Witham Operatic Society raises £8k for Farleigh Hospice

Witham Amateur Operatic Society (WAOS) put on a sneak preview of the group’s forthcoming production of Calendar Girls at the town’s Public Hall, in Collingwood Road, last Wednesday.

During the event, where the cast expertly performed four songs from the production, society chairman Trevor Drury revealed £8,000 has been raised for Farleigh Hospice.

The charity provides care for people affected by life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, across mid Essex.

Passionate - left to right - Alice Ward who plays Cora, Rhoda Taylor who plays Ruth, Michelle Bacon who plays Ceila, and Elisabeth Batt (Image: Katrina Louise photography)

Cast - Joe Geddis who plays Denis, and Michelle Bacon who plays Celia (Image: Katrina Louise photography)

Calendar Girls is based on the true story of an incredible group of women in a Yorkshire Women’s Institute.

The women famously posed for and created a daring 'nude' calendar to raise money for charity after one of the group’s husbands died from leukaemia.

Over the last several months, WAOS has raised the funds through the sale of their very own risqué calendar, which is available online for £8, and through a quiz night in January.

Society member Constance Lawton who is playing Chris Harper, one of the main leads in the forthcoming production, explained why she wanted to be involved.

Rehearsal - actors Carole Hart who plays Jessie and Richard Herring who plays Colin (Image: Katrina Louise Photography)
One of the leads - actor Constance Lawton who plays Chris Harper (Image: Katrina Louise photography)

She said: "I’ve been off stage for five years, as I’ve had a back problem.

“I lost my brother to cancer and my mum is battling stage four cancer.”

Even more funds will be raised as WAOS is organising the Sunflower Ball in May.

It is also selling ‘honour sunflowers’ for £5 which can be dedicated to someone battling cancer or in memory of someone.

The sunflowers will be made into a wall of flowers which will be displayed throughout the society’s string of shows from April 22-27.

One of the bosses - the WAOS Calendar Girls Director Nikki Mundell-Poole pictured in the middle (Image: Katrina Louise photography)

Practicing - cast member Liv Possee who plays Jenny (Image: Katrina Louise photography)

An online charity auction is currently taking place, where numerous companies have donated goods and services which can be bid on until May 24.

Calendar Girls director Nikki Mundell-Poole said: "Directing this show has been a privilege as it's a story that touches everyone who has had a relationship with cancer in some form.

It triumphs the power of stepping outside your comfort zone and to dare to do something unexpected."

Actor - Will Hackett during rehearsals for the production, he plays Danny Harper (Image: Katrina Louise photography)

In the moment - the WAOS Calendar Girls musical director Karen Chinery (Image: Katrina Louise photography)

WAOS president Stewart Adkins, explained why people should come along to see the show in April.

“Firstly, the quality of what we do is great, the atmosphere is fantastic and it’s a beautiful theatre.

“This show is so moving but also very funny - it’s a bittersweet show.

“Everyone in the society knows someone affected by cancer. I think it will touch a lot of people.”

To find out more or to book tickets, head to waos.org.