Opera cast’s lockdown choir hoping to raise vital funds for Borders cancer care charity

A fifty strong virtual choir has come together to raise money for Galashiels-based cancer care charity The Lavender Touch.
Members of Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society take part in a fundraising video for the Lavender Touch.Members of Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society take part in a fundraising video for the Lavender Touch.
Members of Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society take part in a fundraising video for the Lavender Touch.

Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society’s performance of Bill Withers’ 1972 classic ‘Lean on Me’ was released online this week, with the backing of Oxton actor Jack Lowden, who is urging those who watch it to dig deep.

The 30-year-old said: “Two organisations that I have been involved with in the past have come together to do something quite special at this mental time.

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“In the Borders we have a long tradition of amateur operatic societies which are run by local people for local people or any age, ilk or ability to tread the boards and put on shows, musicals and plays. There’s loads throughout the Borders and they’re brilliant.

Jack Lowden in Oxton.Jack Lowden in Oxton.
Jack Lowden in Oxton.

“They’re ran for next to no money and rehearse all through the year, two or three times a week - they take it more seriously than the profession does. They rehearse in freezing cold, village and town halls and empty primary schools and that’s where I got my start and learnt my craft with Galashiels Opera.

“They’ve not been able to put their show on so instead of the company members being sat doing nothing they have joined with another brilliant local organisation, The Lavender Touch, which is a charity that helps people living with cancer.”With the charity’s usual fundraising events cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown, both organisations hope |Borderers will show their appreciation by donating.

Jack added: “This was the brain child of the brilliant Jeff Thompson, who runs Gala Opera. “Please donate money to the Lavender Touch. “This is two brilliant local organisations helping untold amounts of money in very different ways, but both equally important.”

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The video, already viewed 10,000 times, is the first of two created due to be released by the group under director Jeff Thomson.

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