A LOCAL highly successful choir has raised almost £4,000 at their recent sell-out charity Christmas concert.

Winchester Fusion Choir under the leadership of Marie O’Brien held their performance at St Peter’s and English Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, on Jewry Street, where the audience were warmly welcomed by Father Tom McGrath.

The singers participated in a wide ranging and eclectic programme of songs and Christmas music. A highlight being Karl Jenkins Adiemus sung in four parts and Driving Home for Christmas.

The 70-strong choir’s beautiful renditions were interspersed with poetry composed and performed by Sheila North, small group ensembles and soloists.

A total of £3,800 was shared between four local charities: Rose Road Association, GoLD Charity, Friends of the Family and St Vincent De Paul Society.

Beth Rogers, of the Rose Road Association,said: “The choir sang wonderfully and it was lovely to see just how much of your community your choir really is’. Viv Wheeler (Trustee, Friends of the Family) responded, ‘Your inspiration and talent shone through your choir, who clearly love to sing and gave everyone such an entertaining evening.”

An impressive amount of over £1,400 was raised alone from the raffle, star prizes being a Guy Kremer makeover and a glider flight around the Isle of Wight.

The choir were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Winchester, Eleanor Bell, and her escort, husband, Alex who were happy to attend and draw the winning raffle tickets.