Rock legends from Mott the Hoople and The Pretenders to play in aid of Herefordshire church (From Hereford Times)

Seventies rock legends from Mott the Hoople and The Pretenders to stage concert

9:10am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Local News By Paul Broome

A VILLAGE church in Herefordshire where the average age of worshippers is close to 80 is set for a helping hand - thanks to two legendary rockers.

Seventies legends Martin Chambers, from The Pretenders, and Mott the Hoople’s Verden Allen are two of the headline acts appearing in aid of St Peter’s Church in Pipe-cum- Lyde.

Church council members are hoping the gig, at Lyde Arundel on October 13, will raise much-needed funds for the place of worship.

Church council secretary Bob Calver said: “Like many rural churches we have an ageing congregation and raising money just to meet our expenses is a real challenge.

“We knew there was little point in just continuing to organise the same old round of parish fairs and the rest. We wanted to do something different and this is it.”

Fellow members Karen and Rob Watkins came up with the idea. One of the highlights will be Verden Allen’s appearance with his new band Soft Ground.

“When Karen mentioned that Verden was rehearsing with his new band and suggested she ask him to play for the church we jumped at the idea,” said Bob.

“I was in church on Sunday and looking at a couple of people whose combined age was more than 170 so promoting a rock music gig may seem odd but for several of us Mott the Hoople and Verden’s playing are part of the soundtrack of our lives.

“I think at first we had the idea he might play our organ and we weren’t thinking of a rock music event.”

But that is now what is planned for the event which will also be a poignant one for Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers as his former band guitarist James Honeyman- Scott is buried in the churchyard.

Tickets can be reserved in advance for £15.