Page 11 - Town & Around - May 2025

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King’s Lynn Community Choir gives a
helping hand to two West Norfolk
Charities
Jill Bennett

wo West Norfolk charities which have given vital support to
local people have been given a boost by King’s Lynn
TCommunity Choir.
The King’s Lynn Food Bank and King’s Lynn Blood Bikes have
been given £1,000 each by the choir from the proceeds of their
Christmas concert. The choir sang to a capacity audience in St
Nicholas’s Chapel, King’s Lynn, in December.
Members chose the two charities because of their work in the
community.
Sandy Gourlay, the chairman of Norfolk Blood Bikes, told the choir
that the gift would help to keep the wheels of the blood bikes turning
as they transport blood and samples out of hours between hospitals.
“We couldn’t do any of this if it wasn’t for this kind of support,” he
said. “You sing like angels and I shall be back in the audience for your
next concert!”
The strategic project manager at King’s Lynn Food Bank, Helen
Gilbert, thanked the choir for their ‘amazing’ gift, which would help
buy food for the increasing number of households needing the
charity’s help.
“We have given out 6,500 parcels in the last 12 months, and spent
£27,000 on food,” she said.
The cheques were handed over by Charlotte Sinassi-Hill, the
musical director of the choir. She said the choir’s connections with
the community were at the heart of what it does.
“We are inspired by the fantastic work these of these two charities
and we love to raise our voices in their support – and enjoy making
some great music!”

The cheque presentation with the choir in the background shows
choir treasurer Jude Ormston, (L) with Helen Gilbert (Centre) from Simon Gourlay, chairman of Norfolk Blood Bikes, with
King's Lynn Food Bank and Charlotte Sinassi-Hill,(R) musical Charlotte Sinassi-Hill aboard one of the specially-equipped bikes
director of King's Lynn Community Choir used by the charity.