Dudley's Remembrance concert saved with new venue after appeal
Poppies are at the ready in Dudley after an annual remembrance concert was saved.
Organisers of the event, which raises thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion, had reluctantly been forced to pull out because of the effort required to put on the concert.
But arrangements are now well under way after 15 volunteers came forward to help following an appeal in the Express & Star.
The 60-strong Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir headline the concert each year after months of organising the venue, costs, tickets and other considerations – a task which had become so onerous they revealed last year's gig may be the last.
But former Dudley mayors Councillors Steve Waltho and Dave Tyler stepped in, making a successful public appeal for help.
A new steering committee, seen here celebrating the concert's survival, has been formed.
Several meetings of the group, chaired by former member and ex-serviceman Ian Rawlings, have already taken place.
Dudley College of Technology in The Broadway has offered its main hall free of charge to stage the popular musical event.
Councillor Waltho, who is also an ambassador for the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir, said: "It's been a double whammy of good news – not only so many volunteers stepping forward but also the college offering us a venue and being so proactive.
"Some of their students took part last year for the First World War centenary and they are doing even more this year – it's wonderful to see the next generation getting involved to help ensure remembrance concerts like this continue."
The concert will take place on Thursday, November 7, at Dudley College and will be free of charge.
Anyone else who would like to contribute to organising the event is invited to call Councillor Waltho on 07703 308463 or email cllr.steve.waltho@dudleymbc.org.uk
