Rotary in Guildford presents cheques totalling £4,700 to Mayor’s chosen charities

RECENTLY, representatives of Rotary in Guildford presented the Guildford Veterans Hub and The Matrix Trust with cheques totalling £4,700. The money was raised at the Mayor of Guildford’s Christmas Concert, organised by Rotary in Guildford, and shared with projects chosen by the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE.

The annual concert is a popular and well supported event that has been a significant fundraiser for the Mayor’s charities for many years. The latest concert, performed by Vivace Chorus, raised £3,500 for the Guildford Veterans Hub and an additional £1,200 through a retiring collection for The Matrix Trust.

‘Making connections for the wellbeing of our communities’ is the mayoral theme for this year. Sallie chose these projects to benefit from the Christmas Concert because of a strong personal connection with their aims and objectives.

Having served nearly 20 years in the Territorial Army, Sallie recognises the tremendous sacrifice and service of the Armed Forces community. The Guildford Veterans Hub, based at Guildford Fire Station, provides invaluable support to both active and former military personnel by offering a safe and welcoming environment where veterans can gather, build friendships, receive advice, and access various services.

With eight years of experience as a teacher, Sallie is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk. The Matrix Trust excels in this area by establishing long-term relationships with young people and providing activities that nurture, inspire, connect, and empower them.

The Rotary Clubs of Guildford Wey & Chantries said in a joint statement:

“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all our supporters and attendees for their generous contributions. We are especially grateful to our event sponsors, AJ Bennewith & Co and the Guildford Butchery.”

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE said:

“Rotary in Guildford has a magnificent history of supporting the Mayor of Guildford’s initiatives. I’m truly grateful for all they do.

“The Vivace Chorus delivered a wonderful performance that brought joy to the audience and will leave a lasting legacy through the money gifted to The Guildford Veterans Hub and The Matrix Trust.”

The special presentation took place at Guildford Fire Station. Cheques were presented to The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, Pat Sheridan of the Guildford Veterans Hub, and Dan Setterfield of the Matrix Trust by Rotary Wey Club Vice President, Andy Bowen-Ashwin, and Rotary Chantries Club President, Trevor Perrott, on behalf of Rotary in Guildford.

Also present were members of the Guildford Veterans Hub, Dennis Booth, Veterans Hub Chairman, the Rotary Concert team, Chris Shorter, Chris Hodgson, Andrew Jackson, (Rotary Guildford Wey) and the Chairman of the Vivace Chorus, Richard Dacey.

The next Mayor’s Christmas Concert is scheduled for 7pm on Sunday 14 December at Holy Trinity Church. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information later this year.