Downton Abbey star to join choir for charity concert

Proceeds from the concert are to be shared between two charities, local medical charity Cobalt and the Royal British Legion. Cobalt are fundraising to update mammography equipment for the Thirlestaine Breast Centre in Gloucestershire (it will be the only equipment of its kind in the whole of the county). The donation to The Royal British Legion will support their annual Poppy appeal (providing support for service men and women in need of help and tackle the difficulties experienced by those who have been casualties of military service).

The concert tells the story of the First World War, with particular focus on the role of men and women from Gloucestershire. Douglas, who played Lord Merton in the popular TV drama series, Downton Abbey will take the role of the Narrator leading the audience through the poetry, prose and music that relates to the dramatic events of the war and the local stories behind them.

Popular local singers Kate Hicks Beach and Tani Phillips, pianist Jonathan Phillips, violinist Tom Pitt and trumpeter Peter Medland, as well as actor/director Jackie Smith-Wood and actress Mary Conlon, will contribute to the evening.

Kirsty Bradbury, Fundraising Engagement Officer, Cobalt said “We are delighted that Coln Choir have chosen to dedicate part of the proceeds of this concert to Cobalt. The event marks the significant sacrifice local Gloucestershire men and women made in the First World War. The funds raised will be used to help local people across the county by providing the very latest mammography equipment as part of our Gloucestershire Breast Equipment Appeal”.

Tickets are priced at £25 and £15 (some may have restricted views), and are available through the Coln St Aldwyns Choir website at www.colnchoir.weebly.com or at Coln Stores, Main St, Coln St Aldwyns, GL7 5AN.

For more information telephone 01285 750687.