Appeal amid fears over future of Dudley's Remembrance concert

The popular event is headlined by performances from the 60-strong Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir each year.

A beloved fixture in the calendar in November, the concert – which often features performances from local schools and other choirs – raises thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion.

But there are fears it might not last much longer if more helpers do not step up to help the Gentlemen Songsters.

Choir ambassador and Dudley councillor Steve Waltho said it was a ‘simple but sad problem’ in that the choristers were not only singing on the night, but also trying to organise the entire event themselves.

Councillor Waltho said: “The Gentleman Songsters are a wonderful institution that give so much pleasure to so many through our concerts staged throughout the year.

“We also raise a lot of money for charities and naturally the Royal British Legion benefit from the annual Remembrance Concert.

“The simple but sad problem is that in recent years the choir has gone from doing what they should do in being the central performing artists – and all the volunteering time that takes – to taking on an ever increasing role in this big event’s organisation.

“Our council can only give limited support and the British Legion itself can offer no manpower resource and unless volunteers urgently come forward we are faced with the sad situation that the event may not go ahead this year which would be a tragic loss.”

The plea for volunteers has been echoed by chairman of Dudley Royal British Legion Malcolm Davies, after he received a cheque for the charity of £2,400, collected by the choir.

The donation was the result of proceeds from last year’s event.

If anyone can help they can contact Councillor Waltho on 07703 308463 or Councillor Dave Tyler on 07759 209962.