A CHORAL event at the Forum Theatre, Malvern to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, raised more than £1,8000 for forces charities.

Local representatives of Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion were presented with cheques for more than £735 each following the fundraising concert by Bromyard and Ledbury Choral Societies. The performance of Verdi’s Requiem was conducted by Sir Richard Mynors in the presence of the High Sherriff of Herefordshire, the Mayor of Bromyard and the Deputy Mayor of Ledbury. Nearly 400 people attended.

Both charities were collecting in the theatre foyer on the evening, Help for Heroes took more than £220 in donations and merchandise sales. Additionally the Royal British Legion benefited to the tune of £175 from the sale of the knitted poppies worn by all the performers. The poppies were knitted by ladies of Bromyard Methodist Church, which also received a similar sum from their efforts.

Chris Jarman, chairman of Bromyard Choral Society, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the success of this joint fundraising concert, which was the brainchild of Sir Richard Mynors, the principal conductor of Bromyard Choral Society. He worked tirelessly to make it all happen, assembling the orchestra at minimal expense and communicating his boundless enthusiasm to the largest chorus the Theatre can remember performing there. He even had to cope with two of the four soloists having to back out on health grounds at short notice. We could not have done it without him. Thanks are also due to Malcolm Macleod who directs Ledbury Choral Society; the orchestral players – many of them from the Chandos Symphony Orchestra – who gave their time so generously; and the many guest singers who joined with the two Societies to swell the ranks. I am only sorry that Sir Richard was unable to join us for the presentation.”