COME and join the Holsworthy Festival Chorus and Orchestra at Bodmin Street Chapel, Holsworthy on Saturday May 16 at 7pm. Entry is free and there will be a retiring collection in aid of North Devon Hospice.

The chorus and orchestra, conducted by David Robinson, will be joined by Louise Merrifield, soprano, Tim Carleston, alto, Les Baker, tenor, and David Hadden, bass, in a performance of two exciting choral masterpieces, Bach's 'Magnificat' and Poulenc's 'Gloria'.

David Robinson said, "The proceeds from this concert will be going to North Devon Hospice in celebration of the hospice's twenty-fifth anniversary. Following previous years' successes, we are hoping that we can raise a considerable sum for this hugely worthwhile local charity. Members of the chorus have been rehearsing hard since early April and, since it is a fundraiser, have all paid £10 for the privilege of singing. We are all looking forward to a really special evening."

Gerard Fawcitt of the hospice fundraising team said: "We are very grateful that David has chosen the hospice to be the beneficiary of this concert to mark our twenty-fifth anniversary. In 1984, the very first North Devon Hospice community nurse set out to provide specialist care for people in their homes. Since those fledgling days, the hospice has grown to provide a wide range of free services to those living with life-threatening illness, and their families, including inpatient care, specialist community nursing, day hospice, complimentary therapies, bereavement counselling and much more. We care for over 100 local people every day but it costs around £3m per year to provide this kind of support. As you may imagine, community fundraising is a vital source of income and we really appreciate the generosity of the singers who have come from Cornwall as well as North Devon."

David Robinson continued "Everyone is warmly welcome, come and enjoy a wonderful evening of music and support North Devon Hospice."