ROSS-on-Wye Singers (formerly the Ross Penyard Singers) have demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the community, raising a fantastic £700 for two local organisations from their last two concerts.

Choir Chairperson Kathleen Gray proudly presented cheques for £350 each to Milly Boylan, founder of @the Hub, and Mark Sanderson, Director of Music at St Mary's Parish Church, supporting its ‘Spire in Peril’ appeal.

Reflecting on the donations, Kathleen said: “Our goal is to be a welcoming community choir. Supporting local initiatives like @the Hub and St Mary's allows us to give back directly to the people who make Ross such a special place to live.”

The choir's community spirit shows no sign of slowing down. There is another chance to hear them perform on Saturday, November28, at St Mary’s Church, where they will present a special programme dedicated to a hope for peace.

This will feature the music of Karl Jenkins amongst others, and in particular the Choral Suite from ‘The Armed Man’, as well as his ‘Adiemus’.

Looking ahead, the choir has announced its chosen local charity for the coming year: the Zero Waste Stall, based at Haygrove Community Gardens, the stall provides vital food support for people in need in Ross while saving thousands of kilos of food from landfill. The stall is open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

The choir’s change of name was agreed after voting by the whole membership, as the singers no longer have any direct connection to Penyard, and preferred the connection to the river.

The choir welcomes both experienced singers and those who are totally new to singing, or those who haven’t sung for a while.