Singing for a worthy cause

PEOPLE in Westbury-on-Trym are part of a network of choirs that enjoy singing in the afternoon – and raise money for good causes as a bonus!

There are 24 Good Afternoon Choirs across the West Country and already in 2023 they have netted more than £14,000 for good causes. Each choir chooses its charity for the year in January.

The Bristol Good Afternoon Community Choir concert in May featured the Bristol Military Wives Choir and, in July, featured Bath based folk duo, Jiggedy. These concerts and other fundraising events have raised over £1,080 for their Bristol based chosen charity, Gympanzees, so far this year. 

More concerts are planned including an open Christmas celebration which will take place at Westbury Methodist Church on Monday December 11. Everyone welcome.

The Bristol Good Afternoon Choir is led by John Sandford and meets every Monday at Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church from 2-4pm. Following their summer break the choir starts back Singing in the Afternoon on Monday September 4. There are no auditions, everyone is welcome – come and meet us, there’s no charge for your first rehearsal. 

Many of the members will be looking forward to attending the annual Good Afternoon Choir ‘Big Sing’ which will take place in Wells Cathedral on Wednesday November 15. Over 500 singers will take part.

Across the West of England the 24 Good Afternoon Choirs have already raised £14,415 for many local charities. Choir Founder Grenville Jones said:

 “Last year our total was over £22,000 and with the fantastic support of choirs like the Bristol members and with Christmas concerts ahead, I am hoping we can reach £24,000 by the end of the year.”

See www.goodafternoonchoir.org for more details.