A much loved Remembrance Concert threatened with the axe has been branded a big success after being resurrected by a group of volunteers with the event raising nearly £2000 for the Royal British Legion.

Last Thursday 7th November saw a full house of some 400 at Dudley College enjoy a solemn and moving tribute of Remembrance followed by a rousing concert.

The service was facilitated by Rev. James Treasure of Top Church Dudley, with Cadet standard bearers and the famous poppy drop. A backdrop of interviews of service personnel by Dudley historian Rose Cook-Monk was also a key feature alongside The Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir, the brilliant Sovereign Brass and a trio of Dudley College students singing wartime favourites.

Former serviceman Ian Rawlings who is chair of the 'Dudley Remembers' volunteer group, and the driving force behind the concert, was Master of Ceremonies and was delighted with the resulting positive feedback. Group spokesman, Councillor Steve Waltho, said:

"When we put out a media appeal earlier this year to save this much loved event there were those who doubted it would succeed but we've shown what a wonderful group of volunteers can do.

"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dudley College for not only agreeing to stage the event free of charge, but also for their organisational participation as well as direct involvement of students from the preforming Arts and Photography departments. These young people are the future of remembrance.

"We'd also like to sincerely thank Steve Pitts from the Black Country T-shirt shop for producing publicity posters and Black Country poppy lapel pins which were so popular they sold out within days and raised over £500. A debt of gratitude should also go to intu Merry Hill who sponsored all of the expenses incurred."

Anyone interested in joining the volunteer organising group can contact Steve Waltho via email or on 07703 308463.

Steve is also a member of the Gentlemen Songsters, who will be holding their Christmas concert at Dudley Town Hall at 3pm on Saturday 14th December. The move to an afternoon slot is an experiment to encourage families to attend.

Guests are the highly acclaimed Jackfield Band and Lapal Primary school choir and tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children or £25 for a family ticket available by ringing 01746 763850 or by visiting gsmvc.org.uk.