Performers visit charity and hand over £11,400 for Felicity

PERFORMERS who staged a musical concert for Chailey Heritage Foundation have visited the charity and joined in a very special music lesson with pupils.

Matt and Rachel Cowling, and MD, James Honess, raised more than £11,400 this year, by staging three sell-out performances of "The Show that goes Like This!,  a Jumbo Ensemble production held at the charity's Dream Centre.

The concerts included professional musicians, singers, gifted amateurs, a choir, and a 15-piece orchestra.

Matt, Rachel & James, along with some of the company, have visited Chailey Heritage again to join one of their music classes.  Rachel said it was a magical morning. 

She said: "It was a wonderful time and, in truth, very emotional too. We were invited to Michelle Maskell's music lesson,, who as well as being a teacher there was also one of our violinists and took part in the shows.

"We sang three songs from our concert, and then three of the children came to the front of the chapel and sang as well.

"It was such good fun - some of the children were holding hands and waving, they were enjoying it so much, and so were we.

"At times, we were fighting back the tears, and it made us realise what an amazing charity we are raising money for."

Rachel said after the shows, "We received many positive comments afterwards - some people asked where we were going on tour next, and more than one person described the show as being absolutely magical. 

"That was a compliment for everyone involved in Jumbo Ensemble. It really couldn't have gone any better, and we raised almost double what we did last year, when we also staged a concert for Chailey Heritage."

Will Folkes, Director of Specialist Services and Income, said the charity is grateful for the Jumbo Ensemble team for raising this amazing amount.

He said: "Matt, Rachel and James, first came to us because they are friends with the family of one of our students, young Felicity.

"Felicity has very complex needs, and her parents had great trouble finding a nursery that could meet her needs when she was very young.

"Eventually, she came to Chailey Heritage, and I know that has made an incredible difference to both Felicity and the whole family.

"We are greatly indebted to Matt, Rachel and James and the whole team for putting on such a wonderful event and raising such an incredible amount of money. That money will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people at Chailey Heritage Foundation."