The Stuart Singers travelled to Holland recently to participate in a uniquely moving event – the 75th anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Venray in the Netherlands, bordering Germany – which took place over the weekend of 19th and 20th October. The choir, which is based in Minchinhampton, was invited by the organisers of the event to represent the UK at this prestigious and hugely important event. The choir sang “Let there be Peace on Earth” to dignitaries and veterans at the open air memorial service at the British cemetery where 693 soldiers are buried; performed in a special Concert for Freedom in the 600 seater theatre in Venray; and shared the stage with a Dutch and a German choir in another celebratory concert in a massive marquee before an audience of 450 local people and dignitaries. The 45 choir members who participated, under Musical Director Helen Sims, found this to be a very moving and poignant occasion, just 3 weekends before we all remember those who have fallen in both World Wars and other conflicts.
The Stuart Singers are a 64-voice mixed choir based in Minchinhampton who, under Musical Director Helen Sims, have raised over £255,000 for good causes and charity since their foundation by (the late) Sheila and Gerry Palmer in 1992.
Scouts put red roses on each grave in the British cemetery, Venray Holland at the end of the memorial service on Sunday October 20th 2019