Dartmouth’s acapella pop/rock choir is giving a benefit performance on behalf of the Flavel at 7.30pm at the centre, on Saturday, December 9.

Dartmouth Rock came into being when choir leader Jean Judge, who had unsuccessfully tried to find a local pop/rock choir to join, decided to start her own. Jean, and her husband Peter Johnson, booked St Clement’s Church Hall for the evening of April 23, 2013, distributed a few posters and leaflets, mentioned it to a few friends and hoped for the best. A spokesman for the choir said: “Astonishingly, 70 people turned up on the first night and the choir has continued to go from strength to strength.

“Performances have always been an important part of Dartmouth Rock and they have supported a number of charities over the years including the Children’s Hospice South West, Dartmouth Caring and the Indoor Pool.

“The choir is also a big supporter of the town’s Memory Café and regularly gives collaborative performances there which are very popular with attendees. They are also now established regulars at the Dart Music Festival.

“This will be the choir’s second benefit concert for the Flavel.”

Jean Judge, leader, said: “I realise a fundraising concert for the Flavel isn’t as emotionally engaging as charities for sick children and the elderly, but the Flavel is a very important asset for the town and surrounding area and we really need to help keep it going.

“For those of us who have never known the town without it, I think there is a tendency to take it for granted. But it’s about 12 years old now, things are beginning to need replacing and funds are also needed to continue the programming of high quality events.

“We need to do all we can to ensure we keep the place up and running so I do hope people will come along and enjoy an evening of great music on Saturday and support the Flavel at the same time.”

The concert will be a mix of old favourites and brand new arrangements of some of the best loved pop songs from the 1950s to the present day. The programme includes classics such as ‘Happy Together’ (The Turtles) ‘How Deep is Your Love’ (Bee Gees) and ‘Longest Time’ (Billy Joel), plus a sprinkling of popular seasonal songs.

A little extra variety will be added by the appearance of Francesca Heard who, although still a very young student, is already an accomplished singer and harpist.

Tickets are available from the Flavel Box Office on 01803 839530.