The Christmas Concert given by the Derby Hospitals Choir and their guests, Derwent Brass, on Friday 25 November, in aid of the Derbyshire Branch of the MND Association, was a brilliant evening of festive music and song.

The choir began rehearsals for the concert in September and everyone was in fine voice on the night. Derwent Brass was at its very best too and the audience contributed with rousing renditions of Joy To The World, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

Steven Blakeley, best known as PC Geoff Younger in ITV’s long running drama, Heartbeat, was invited to compère the evening and kept everyone amused with jokes and humorous readings.

Gill O’Hallaran, Chairman of the Derby Hospitals Choir, said, " the concert went extremely well. It was virtually a sell out and all the feedback I’ve received has all been great. I certainly think this was our best ever in terms of professionalism and quality".

The Derby Hospitals Choir was formed in 1983 to raise funds for health-based charities in Derbyshire. During the intervening 29-years the Choir has raised £116,402.00 in aid of various charities. I understand that an estimated figure of £7,000 was raised by this year’s concert, however, we are still waiting for that to be confirmed.

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave up their time to help on the night, to Sue Soult and Susan, Sheila’s daughter, who helped set up the display of prizes on Friday afternoon, but especially to Sheila and Margot for liaising with the choir throughout the year and for all the time and effort spent organising the prize draw.

We extend our grateful thanks to the Derby Hospitals Choir and their guests Derwent Brass for a brilliant evening of music and for their support.

We also wish The Derby Hospitals Choir every success for 2012 which will be their 30^th anniversary concert.

The Midlands Co-op Department Store in Ilkeston held a second Fashion Show in aid of the MND Association, on Thursday 27 October at Ilkeston School, Specialist Arts College, The event, organised by Teresa Winfield, Deputy Store Manager, along with a number of her colleagues, was extremely well attended. Teresa said, " the fashion show was a huge success, raising over £1,500 for our staff-elected charity. Not only did our customers get the opportunity to see our latest autumn and winter ranges, but they were also entertained by a number of talented Ilkeston acts. The entertainment provided by our local fire crew and air cadets went down a storm and we are extremely grateful for their time, effort and enthusiasm".

Well done everyone and thank you.

I understand that the MND Association’s 2-year tenure as the Midlands Cooperatives staff-elected charity comes to an end sometime in March which is a great pity. However, I have heard a rumour that there might be at least one more quiz night to come..

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A group of very lovely ladies, inspired by the 2003 film, have dared to bare and produce their own calendar to raise funds on behalf of the British Heart Foundation, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Cancer Research.

If you would like to support the Derbyshire Calendar Girls and purchase a calendar, price £10, please
e-mail: info@danielburtonimagery.com

You may remember, in the September newsletter, I mentioned that Camille Beardsley, age 9, was taking part in the BUPA Junior Great North Run on Saturday 17 September in support of the Derbyshire Branch.

I can now report that Camille completed her 4km run, held on Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, in 29 minutes 36 seconds which I think is a fantastic achievement.