Heather Rogers: Ukrainian Concert

Today Heather Rogers spoke to us about the concert she arranged at Chelmsford Cathedral in January in support of the Red Cross appeal for Ukraine. Unfortunately we had problems linking her laptop with the projector at the Chelmsford Rugby Club, so she had to rely on us all trying to see her laptop screen. (See the picture.)

She got to know some Ukrainians through volunteering at the Broomfield Parish Hall She got the idea for the concert when she saw the bandura duo Dvi Doli playing at St Ethelburga’s Church near Liverpool Street station. She approached the duo to see if they would be interested in performing in Chelmsford, which they agreed to do.

Heather then set about arranging the concert, including booking the Cathedral and opening a special bank account for the concert. Tickets were sold through Eventbrite and in person. She had publicity leaflets printed and placed in appropriate places around Chelmsford. Our Secretary, Jenny Black, made sure the concert was well publicised within the Club.

She approached BBC Essex to see whether they would be prepared to publicise the concert. They told her they would interview her on the morning of the concert. She thought this might be too late but went ahead. Our member Philip Goodman, who sold tickets on the door at the concert, said that some people told him they had decided to attend when it was mentioned on BBC Essex that morning, so it was worthwhile.

The concert was very well attended, Dvi Doli entertaining the audience with their music and songs for two hours. Some £1,500 was raised.