Local Wiltshire charities celebrate their work with a stunning concert in the presence of The Queen
Local Wiltshire charities celebrated their work at a musical evening attended by Her Majesty The Queen at Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday 8 February.
The historic event saw award-winning concert pianist Rupert Egerton-Smith perform alongside The Band of The Grenadier Guards and The Band and Bugles of The Rifles.
Attended by over 1,200 people, the event will help to support the work of The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Community First’s youth arm, Youth Action Wiltshire, along with the military charities, The Colonel’s Fund and The Rifles Benevolent Trust.
All of the charities share a close association with Her Majesty The Queen, who enjoyed the performance from the front row at the historic Salisbury Cathedral.
Emily Tulloch, one of the concert’s lead organisers, said: “It was a stunning evening and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped to make this night become a reality.
“Thank you to all the partners who supported the event, staff and volunteers from the charities, the performers, Salisbury Cathedral staff and everyone who bought a ticket to attend the concert.”
The funds raised will directly benefit the local charitable organisations, who have all provided long-standing services in the community.
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust was established in 1998 to work in partnership with Wiltshire Police to provide a home security service. The mission of the charity is to help elderly or vulnerable people who have been victims of, or are at risk of, house crime, hate crime, domestic abuse or fire.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance provides Helicopter Emergency Medical Services across Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas. The charity has been saving lives since 1990, operating up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Youth Action Wiltshire is the national award-winning ‘youth arm’ of Wiltshire-based charity Community First. The service offers support for young carers, young people facing challenges in their lives, young victims of crime and young people who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). Community First also offers programmes and services which support people, places and communities, including community development, grants and employability programmes.
ENDS
Photography credits: Finnbarr Webster
Click to see full sized images (below)
Notes to Editors
- The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust was established in 1998 to work in partnership with Wiltshire Police to provide a home security service. The mission of the charity is to help elderly or vulnerable people who have been victims of, or are at risk of, house crime, hate crime, domestic abuse or fire. The charity also works with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, as well as several other agencies, to ensure that the most effective use is made of facilities and support available and those in need of help receive it promptly. The charity launched Stay Safe Online in 2016 to support older people to recognise computer fraud and what to do if they have been scammed. Seven volunteers across the county offer one-to-one home visits to provide advice on how to stay safe online.
- Wiltshire Air Ambulance provides Helicopter Emergency Medical Services across Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas. The charity has been saving lives since 1990, operating up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year. The aircrew, consisting of pilots, critical care paramedics and doctors, attend on average three potentially lifesaving missions each day in the charity’s Bell 429 helicopter or one of two critical care cars. The charity needs to raise £4.5m each year to continue saving lives and receives no regular direct Government funding or National Lottery grants.
- Youth Action Wiltshire is the national award-winning ‘youth arm’ of Wiltshire-based charity Community First. The service offers life-changing support for young carers, young people facing challenges in their lives, young victims of crime and young people who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). Many of the free-to-access programmes and activities for young people take place at our dedicated outdoor education centre at Oxenwood. Community First also offers a range of programmes and services which support people, places and communities, including community development, grants and employability programmes.
- Rupert Egerton-Smith is an award-winning pianist and concert artist who continues to be praised for the “rich sensitivity and superb musicianship” that has become synonymous with his performances. Combining an innate musicality with solid grounding in technique, style and composition, his abilities continue to trademark him as one of the finest classical pianists on the musical scene.
- The Band of the Grenadier Guards is one of the oldest and most iconic military bands in the world. It has a vast and illustrious history dating back over 335 years, having been formed under the reign King Charles II as part of the ‘First Regiment of Foot Guards’. The band is present at all major UK royal occasions and has witnessed many of the nation’s significant historic events. In recent times, they have played pivotal roles in the State Funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The Regimental Quick March, ‘British Grenadiers’ is one of the most recognisable and memorable tunes in the world.
- The Band and Bugles of The Rifles are renowned for their fast ‘light’ pace when marching. They are part of the Royal Corps of Army Music and represent the largest infantry regiment in the UK Army, The Rifles. The Band and Bugles of The Rifles have been part of significant events in the UK including the funerals of the late Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. They can be found regularly performing around the UK and abroad throughout the year and are based in Winchester.