THE Ross-on-Wye choir Border Belles marked its fifth anniversary in spectacular style on Sunday, with a 12-hour Singathon that brought performers, supporters and the local community together.

The event raised more than double its original fundraising target for Herefordshire Mind.

The Sinagthon held at The Corn Exchange ran from 8am to 8pm on Sunday, September 6, with Border Belles being joined throughout the day by a packed line-up of guest performers including local choirs The Roaring Megs, Ross Folk Choir, The Harmony Singers and The Good Day Choir.

The choir had originally hoped to raise £1,200 – equivalent to £100 for every hour of singing – but, at the time of the Ross Gazette going to press, the total raised stands at £2,440, more than twice the amount they had set out to achieve.

The Singathon formed part of Border Belles’ fifth anniversary celebrations withchoir founder and conductor Emma Rowland-Elsen saying: “It was so special to celebrate our special occasion what we love best – singing!

“We take our commitment to the local community very seriously and were honoured to raise money for Herefordshire Mind.

“I know from my own experience of post traumatic stress disorder how important it is that people feel able to talk, that we check in on one another, and that support is there when someone needs it.

But awareness on its own isn’t enough – we all need to do something. Have the conversation. Ask someone how they really are. Donate if you can.

“Support organisations like Herefordshire Mind. Small actions genuinely matter, and this Singathon was our way of doing something practical to help.”

Since its launch, Border Belles has grown to more than 70 singers, with mental health, connection and community sitting firmly at the heart of the choir.

Performers came and went throughout the 12-hour event, while audience members were able to drop in, listen, donate and support Herefordshire Mind.

It is not the first time Border Belles have found an unusual way to support the charity. In 2024, the choir raised both funds and eyebrows with a nude calendar in aid of the charity.

There were countless highlights throughout the day, from a moving rendition of “You Will Be Found”, the mental-health anthem from the musical Dear Evan Hansen, to standing ovations for solo performers.

At other points, choirs spontaneously joined one another in song, filling the room with voices, while another huge moment came with the announcement that the original £1,200 fundraising target had been reached.

Border Belle Rebecca Willis said: “My standout moment was a quiet one. And that was listening to David from Herefordshire Mind telling us how important and appreciated our fundraising is. The work they do as a charity is intense, and they often work with people in the darkest of places.

“It’s important to remember that our mental health is like a fuel tank that needs to be regularly filled up to keep it healthy.

“My tank is full today, even more so knowing that yesterday’s efforts will help fill someone else’s too.”