Concert will hit the right note for Poppy Appeal

A fabulous array of talent is all set to hit the right note at Ellesmere’s traditional Poppy Concert on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

Organised by the local branch of the Royal British Legion, the entertainment takes place in the town’s Comrades Club, from 7.30 pm on Saturday, November 11.

Apart from being cancelled during the Covid pandemic, the concert has been held annually for more than 40 years.

Ian Williams, the Legion’s Ellesmere branch president and county branch chairman said: “It’s an important fund-raiser for the Poppy Appeal which helps meet the cost of caring for the needs of our armed forces community, veterans and their families. It’s particularly poignant this year as it falls on Armistice Day and we’re hoping for a good turn-out from the local community. Admission is £5 for a great evening of entertainment and you can pay at the door.”

The Vicar of Ellesmere, the Rev Pat Hawkins, will lead a short service of remembrance before the start of the show.

The musical line-up sees the return of the award-winning Porthywaen Silver Band, which celebrates its 90^th anniversary next year.

The second half of the show will feature former Ellesmere College student, 22-year-old Rhian-Carys Jones, an up- and-coming mezzo soprano singer, now in her final year at the Royal College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. She has already performed in large works and operas around the country, with many different choirs.

The programme also includes an appearance by Chris Barnes, a popular tenor, much in demand, from Tarporley in Cheshire. Chris, who runs his own warehousing and distribution business, has been singing solo since he was a student at Gresham’s School in Norfolk.

The final part of the concert will include a community sing-along led by Tony Coupe, director of music at Ellesmere College.

Members of the Ellesmere branch of the Royal British Legion are inviting the public to take part in the two minutes silence to mark Armistice Day, November 11,at 11 a.m in the town centre.
On Remembrance Sunday, November 12, Legion members will join civic leaders and representatives of other local organisations in a parade to the town’s War Memorial at St Mary’s parish church for two minutes’ silence at 11 a.m, followed by a memorial service in the church. The parade will assemble at the town’s main car park in Cross Street at 10.30 . Everyone welcome.