17 December 2011 Christmas Concert in Dunblane Cathedral

The magnificent setting of Dunblane Cathedral was the venue for the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club's Grand Christmas Charity Concert on Saturday 17 December. Guests were greeted by the sounds of the Cathedral bells rung by the Dunblane Cathedral Society of Change Ringers.

Andrew McLean got the audience warmed up with his rendition of Jingle Bells played on trumpet before MC Peter Hill welcomed everyone and introduced the acts. The Rosenethe Signers with Musical Director Matthew Beetschen were followed by Dunblane High pupil, Jennifer Ferguson on piano, the Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers with Malcolm Wilson and to complete the first half, Nicola Cassells sang her first 2 songs. David Johnston on behalf of Mary's Meals gave a moving account of the work of this charity and explained that providing a nourishing meal for school children costs just 4p. Peter Hill outlined the work of the two other beneficiaries of the concert  The Duncan Hospital in India and Rotary International.

After a short interval, the concert resumed with further performances from Andrew McLean, the Handbell Ringers and the Rosenethe Singers before Nicola Cassells brought the evening to an end with a further selection of her songs.

President Rod Jones concluded the concert by thanking all the performers, club members and the 'behind the scenes' staff who had all contributed to a wonderful evening and invited everyone to the Cathedral Hall where mulled wine was being served along with mince pies and Christmas cake, courtesy of Tesco Metro, Dunblane.

Nicola was on hand to autograph copies of CDs kindly donated by her dad, Brian before the party finally came to an end.

While details are still being finalised, the outcome is in the region of £2000 plus to go towards the selected charities.