Platinum Proms success

A musical extravaganza in Ellesmere raised £3,000 for local causes, including support for older people in the community.

The concert, in aid of Age UK North Shropshire Supporters and St Mary’s Church, featured Ellesmere College Choral Society and Ellesmere College students led by Director of Music, Tony Coupe, and the Shrewsbury Light Orchestra with conductor Peter Road-Night. Former college student, Rhian-Carys Jones, sang soprano alongside organist Kevin Whitley.

The programme included favourites from the Last Night of the Proms and pieces played at the late Queen’s Coronation in 1953. The audience also enjoyed songs by Simon & Garfunkel and the Beatles, and joined in singing songs from the musical Oklahoma.

Anne Wignall, chairperson of Age UK North Shropshire Supporters, said: ‘We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this evening such a great success and helped us to raise vital, much-needed funds.’

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said: ‘We are very grateful for all the hard work by the Age UK North Shropshire Supporters arranging this spectacular show and raising an amazing amount of money to support local older people. I thank everyone who came out and donated towards both causes; we very much appreciate it.’

The organisers would like to thank the event’s sponsors: ABP Food Group, Hordley, Bowen Son and Watson, Hall’s Estate Agents, Lakeside Coaches and Tudor Griffiths Group. Thanks also go to ticket sellers Ismay’s Fashions and Canvas & Clay and to Oteley, Meze and The Cheese Machine, who donated raffle prizes.