Our annual October concert with Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills Band and singers from 'Key Voices - was a sell-out weeks before the event - so popular does this event now prove!

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As always there was a varied selection of music from the band, which ranged from Rossini's well-known 'La Danza' through two beautiful cornet and trombone solos, to well-known film scores like 'Jaws 2' and 'Skyfall' and with a finale of music from The Galaxies.

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Some players had rushed from the National Brass Band Championships help at The Royal Albert Hall the day before to take part in our Concert, which demonstrates the quality of the performers in Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills Band.

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In contrast, we were entertained by some delightful singers from 'Key Voices', one of four choirs trained by Emma Hopkins - perhaps best known for her 'Perfect Pitch' choir, who over the years have appeared on our TV screens a number of times and who regularly offer productions in the local area.

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It can never be emphasised enough that all these performers offer their services completely free to support the work of The Goboka Rwanda Trust, and have done so for many years now, and we are more than indebted to them and really feel now that they are part of 'our team'!

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Following a recent visit to Rwanda by two trustees - Heather Thomas and Tony Brennan - it was decided that the proceeds from this year's concert would go towards providing medical insurance for some of the poorer communities the Trust works with. Without health insurance, no-one can access medical care from either health outlets or hospitals, but many people cannot afford the £2 per person, per year fee.

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The Trust aims to make available a sum of £500 each year to the three Health Posts (equivalent to our GP surgeries) which it has built, so that 750 more people per year can use these facilities and get medical care if/when needed.

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The response on the night from the audience was fantastic! Over £1,300 was raised on the evening which, before the end of the day had been raised to the required £1,500 by a kind donor. Furthermore, the following day a further donor came forward with a gift-aided donation, which took the total to £1,800.

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So, in addition to providing the health insurance, the surplus money had bought some goats for a group of widows we met whilst out in Rwanda and who we promised to support when we could.

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Thanks to everyone who supported the event - we know you had a great night - but you also helped so many people who you may never meet, but who know you support them and say a big 'thank you'.

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Our next annual event will be held Sunday, 19th October 2025, 6.00pm. For more information please visit our 'Events' page.