STROUD Refugee Choir has donated £600 to Save the Children - despite its fundraising performance being postponed until next year. More than 100 singers were due to perform Handel’s Messiah in the Sub Rooms in March this year, raising much needed funds for Save the Children, and Gloucestershire Aid for Refugees and Asylum Seekers(GARAS).

Now, owing to Covid-19 guidelines, it's planned to perform Handel’s famous choral work in March, next year.

Hugh Barton, of Stroud Refugee Choir, said: “The impact of Covid has been far reaching.

"Sadly for many people who enjoy music and singing together in community choirs, churches and choral societies across the UK, events have had to be cancelled.

"This has also impacted on our plan to raise money at our annual event.

“We were obviously very disappointed to postpone our event until March 2021, but we didn’t want our support for Save the Children and GARAS to be delayed any longer.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone to our event in March and raising lots more money for these two charities.” Mandy Nicholls, Community Fundraising Manager at Save the Children said: “We are so grateful for this generous donation which will make such a difference to some of the world's most vulnerable children in Yemen and Syria.

“It is thanks to communities such as Stroud Refugee Aid Choir that makes Save the Children’s vital work possible.”

The Messiah performance is now programmed for March 14, 2021 in the Sub Rooms.

In past years the choir has raised over £5,000 each year with performances of Mozart’s Requiem and Bach’s St. John Passion.

If you would like more information on how you can support please contact Amanda Nicholls a.nicholls@savethechildren.org.uk

For further information and to donate to Save the Children’s Coronavirus Appeal please visit: savethechildren.org.uk