Despite freezing weather and the England v France World Cup game of which the former definitely prevented some members of the choir from being able to come and sing, the generosity of the audience who came and choir members raised £392.00 for the Salvation Army’s work for the homeless in the retiring collection at Launceston Choral Society’s traditional choral concert at Central Methodist Church.

All sections of the choir were depleted and long-standing choir member, Andy Dunning, found himself the sole tenor for the evening. This did not stop the choir giving a good account of a variety of carols sparklingly accompanied by Liz Jones on the piano.

Musical director, Jonathan Mann, as well as conducting the choir also played the organ for a selection of traditional carols for the audience to sing with the choir.

The carols were interspersed with seasonal readings by Stephen Parsons, Cherry Warne, Andy Dunning, Patricia Philp and Dottie de Vries. Diana Anderson and Phill Middleton stepped in at the last moment to read for absent choir members.

Unlike last year, it was possible to invite the audience to the school room as usual for a cup of tea and a mince pie.

The choir is now looking forward to its next concert on March 25, which will feature music by Josef Haydn.

The choir rehearses at 7.30pm on Monday evenings in the Sunday School hall. New members are always welcome and can phone 01566 772701 for further details.