A spring concert in Northallerton has raised more than £1,100 for a local charity supporting mental and emotional wellbeing.
Northern Voices, a mixed choir from Darlington, performed at Northallerton Methodist Church on Saturday, April 24, in an evening celebrating music, community and fundraising.
The choir, which was formed in 2011, returned to Northallerton for the first time in eight years.
Its links with the town include former choir member Iris Smith, who is now a trustee of The Living Rooms charity.
The organisation operates as a community hub in the centre of Northallerton, offering support for mental and emotional wellbeing and helping tackle loneliness and isolation.
Trustees from the charity said: “The Living Rooms, a registered charity, is a welcoming community hub in the heart of Northallerton.
“We focus on mental and emotional well-being for all, providing a safe space where it is OK not to be OK.
“We aim to reduce isolation and loneliness, offering hospitality and a listening ear in a quiet space.
“We have no statutory funding and rely on donations, fundraising and grants.
“We are extremely grateful to Northern Voices for giving up their time and for providing wonderful entertainment and assisting us with our fundraising.”
The concert featured a varied programme ranging from choral classics by Edward Elgar to songs from West Side Story and Mary Poppins.
Solo performances were given by Judith Redfern and Helena Butterfield, while Paul and Lynne Arnold entertained the audience with a humorous rendition of The Glens.
One of the evening’s standout moments came when outgoing choir chairman Tony Grylls performed Bring Him Home from Les Misérables.
In total, the event raised £1,187.17 for The Living Rooms.
Gillian Sild, the choir’s musical director, said: “It has been so fantastic to return to Northallerton after so long.
“It was great to meet old friends and make some new ones.
“But most of all it was a privilege to sing in front of such a warm and receptive audience and raise money for an important local charity.
“I’m sure it won’t be another eight years before we return.”
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