ANDOVER Music Club is planning to bring classical music to a new audience thanks to a £750 councillor community grant from the borough council.
The club, founded 77 years ago by popular local singer Gladys New, presents seven accessible concerts each season at The Lights in Andover.
The concerts bring a wide range of musical performances by high-quality, professional artists to the theatre.
The club is seeking to bring new audiences to its shows and the money awarded by local councillors will be used to help fund a family concert, aimed at helping local families to encounter and appreciate classical music.
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Ward councillors Jan Budzynski, Debbie Cattell and Iris Andersen from St Mary’s Ward awarded the cheque to the Andover Music Club team.
Cllr Andersen said: “Andover Music Club have been putting on high-quality concerts at The Lights now for almost eight decades. When we heard about their plans to reach a younger audience with their latest programme of events, we were only too happy to help.”
Club treasurer, Kathy Percival, said: “Andover Music Club are extremely grateful for any funds received in sponsorship or donation, and this donation allows us to continue to bring professional classical entertainment to Andover through our Andover concert series, attracting audiences both young and old to the club.
“The monies provided will enable the club to continue attracting professional musicians in addition to the limited annual budget that the club works to.
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"The reserves are finite, and it is essential to be able to have more funds for the continued existence of these monthly concerts enjoyed by many, from all walks of life since 1946.”
The Test Valley Borough Councillors’ Community Grant Scheme exists to support local people in establishing their priorities and to deliver local solutions to local issues. It also aims to encourage community-led initiatives, supported by borough councillors.
Not-for-profit, charitable community groups and organisations can apply to the Councillor Community Grant Scheme for a grant of up to two-thirds of the cost of their project or activity, up to a maximum of £1,000.
More information on council grants can be found at testvalley.gov.uk/communitygrants
To book tickets for the Andover Concert Series, visit The Lights at thelights.org.uk or 01264 368368.
More information on Andover Music Club can be found at andovermusicclub.co.uk.
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