighted the audience by even teaching them to sing a piece in the round.

Presenting the donation, choir Chairman, Peter Viveash, said “We are very glad to support Farnham ASSIST, as many of our members are only too aware of the potential dangers of isolation as you get older”. Farnham ASSIST is a charity that has for over 20 years offered support to older people in Farnham who live alone or are carers who may become isolated from friends and neighbours. It offers a range of events and activities for around 200 people in the area.

Accepting the donation on behalf of Farnham ASSIST, Rodney Bates said “We are absolutely delighted to partner with the Choir for their Christmas Concert and extremely grateful for their support towards our local charity.   This money will directly go towards supporting older people in Farnham living alone and enabling opportunities to enjoy activities together.   Many of our clients and volunteers also came to the concert and greatly enjoyed the evening. We would like to thank the Choir and wish them well in their future community endeavours.”

The Hampshire and Surrey Hills Men's Choir is kicking off the new year with a major focus on recruiting men singers to join in the fun of singing in a choir. With three new members already in the first couple of weeks the future is looking bright, but anyone interested is welcome to come along to a rehearsal to try it out – there is no audition or need to even read music. For details of when and where the rehearsals are, or for further information about joining the choir, email mensingingtogether@gmail.com.