IT will be the end of an era for Birmingham Hospice Singers at their Christmas Concert when they say a fond farewell to husband-and-wife team Joe and Marion Biddlestone.
The choir will be performing at Selly Oak Methodist Church on Saturday, 14 December (3pm start) to raise funds for the hospice.
A mix of Christmas spiritual and yuletide classics will be sung, with guest performers set to be announced.
It will be the final concert conducted by Joe and performed by Marion, who is a member of the sopranos.
Marion is a founder member of the choir, which started in September 2013 and Joe joined as Musical Director in January 2014.
The couple will be moving closer to family in York. Marion has been associated with the hospice for 38 years as a volunteer.
Marion said: “We are very sad to be leaving Birmingham Hospice Singers and the many friends we have both in the choir and elsewhere in Birmingham.”
The choir has raised almost £25,000 for Birmingham Hospice over the last 11 years.
Despite their best efforts a new Musical Director has yet to be found.
“We have been advertising the post for about six months without success,” added Marion.
“This is possibly partly due to the fact that this is a voluntary role with all money raised being donated to the Hospice.”
The new Musical Director must have experience of choirs, conducting and want to help a local charity. They would develop the concert programme, take rehearsals and conduct concert performances.
Tickets for the Christmas Concert are £10 for adults and £2.50 for children and can be bought on the church on the day.
Anyone interested in becoming the choir’s Musical Director please contact the Birmingham Hospice Singers secretary via the hospice’s Fundraising department on 0121 465 2009. Alternatively, send an email to fundraisevol@birminghamhospice.org.uk.
