Alton Choral Society’s 150th birthday concert raised more than £400 for the Bushy Leaze Children and Families Centre.

Held at the Church of St Lawrence on July 1, it attracted a large audience who enjoyed excerpts from Handel’s Messiah.

Soloists Christopher Lawrence, Wendy Busby, Nancy Buck, Jeremy Griggs, Alison Crow and Rosemary Lanning all performed their parts skilfully. The choir was in fine form and was obviously enjoying performing during the evening, especially the Hallelujah chorus.

The choir and soloists were adeptly accompanied by organists Jane Palmer and Patrick Busby.

Conductor Wendy Busby said afterwards that she felt this was one of its strongest performances yet and a fitting tribute to mark the continued existence of a choral society still going strong in the modern age.

Proceeds from the interval refreshments organised by Bushy Leaze went to the centre, as did a percentage of the ticket revenue. The society wishes to thank headmistress Becky Hussey and her team for all their hard work.

Alton Choral Society welcomes new members and will be rehearsing for its autumn concert from September. For more details email [email protected]