THE leader of one of Swindon’s longest-running choirs is to end a tradition that has lasted 54 years next month.

Sheila Harrod will perform her last May extravaganza at the Wyvern Theatre with the Kentwood choir and a seven-piece jazz band led by a top West End musical director. The event will, as always, support a good cause – this year’s chosen charity is the Open Door Centre in Gorse Hill. Sheila is the charity’s president and the founder of the choir.

Sheila said: “I may be 75 but I’m not retiring just yet. I plan to just keep going and going. I love the stage and the choir has performed at the Wyvern every year since it began.”

“The Kentwood Showcase will be a stunning show, Paul Maguire and his wonderful Little Big Band will play Rhapsody in Blue, it will be a great evening of vocal magic.

“I’m the only teacher for the choir and it’s a lot of work so we’ll be at a smaller venue next time.”

The May concert in 2020 will be held at the Swindon Arts Centre and continue the choir’s fundraising work which has raised more than £1 million for various local community groups and charities over the years.

This won’t be the group’s final appearance at the Wyvern – they will still be back in the winter with their popular Christmas Cracker concert.

The Kentwood Showcase 2019 begins at 7.30pm on May 18 in the Wyvern Theatre. It is sponsored by Holmes Music and Imagine Cruising. The Open Door Centre provides activities for people with learning disabilities which improve their self-confidence and independence.

To book tickets, which cost £17.50 each, visit swindontheatres.co.uk