How Can Music Bring Hope: Reflections from the St Giles the Abbott Benefit Concert for the Samaritans

On Saturday, 14th December, a concert took place at St Giles the Abbot. The Grade II listed church was transformed into a music theatre, complete with amplifiers, microphones, and speakers, for an evening of pop and country music to support the Samaritans. The Samaritans charity continues to offer confidential and emotional support in various forms to those who need a safe space to talk.

Concert organizer and Samaritans manager Vikki Barlow, who is typically seen at the town market on weekends, delighted us with her singing alongside fellow musicians Roy, Mike, Roger, and Paul. Vikki shared that her singing career began at a young age when her sister was too shy to perform on stage at a dance group theater event. Fortunately, Vikki did not share this hesitation. We also enjoyed performances by Tracy from U3A and Caverswall WI, who sang more pop and country music, filling the beautiful church with melodies.

It was a truly delightful evening, with drinks served during the interval. Over 50 people made the climb to the hilltop church, and all proceeds from the event support the remarkable efforts of the Samaritans.

How Can Music Bring Hope: Reflections from the St Giles the Abbott Benefit Concert for the Samaritans - Last updated 27.12.24