Tom O'Connor, Rustie Lee and Britain's Got Talent stars Stavros
Flatley all performed at the concert. They were joined by
nationally-acclaimed soprano Kirsty Michele Anderson, international
violinist Gary Lovini and award-winning vocalist Tom Edis.
Choristers from eleven of ExtraCare's villages and schemes made
up a 160-strong choir, ably conducted by St Crispin's Dot Bailey,
and music was provided by The London Central Fellowship Band,
including resident Ken Stones from Lovat Fields, who played the
euphonium.
This year's theme was The World In Union, and the schemes and
villages each chose a different country to represent, with many
coming in costume. James Beattie House and School Court residents
were both representing Greece, staff and residents from Camoys
Court were all dressed up for Spain, and Lovat Fields were all in
their brightest floral shirts to show off their Caribbean
style.
The concert started with a bang as Traditions and Events Manager
Donna Ball descended onto the stage from the ceiling. Donna, who
hosted the event, also caused a sensation by going through 12
costumes over the course of the afternoon. She said that she hoped
everyone had enjoyed the show. "A big, big thank you to all for
supporting us. We have had a great 2011 and 2012 is just around the
corner!"
Future residents of Shenley Wood Village, due to open in Spring
2012, came along to the concert to get a taste of what ExtraCare is
all about, as did several people who are considering moving to
Pannel Croft Village and Hagley Road Village in Birmingham, which
are scheduled to open in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Brian Hobbs, who is due to move to Shenley Wood in February,
said this was his second year at Symphony Hall. "I came last year
and we had a lot of fun, so it's good to be back!"
ExtraCare's Chief Executive, Nick Abbey, even took part in the
festivities, joining in with Village Activity Facilitators Scott
Reed-King from St Oswald's in Gloucester and Keir Pedley from
Beacon Park in Lichfield in a song and dance number about the
Charity.
Nick said that it had been "a show to remember."
"What a swell party that was! I'd like to thank all of the
people who have helped make this possible, and that's a lot of
people. Thanks to everyone who works in the ExtraCare charity
shops. They're such an important part of what we do. The money from
those shops underpins everything that we do. I'd like to thank all
my colleagues who have worked so hard in the schemes and villages
around ExtraCare, and thank you to all the guests and the residents
who have come a long way today."
Were you there? Let us know what you thought on Facebook!
Picture: Future Shenley Wood Village resident Brian
Hobbs joins Lovat Fields residents Ken Stones and Denis Balchin at
Birmingham's Symphony Hall for ExtraCare's Christmas concert.
See more pictures on Flickr!
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk