Treloar’s in Holybourne raised £4,000 from its Christmas concert and fair.
Friends, families and residents celebrated the festive season with the concert, featuring the Hart Male Voice Choir, on December 8, and the fair the following day.
Music director Jocelyn Watkins said: “We were absolutely delighted to be able to put on our first evening Christmas concert since 2019 with students from Treloar School and College and the wonderful Hart Male Voice Choir.
“The evening was full of singing, fun and solos from the students, and had an atmosphere of sheer joy. For some of the students it was their first time performing in front of their parents and a live audience, and their confidence shone through as they took to the stage to show their skills and talents.
“The Hart Male Voice Choir were in excellent voice, ably led by conductor Kevin Jacot and accompanied by Judith Morgan, and we loved their Christmas medleys and version of While Shepherds Watched.
“The evening ended with our chief executive Ryan Campbell helping us with our traditional Must Be Santa concert finale, with choir and audience joining in with gusto.
“It was an absolute delight to be able to perform live again and work with our fabulous staff, our exceptional students and the wonderful Hart Male Voice Choir.”
Members of the choir could not praise enough how special it was to them to be able to perform alongside Treloar’s students. Choir chairman Mike Morgan said: “I love it. It’s so uplifting. It’s a great honour to share the stage with students from Treloar’s.”
The fair was also a huge success and had a high attendance. Stallholders were kept busy throughout by staff, students and visitors looking to buy Christmas decorations, gifts and treats. The Christmas hamper raffle stall offered 22 hampers as prizes.
Money raised from both events will help provide students with specialist staff, vital equipment, adapted buildings, regular transport, extra-curricular activities and other enriching activities to build their independence and self-esteem.
Treloar’s fundraising team said: “We would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who attended the events – the help is much appreciated.
“And a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers involved – we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”