Concert Raises Funds And Food Donations For Isle Of Wight Foodbank

A charity concert in Sandown has raised vital funds and food donations for the Isle of Wight Foodbank.

The event, held at Christchurch on Saturday 6th September, featured performances from the Newchurch Male Voice Choir and soprano Lucy Hinkley.

Audience members donated an item of food as their entry fee, before enjoying an evening of varied music.

Highlights included choir renditions of The Lost Chord and Morte Cristie, accompanied on the church organ by Alan Finch, as well as Lucy’s performances of Gilbert & Sullivan favourites and musical theatre numbers.

A surprise moment came when Alan Finch joined Richard Knowles for a duet of Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera.

During the evening, Heather Bentley — the choir’s accompanist and a volunteer at Sandown Foodbank — spoke to the audience about the important work of the charity and the growing number of Islanders relying on its services.

In total, the event raised £340 through a retiring collection, alongside the donated food items.

Choir representative Bob Cooper said:

“To be able to support the groups on the Island that are providing much-needed support to the public is the choir’s pleasure.

"To see the resulting food donations plus the retiring collection amount enhances that pleasure.”

More about the choir, including recordings of their songs, can be found at newchurchmvc.co.uk.