A significant charity concert showcasing some of Huddersfield’s finest musical talent and broadcast live across the globe has generated nearly £3,000 for charitable causes.
The performance at Lindley Methodist Church included appearances from Marsh Ladies Choir, Huddersfield Men’s Voices, deaf musician Paul Whittaker, OBE and his remarkable Musical Hands Singing Choir. The event was hosted by prominent Huddersfield music leader and vocalist Thom Meredith, who serves as musical director for the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and Colne Valley Male Voice Choir.
The concert was transmitted live via Zoom, enabling viewers from across the globe to tune in. Funds raised from the performance will support children’s education, particularly in Kenya, extending a project that has assisted young people in accessing schooling and higher education over the last 20 years.
The event was coordinated by church member Raj Beadle, an Edgerton-based businessman who operates one of the world’s most renowned coffee brands – Gaggia coffee machines – in the UK.
Huddersfield Mens Voices at Lindley Methodist Church
He has served as managing director for Gaggia UK and Ireland’s domestic operations for three decades, working from Lowfields Business Park in Elland. The company sponsored the event, dubbed the Gaggia Charity Concert, as part of commemorations marking 75 years of the Gaggia coffee brand in the UK. Raj commented: “A special moment was the audience participation led by Musical Hands where everyone learned the sign language to Going To The Chapel which went down a treat and brought plenty of smiles and laughter. Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, supported and encouraged us.”
The featured soloist was Raj’s daughter, Katie Beadle, who performed the Joni Mitchell track Both Sides Now from the 2021 Oscar-winning film CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).
Raj remarked: “In the film the song became something deeper than sound – a connection, a feeling and a bridge between two worlds.”
The day commenced with a morning community gathering at Lindley Methodist Community Centre, where local organisations set up stalls and offered refreshments to generate funds for their respective causes.
