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First Christmas Concert a great success

Vivace Cantamus and Flute Salad and their musical directors (Valerie Hoppe in a long black outfit on the left and Louise Williams in purple jacket on the right). The photo was taken in the chancel of the Royal Garrison Church. Click the image for a larger version

Step by Step celebrated the festive season early this year with a Christmas Concert held at the magnificent Royal Garrison Church, Aldershot on December 8th. The evening saw in excess of 150 supporters of the charity, including directors, staff and clients, enjoy a progamme of readings, traditional carols and varied musical performances by Vivace Cantamus and Flute Salad.

Vivace Cantamus, comprising two separate choirs, one of girls, the other of ladies, under the tutelage of musical director Valerie Hoppe, performed a varied collection of numbers. One of the highlights was a light and humorous number, The Twelve Days After Christmas, which was particularly well received by the audience. Flute Salad, enthusiastic young flautists, with their equally enthusiastic musical director, Louise Williams performed, amongst others ‘Let It Snow’ and a wonderful Santa Symphony, a medley of Christmas tunes.

A number of Step by Step’s young clients were also present, playing important roles in guiding guests in the car park, selling raffle tickets and serving refreshments. In addition, one client from Blackwater, Dain, bravely did one of the readings, The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, and received spontaneous applause from the audience.

After the concert guests were treated to seasonal refreshments and a raffle was held, with many kind donations, including from the Aldershot Town Supporters Trust, Sainsbury’s and LBW Lettings, who were also the event’s sponsor.

Organizer, Step by Step fundraiser, Gill Butler said "It was a wonderful evening and as a result of the support we received and audience generosity on the night, we raised more that £1500, which will help fund some of Step by Step’s training programmes. It is the training and the one-to-one support, offered alongside accommodation, which really makes a difference and helps us to turn the often troubled lives of our clients around. It was a pleasure to work with Louise Williams and Valerie Hoppe and we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the verger at the Church, Andy Chittock, donors and sponsors, all of whom contributed to the success of the event. What was particularly poignant was to see the young performers helping the young people from Step by Step."

©2012 Step by Step Partnership Ltd   :   Reg. Charity No. 900308    :   Company No. 2431825