CALDICOT Choir celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday 11th October by performing at Caldicot's Methodist Church.

There was a varied programme, supported by local harpist John Thomas, in what was a wonderful night to remember.

To commemorate this significant anniversary, the choir was thrilled to sing again in the church, almost to the day to support the Prospects UK Charity.

This deserving charity supports over 3000 people in the UK with learning difficulties to enable them to thrive and grow independently in the community.

The concert was attended by the Prospect UK's. national director of mission, Pete Winmill who travelled with his wife Christine from his home in Berkshire via a function in Coventry to be with the choir.

The concert raised over £400 for the charity on the night.

Peter said: "What an amazing experience. We have had a fabulous evening.  Thank you for arranging it and supporting our charity."

The varied mixed and popular programme took the audience through the past with songs ranging from traditional Welsh hymns such as Llef and Llanfair, to Elvis and the Everley Brothers and film and musical scores, over 50 choristers thrilled the audience with their tremendous performance.

Harpist John Thomas delighted listeners with his sense of humour and wide range of music from the Beatles's Yellow Submarine and All My Loving, through  traditional Irish, Stephen Foster and What a Wonderful World, Stranger on the Shore and two South American dances and completing the first half with traditional Welsh music, Bugeilio'r gwenith Gwyn, Myfanwy and Ar Hyd y Nos (All through the night).

Opening his second half performance John showed his versatility by opening with Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars and then through a wide range of Welsh, Irish and Scottish music including Pant Corlan y Wyn, The Dowie Dens of Yarrow, Irish Brian Borou's March and finishing with the Welsh tunes Anodd Ymadael and Ffarwel y Telynor.

The choir was conducted by Siân Hatton and Shirley Ann James. Accompanists were Stephen Berry and John Nicholson.

The compere on the night was the church minister, Reverend Preben Andersen who did a splendid job despite having to apply a Danish accent to Welsh song and place names.

If you are interested in joining Caldicot's growing choir, please visit their website: http://www.caldicot">www.caldicot

malevoicechoir.co.uk or visit the Choir Hall in Mill Lane, Caldicot on a Monday or Thursday night.