Llandudno show group closes after raising £50,000 for charity

Sep 23 2010 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News

THE curtain is falling for the last time on a show group which has raised over £50,000 for local charities over the past 10 years.

Llandudno-based singers Touch of Class will give their last performance next week. The group has been singing every week for the best part of four months each year and has attracted a strong body of support from the many tourists and residents who have enjoyed its entertainment.

“Touch of Class has presented a lively show, different each year, built on songs from the great musicals and the work of the best composers of recent years.

“The company has always introduced choreography and movement into its presentation, to add to the pleasing sound of its many talented well-costumed singers. Not only has this attracted enthusiastic audiences, but it has enabled the group to raise the best part of £50,000 over the years to give to deserving charities in north Wales,” said the group’s chairman, Mike Barnes.

“Some of the current members on stage have been in every performance since the group started in 2000. Until last year when he retired from the group, Terry Hemuss, a well-known local pianist, was at the helm. Working closely with him was Vivienne Clutton, giving the performances that extra sparkle with her imaginative stage direction.

“Now, however, members feel that the time has come to bring down the curtain. The current production has been a great success and a show on which they can proudly bow out,” he added.

And founder member, Neville Jackson, said: “Unfortunately all good things come to an end, but we are finishing having enjoyed a decade of real enthusiasm and companionship. We have the satisfaction of knowing we have raised a lot of money for charity, and would like to thank all those who have supported us over these very happy years.”

Touch of Class gives its final performance next Monday evening at 8pm in the Llandudno Town Hall when the current 10 singers, with musical director Paul Harvey, present a programme based on the songs of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.

judith.phillips