insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 141

CHARITY SPRING CHARITY CONCERT TO BE HELD IN AID OF DEMELZA Spring has nearly sprung and what better occasion to see in the new season than Kent's Spring Charity Concert on 22nd March? Organised in aid of Demelza, the Kent-based charity that offers hospice care to children, this spectacular show will play host to the likes of the Snowdown Colliery Male Voice Choir at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Ashford. The Snowdown Choir will be performing a wide-ranging repertoire of cover songs, from opera and West End musicals to spiritual and traditional airs, in addition to the many pieces that they will be singing at their Royal Albert Hall date next year. Boasting an 85-year history, the choir was founded by the men of the Kent coalfields – many of whom had travelled from Wales to work in the mines. Because of this rich heritage, the choir is renowned for singing the great Welsh hymns in the challenging Welsh language. Although originally a miner's choir, the organisation now draws their members from a wide area across Kent, each of whom make their mark by singing at many UK-wide concerts to raise funds for local churches, charities and community groups. Demelza supports the families of children with life threatened and life limiting conditions 141 throughout Kent by providing respite, end of life care and counselling. The charity gets very little government funding so relies on events like the Spring Charity Concert to continue this vital care. Doors will open at 7pm and the show will run from 7.30-10pm. Wine and nibbles will be provided on the night. Tickets cost £10 for adults and under 12s go free. To book yours, contact Margaret Hanlon on 01233 732684 or email [email protected]. www.snowdown-choir.co.uk www.demelza.org.uk