SINGERS in the U3A Choir have hit the high notes for Brighter Futures.

At the end of September, the Swindon songsters held a fundraising concert in which they managed to pull in £1,050 for the radiotherapy appeal.

More than 150 people packed into Bath Road Methodist Church to enjoy ‘An Evening with the U3A Choir’ with a guest performance from the ladies of the Swindon Polish Choir.

Group organiser Sheila Dunn, extremely proud of the team’s fundraising efforts, said: “It was a wonderful concert. We sold almost all the tickets and sang for a full house. Everyone said what a lovely performance it was.”

The programme included a range of songs from the Sixties and a Gershwin Medley specially arranged for the choir by West End Musical Director Paul Maguire.

The Polish Choir brought the house down with their tuneful and lively renditions of traditional Polish folk songs.

“This year we were very pleased to support the Brighter Futures appeal,” said Sheila.

“It is very important that we get a radiotherapy unit in Swindon so that all those poor people needing treatment don’t have to go all the way to Oxford every day.”

For the last two years the choir has held a big summer concert to raise funds for charity. This year they decided to support Brighter Futures after members named it their favoured cause.

However, the choir’s fundraising extravaganzas can only continue if they find themselves a new musical director.

After seven years at the helm, Sheila Harrod has decided to step down, which means they are looking to fill her shoes as soon as possible.

As Sheila Dunn said: “We are desperately looking for a new musical director to help us continue with the good work we are doing.

“We need a pianist as well, because Sheila was so brilliant she was able to do both.

“We all really enjoy singing. We are probably one of the best choirs in Swindon and we do it simply for the love of it.

“We have quite a number of concerts under our belts, most recently the one for Brighter Futures.

“All the members have done tremendously well and it would be great if we could find someone to replace Sheila.”

For anybody interested in assuming the mantle, the choir is holding a rehearsal on Tuesday, November 22 from 2pm at the Western Community Centre in Somerset Road, and has welcomed anyone who wishes to attend.

“It’s a good chance for people to come and listen to the choir to see if it’s right for them,” Sheila explained.

So far £1,057,130 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support. To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form or log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.