Rotary in Guildford presents cheques totalling £4,700 to Mayor's chosen charities
- the Guildford Veterans Hub
- The Matrix Trust
The annual concert is a popular and well supported event that has been a significant fundraiser for the Mayor's charities for many years.
How much did the concert raise?
The latest concert, performed by Vivace Chorus, raised:
- £3,500 for the Guildford Veterans Hub
- £1,200 through a retiring collection for The Matrix Trust
Reasons for choosing these projects
'Making connections for the wellbeing of our communities' is the mayoral theme for this year. Sallie chose these projects to benefit from the Christmas Concert because of a strong personal connection with their aims.
The Guildford Veterans Hub
Having served nearly 20 years in the Territorial Army, Sallie recognises the tremendous sacrifice and service of the Armed Forces community. The Guildford Veterans Hub is based at Guildford Fire Station and
- provides invaluable support to both active and former military personnel
- offers a safe and welcoming environment
- a place where veterans can gather, build friendships, receive advice, and access various services.
The Matrix Trust
With eight years of experience as a teacher, Sallie is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk. The Matrix Trust excels in this area by
- establishing long-term relationships with young people and
- providing activities that nurture, inspire, connect, and empower them.
The Rotary Clubs of Guildford Wey & Chantries said in a joint statement:
"We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to all our supporters and attendees for their generous contributions. We are especially grateful to our event sponsors, AJ Bennewith & Co and the Guildford Butchery."
The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE said:
"Rotary in Guildford has a magnificent history of supporting the Mayor of Guildford's initiatives. I'm truly grateful for all they do.
"The Vivace Chorus delivered a wonderful performance that brought joy to the audience and will leave a lasting legacy through the money gifted to The Guildford Veterans Hub and The Matrix Trust."
The special presentation took place at Guildford Fire Station.
Presenting the cheques on behalf of Rotary in Guildford
- Rotary Wey Club Vice President, Andy Bowen-Ashwin
- Rotary Chantries Club President, Trevor Perrott
Photographed holding cheques
- The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE,
- Andrew Jackson of Rotary Club of Guildford Wey, charity fund treasurer
- Dan Setterfield of the Matrix Trust
Others present
Members of the Guildford Veterans Hub
- Dennis Booth
- Veterans Hub Chairman,
The Rotary Concert team
- Chris Shorter,
- Chris Hodgson,
- Andrew Jackson, (Rotary Guildford Wey)
- the Chairman of the Vivace Chorus, Richard Dacey
Date for the next Mayor's Christmas Concert
The next Mayor's Christmas Concert is scheduled for:
Sunday, 14 December 2025, at 7 pm
Holy Trinity Church
Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information later this year.