Community Comes Together For A Night of Great Music

Published on: 16 May, 2016
Updated on: 16 May, 2016

Local talent put on a fabulous community concert that raised funds for projects in Guildford and London that support people who are homeless.

Sammy Rat and the Resonators played a mixture Americana folk, blues and country songs. Photographer David Beamish volunteered and kindly took pictures throughout the evening, some of which are seen here.

It was hosted by St Clare’s Church in Park Barn and a full house was entertained by singers and musicians of a variety of ages. Sammy Rat and the Resonators, led by David Rose of The Guildford Dragon NEWS and the Joining In! project, anchored the evening with a set at the start and the end.

No Direction complete with a multitude of hats.

Some of the members of the Surrey Fringe vocal harmony group became One Direction for the night and sang several songs in their slick a capella style.

For one night only – the Reclaimers.

Brian and Trevor from the group also donned thick-framed glasses and did a skit on Scots duo the Proclaimers, calling themselves the Reclaimers!

Singer-songwriter Hannah Dorman.

Hannah Dorman is an up and coming singer-songwriter who lives in Park Barn. She sang two song during the evening both of which were extremely well received. For more details click here for her website.

Singer and musician Paul.

After the interval, musician and singer Paul (also from Park Barn) performed two songs he had composed himself.

Rhythm of Life community choir.

Next it was the turn of the locally based Rhythm of Life community choir, led by its conductor Karen Taylor, a final year music student at the University of Surrey.

Karen Taylor, music director of the Rhythm of Life choir.

The 25-strong choir sang a number of songs that included Sunny Afternoon, Fly Me To The Moon, and Amazing Grace.

Katie Collins and Bryony Rose

They were followed by Bryony Rose and Katie Collins who delighted the audience with three songs that showed off their natural vocal harmonies.

The full-on evening was held on Saturday, May 7, it was was hugely enjoyed and £450 was raised for good causes.

The team vicar of St Clare’s Church, the Revd Steve Pownall.

The team vicar of St Clare’s Church, the Revd Steve Pownall said the money raised is being split equally two ways. It will go to a Methodist Church circuit called the West London Mission. It does a great deal of work helping homeless and marginalised people, something it’s being doing since 1887! There is a personal link with the miussion and community works in Park Barn.

And to Guildford Action, an independent charity that has been operating for 30 years and which also helps people who are homeless and isolated.

Steve added: “Well done to all the musicians and thanks to those who dug deep in their pockets and made a donation. A jolly good time was had by all.”

David Rose said: “This was a joint effort with many local people coming together volunteering their musical talents. It wasn’t the first concert of its kind to be held here and there will be more – they go down so well!

“Through my role as Joining In! co-ordinator (a project that supports community involvement) I invited people to take part and I also promoted it widely. It was indeed a great success.”

Share This Post