BASICS Devon is overwhelmed by the support shown at Plymouth Guildhall on Friday 8th September when it was filled with local talent and support at the Three Choirs – One Voice Concert. The concert demonstrated how the community can come together using their voices as a platform for raising awareness and much needed funds.
The concert has been a vision of Barrington Sowden the Chair of The Kingsbridge Barbershop Harmony Club aka the Kingsmen, whom organised the event, after BASICS Devon volunteers attended to Barrington at his home in an emergency. He wanted to bring about diversity and inclusivity which was achieved in abundance, not just from the three different genre of choirs but also through the audience, and this has been echoed by the number of written and verbal messages he has received from those in attendance.
The concert raised an incredible £4,000 for BASICS Devon to which everyone feels very proud and BASICS Devon volunteers are truly grateful for the generosity of the audience and choirs. Barrington Sowden Chair of The Kingsmen and Ian Wooler Secretary, presented the cheque to Amie Bull Fundraising Manager of BASICS Devon.
These funds will make a huge impact at BASICS Devon, it costs £5500 to support one volunteer per year with equipment and training, so this donation is much needed. In 2022 the doctors attended 419 callouts, 112 of which were at night, and they arrived first on the scene at 39% of them. Since January BASICS Devon volunteers have attended 363 callouts, 116 of which were at night, and they arrived first on the scene at 31% of them.
BASICS Devon want to thank everyone that took part, for their hard work and commitment. They felt it was an honour to be a part of and to meet so many wonderful people. Special thanks to Barrington, all members of The Kingsmen Harmony Chorus, Plymouth Rock Choir and Callington Community Gospel Choir for organising and performing such emotional performances. Huge thanks also to all the generous sponsors & to the Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, Plymouth Lord Mayor & Mayoress & David FitzGerald for joining them on the night. This support really will save lives across Devon.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Large, Home | LargeasLife Photo (largeaslifephotography.com) - others available
About BASICS Devon
• BASICS Devon is a network of 14 emergency volunteer doctors providing immediate access to specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness. Making themselves available around the clock throughout the year, responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The charity relies solely on donations.
• BASICS Devon doctors aim to provide a fast response to incidents in rural areas and use their extensive skills to support patient care.
• For further information, to donate or get involved please visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk
For further information please contact Amie Bull, Fundraising Manager amie.bull@basics-devon.org.uk T: 01752 936299 or visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk
About Kingsmen Harmony Chorus