TO celebrate the completion of its refurbishment project, and to show off its new facilities, All Saints Church in Okehampton is hosting a charity concert this weekend. The church has succeeded in raising more than £25,000 since January to re-order the front of the church, provide a new heating system, new carpets, new refreshment facilities and new lighting. There is even a little money left over which church leaders say may well be used to improve the comfort of the pews. To mark the fundraising achievement, the church will play host to a grand charity concert in aid of the East African Drought Appeal. The concert this Saturday (June 24) will feature a wide range of local groups, including choirs from All Saints, Fairplace and New Life, the Okement Singers, musicians from Wren, Pack Horse Singers, Okehampton handbell ringers and the Summerland Singers. Churchwarden of All Saints Keith Christmas said: ?We are very proud of what has been achieved here. ?The church looks even lovelier than it did before and it was quite an achievement to raise so much money in a relatively short time. ?We now want to raise some money for another worthy cause as a way of saying thank you. ?We have been experiencing shortage of water in some parts of this country but it is nothing compared to the problems in parts of Africa. ?This evening will provide some first class entertainment and save lives as well.? Entrance to the concert which gets underway at 7pm is free, but donations are requested for the appeal. Tea, squash, coffee and wine will also be available during the event.
