Military Wives Choir Halton Perform for Wendover Concert

Conductor Flt Lt Chris L'Anson and the Band of the RAF Regiment Rebecca Izard conducting the Military Wives Choir Halton

The Military Wives Choir Halton (MWC) combined forces with the Band of the RAF Regiment and Gateway School’s Chamber Choir, at St Mary’s Church, Wendover last weekend to perform in a charity concert ‘Let The Chiltern’s Sing’. The concert was organised by the Rotary Club of Wendover with all proceeds in aid of SSAFA and Wheel Power. The theme of the concert was inspired by Wendover Remembers and featured World Wars One and Two with the RAF Regiment Band setting the scene ably conducted by Flt Lt Chris L’Anson. The children from Gateway raised their voices singing Tipperary, Hallelujah and a war time medley. They were then joined by the ladies of MWC Halton to sing a collection of Vera Lyn music.

MWC Halton, directed by Rebecca Izard and accompanied by Penny Wilkes, then took up the baton with an emotive rendition of Danny Boy, followed by a set that concluded with a moving performance of the chart topping Wherever You Are, during which they were accompanied by the Band of the RAF Regiment.

Donna, MWC lead, said: “The second half of the concert saw the RAF Regiment Band in full swing performing a number of pieces including ‘Pacific’ and a stunning arrangement of The Sunset Ceremony and Last Post. The evening culminated in the band, both choirs and the audience coming together to sing Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem and Rule Britannia with Union Jacks in hand. All in all the whole evening was a complete success, raising money for deserving charities and bringing people together through music in a beautiful church with amazing acoustics.

“MWC Halton are always looking for new members to join their friendly choir, so if you are female, have a military connection, enjoy singing, or even just fancy giving it a try please do not hesitate to get in touch via halton@militarywiveschoirs.org, there are no auditions and no need to read music.”

Sue Thornton, one of the organisers of ‘Let The Chiltern’s Sing’, explained about the roots of the concert, saying: “In 2012 an idea was born about having a local concert in our local church which is the heart of our community, by and for local people. In years 2013 and 2104 we changed the format slightly to hold an afternoon Winter Wonderland concert, featuring the MWC, local youth bands, young solo artists, and the amazing Children’s Choir from the local Gateway School. Over the last three years, support from RAF Halton and Wendover Parish Council has been invaluable.”