
Bracken Trust choir perform five concerts across Powys
The group held a concert at the Metropole Hotel on June 5, despite low audience numbers.
However, the singers were well-received at the town's Bandstand on June 21 for the national Make Music Day event.
The audience included Mayor Steve Deeks-D'Silva, the Mayoress, and a wedding party from the Metropole Hotel, complete with bride and groom.
The singers struck up with Love and Marriage as the wedding party appeared for photographs.
Vera Buckler, the group's leader, praised the singers for giving up their Saturday to perform.
Unfazed by the heat on June 24, some members of the group visited the Spa Nursing Home, bringing joy to many residents who sang along with familiar songs.
At the end of the performance, the singers were treated to tea, coffee, and homemade chocolate cake and biscuits.
The Bracken Singers also performed at the Bracken Trust Headquarters Summer Fete on June 27.
Their final performance was at Crosfield House, Rhayader, on July 1.
The singers performed their V.E. Day programme, which was postponed from May 8 due to a virus outbreak at the home.
Ms Buckler expressed her gratitude to the members who participated in all five engagements, noting that the singers were in top form and gave a very good performance.
She said: "It was really touching and heart-warming to see some of the residents happy and singing along to the well-known wartime songs."
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Powys County Times
10-07-2025
- Powys County Times
Bracken Trust choir perform five concerts across Powys
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