The Abingdon Music Centre was established in 1975, 40 years ago. Their aim is to give the people of Abingdon opportunities to make music, whatever their age or experience.

At the weekend there were a couple of concerts for members and families. The second was the ‘Teacher Members’ Concert, where teachers at the centre presented some of their pupils, and sometimes played alongside. It took place at St Nicolas Church.

Most of the performers were too young to be shown on the internet without asking parents permission, but George Haslam and the Sunday Saxes do not fit that category.

The evening ended with an inspirational performance by two of the teachers.

St Helen’s Church was full for the Abingdon Music Centre Christmas Concert – an annual event where groups from the Abingdon Music Centre, perform for each other and for family and friends.

The concert started with the Community Orchestra. They played some Beatles songs, then Bruch’s Violin Concerto no 1: 2nd movement.

Before they could start a butterfly landed on the music of Helen Eccleston, the conductor. Once blown off, the orchestra watched it fluttering off round the church.

Bethan Rose was the soloist of the concerto – a piece she played when winning the Francis Kitching Trophy for 2014, a trophy in memory of a well known local music teacher who wanted to encourage students to continue music after school.