Andover Music Club is planning to bring classical music to a new audience thanks to a £750 Councillor Community Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
The club, founded 77 years ago by popular local singer Miss Gladys New, presents seven accessible concerts each season at The Lights in Andover. They bring a wide range of musical performances by high quality, professional artists to the theatre.
The club’s finances have become trickier after Covid, with many regular members not returning to the theatre and concert scene. They’re reacting by seeking to bring new audiences to their shows and the money awarded by their local councillors will be used to help fund a family concert, aimed at helping local families to encounter and appreciate classical music.
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. 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.”
To book tickets for the Andover Concert Series, visit The Lights at www.thelights.org.uk or 01264 368368. For further information on how to sponsor the club, or to book a season ticket, go to www.andovermusicclub.co.uk
Ward Councillor’s Councillors Jan Budzynski, Debbie Cattell and Iris Andersen from St Mary’s Ward were delighted to award 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.”
The Test Valley Borough Councillors’ Community Grant Scheme exists to support local people in establishing their own priorities and to deliver local solutions to local issues. It also aims to encourage community-led initiatives, supported by borough councillors who can play an active part in helping their communities deliver their ambitions.
Not-for-profit, charitable community groups and organisations can apply to the Councillor Community Grant Scheme for a grant up to two-thirds of the cost of their project or activity, up to a maximum of £1,000.
For more information on council grants visit: https://testvalley.gov.uk/councillorcommunitygrantscheme
