Claritas choir is preparing for a spectacular concert to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with rehearsals already underway for the special show at MADS Theatre on Monday, July 13. The community choir has supported East Cheshire Hospice throughout its history, raising more than £71,000 in the process.
The charity is close to the hearts of many choir members, including Clair Close. Her late husband David was a Hospice patient in 2000, passing away at just 45 from a brain tumour. Clair shared: “David was a big rugby player and well known at Macclesfield Rugby Club. After he was diagnosed, it was seven weeks from start to finish. David spent the last two weeks of his life in the Hospice and it was such a blessing that we had it on our doorstep. It was a shocking time, but the Hospice looked after him and our son Jonathan, and daughter Laura, afterwards. They were only children then.”
The choir is one way Clair helps. She has volunteered on reception for a long time and provided admin support for the senior doctor for seven years. The Christmas tree collection is also a tradition for Clair. She said: “You want to give something back because they gave a lot to my family when we needed it. I joined the choir soon after it was formed. I’d never sung in a choir at school or anything and it was my first attempt at singing with a group of people. We’ve had three different musical directors, all with different styles. It’s always been joyous and when we go out into the community with our buckets the public empty their pockets because so many people have a connection with the Hospice. They feel an affinity and want to help.”
A collection at the Treacle Market where Claritas performed last month raised £300 in just half an hour. Claritas will also feature at a music night at The Tytherington Club on Friday, July 3 at 7 pm. For the anniversary concert, Claritas will be joined by guest singers from MADS Theatre and Macclesfield Ukulele group. Expect classic favourites from the 50-strong choir which is thriving two decades on. Tickets at £12 are available from claritassecretary@gmail.com.
