Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone, we hope you all had a wonderful festive season! As it is the start of another year I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to all the friends and supporters of the WAGS choir as well as update you on some of our news.

Sam's Hadrian's Wall Challenge

Many of you will be aware that our lovely Sam walked Hadrian’s wall earlier in the year to raise money for the Military WAGS choir. This would be challenging for most but it is even more of an accomplishment for Sam due to her heart condition.

We wanted to update you on Sam’s progress:

“Myself, my husband Kev and father in law Colin completed the 84 miles in 6 days. It was much tougher going than I had anticipated but an experience that I will never forget. Carol (our Musical Director) and her husband William Gedye joined us for a couple of days as did Casper Gibbons (our Fundraising coordinator Sue's husband.)

The support we received was fantastic, Sarah Gilbody met with us along the route to cheer us on, in Catterick Hannah organised a coffee morning and Fiona a cake sale.

We were also well publicised via BFBS radio, Facebook and our website too. We would also like to thank to purple creative for the lovely little write up on their website too.

The total raised was £1090 which was equally divided between the WAGS, British Heart foundation and Aylsham (Norfolk) parish church. Between personal sponsors, Just Giving and Text Giving Sam and Colin raised £1090.00 which they have divided between three charities, the WAGS, The British Heart Foundation and the Aylsham Church Organ Appeal. “

As you can see with the help of other choir members and their families it was an amazing success.

Magic Moments

In September we performed for the Women’s Institute and after this we we were asked to perform at the prestigious Northern Horse Racing Awards Night called Magic Moments in November. It was a real honour to be part of the evening and it was such an amazing night.

Busking

On the 3rd December we undertook further fundraising in our local Tesco. Tesco are fantastic supporters of the choir and with their help and their lovely customers we raised an amazing £153.19 - THANK YOU.

Seasons Restaurant

On the 18th December we entertained the diners of Seasons Restaurant at the Station in Richmond for a second year running. Other visitors to the Station were also able to take some time to listen and their donations came to £60 - again a massive THANK YOU.

Support

Throughout the year we have had the pleasure of the support of Emma from Costa Coffee in Richmond. Not only does Emma sell our CD's she also has a collection on the counter and sells tickets to our events.

We have other supporters in Richmond as well who we would like to recognize and thank, these are Castle Hill Book Shop, Wives Kitchen and this year for the first time John Bull on the White Shops in Catterick. With their help our Christmas concert was a great success bringing the whole community together to celebrate Christmas with the WAGS.

Fundraising allows us to keep our fees to a minimum, as well as continuing to provide a free creche for those members with young children who wouldn't be able to attend when their husbands are away without it. Being able to attend rehearsals is a massive support to our members.

2016

So, as we move into 2016, we are once again taking a short break from performances for the first quarter, allowing us to learn new songs and update our repertoire. We will be back though so please keep an eye on our calendar and once again THANK YOU all for your support.

Kath Smith - CHOIR CHAIR