The Voices of Lecale choir have handed over a cheque for £4,000 to Down / Lisburn branch of the Alzheimer’s Society said Laura Plummer, Musical Director of the Voices of Lecale.
“This sum was raised by sales to date of our second CD ‘Journeys’ – an album of folk songs and music from round the world. The CD was recorded in the beautiful location of Tobhar Mhuire Retreat Centre, Crossgar, and features special guest Tommy Sands who sings his own song ‘Down by the Laganside’ with us on track 15. Tommy is also the new Patron of the choir.”
Speaking at the presentation at the St Patrick Centre, John Huddleston, Chairman of the Alzheimer’s group said: “I am delighted to receive this unexpectedly large sum of money. It really is a credit to your group for making such a magnificent effort. This is out largest cheque to date.
“These funds will go towards providing care and support for those suffering from Alzheimers and will help local people with dementia and their carers.”
Laura Plummer added: “Since the choir was founded five years ago we have raised over £12,000 for a range of charities. Our new charity for 2012/13 is PIPS (prevention of suicide). Fundraising for good causes is not our primary aim (which is to enjoy singing together) – but it is a good spin-off!
“To make this CD the choir ran an amazing fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of the project (as we were passing on the profits to another charity we were not eligible for Arts Council or lottery funding).
“So many people helped and supported us along the way – everything from giving their time, providing a recording venue, expertise or other resources, supporting our sponsored sings, buying ballot tickets and actually buying copies of the CD!
“The choir’s next performance is during the Christkindl Festival in Downpatrick on Saturday 1 December at 2pm when we’ll be singing at an event called ‘Carols at the Café’ in the St Patrick Centre,” said Laura.
