THE Methodist Church in Burley in Wharfedale is the venue for a concert by the Fairfax Singers, one of the most popular choirs in the area. The concert, on Saturday, June 29, will be raising funds for the Burley Bridge Association towards the construction costs for a suspension footbridge over the River Wharfe in Burley. Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

The Fairfax Singers, a mixed-voice choir of 36 members, were formed in 1996, and has since sung at numerous charity events, weddings and corporate occasions. The choir also seeks to promote talented young musicians, instrumentalists and singers.

This concert will feature the talented 15 year-old soprano Maddy Podesta as their guest. Maddy sings with the St. Oswalds, Guiseley, Church choir, where the choir’s invaluable accompanist, Martin D. Baker is choir master and organist. This year he will accompany the massed choirs of the Voices of Craven in their celebration of music and song at Kirby Malham Church on July 6th. The choir’s Musical Director, Dorothy Hawkshaw, headed choirs in various countries before returning to Guiseley, where she taught at, and was Head of Guiseley Music Centre for a total of 23 years.

The concert will feature an eclectic choice of music including songs from Elgar, Dvorak, Roger Quilter, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Carly Simon.

David Asher, trustee and Secretary of the Burley Bridge Association said: “This concert came about following a suggestion from one of our members who sings in the choir. Knowing the excellent reputation Fairfax Singers has locally, we jumped at the chance. We hope as many people as possible come for a great evening of music and song, with all proceeds going towards the construction of the bridge.”

Tickets cost £10 and are available from the Coffee Station in Burley, and Just Books in Ilkley and Otley. They can also be purchased on line at ticketsource.co.uk/burley-bridge-association. Light refreshments will be provided.

Details of the bridge campaign can be found at www.burleybridge.com, via Facebook @burleybridgeassoc or Twitter @burleybridge.