Enjoy a festive evening at the St Ann’s Christmas Concert

Retired GP Barbara Murray has the perfect remedy to relieve everyday stresses and strains by singing with the St Ann’s Hospice Festival Choir.

The first soprano is now rehearsing for the choir’s popular Christmas Concert at The Bridgewater Hall on Friday, December 8 (7.30 pm).

Barbara and fellow choristers will perform carols and seasonal favourites, accompanied by Corus Brass Ensemble and the Bowdon Preparatory School for Girl’s Chamber Choir.

Barbara retired as a senior partner at the Manor Medical Practice which has sites in Offerton and Hillgate, Stockport, in April, though still uses her GP experience twice a week on the ward at our Heald Green hospice site, near her home.

She joined the choir in 2005, two years after her husband Lawrence died. Barbara said: “I’d go straight to rehearsals from work on a Friday and all the cares of the day would disappear. I found that singing with people and making music was an extremely therapeutic thing to do. The conductor John Pomphrey has the gift to keep the standard high but with a great sense of fun.

“The Christmas Concert is a lovely occasion and the presence of a school choir adds to the ambience. To hear children sing with such clarity and confidence and see them perform in such a beautiful place is wonderful for parents.

“There are mixed emotions on the night because Christmas is a happy time but also a sad time of year. Several choir members have strong connections with the hospice and we sometimes shed a tear as we reflect on people who’ve gone and also the true meaning of Christmas.”

Tickets at £22 (under 16s, £12) are available from the Bridgewater Hall box office 0161 907 9000 or www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.  Family tickets for four (only one ticket holder has to be under 16) are £62.

Transport (£7 return) leaves Stagecoach Park and Ride, Hazel Grove; St George’s Church, Poynton; St Michael’s Church, Bramhall; The Village Hotel, Cheadle; United Reformed Church, Heald Green and St Ann’s Hospice, Heald Green. To book transport call Harry Bull on 0161 430 7706.

Pianist at the concert is Christopher Ellis with Elin Rees on organ.