Volunteer fundraisers in the Holme Valley have raised more than £60,000 for cancer charity Macmillan during 2013.

Holme Valley Parish Council chairman Greg Christofi was on hand to present the cheque to Francine Tyler and Viki Nixon, of Macmillan Cancer Support, during the annual meeting of the Macmillan Holmfirth Fundraising Group, which is chaired by Gerry Beamond.

The funds were raised through a variety of events and collections.

Highlights of the year included a memorial concert for musician and charity fundraiser Carlton Mellor, which was performed by the Huddersfield Gilbert and Sullivan Society. New Mill Male Voice Choir made a generous donation and the proceeds of a collection at one of the choir’s concerts at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Janet Blackshaw, who has staged coffee mornings for many years, organised another for the charity’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Mr Beamond said: “The continuing energy and passion of people who have been on this committee for such long periods never ceases to amaze me and it was very pleasing to see this being acknowledged in June by Macmillan, when a large number of people received their awards for long service.

“Holmfirth Artweek continues to be the jewel in our crown and centre piece of our fundraising. This year, Artweek is two weeks later than usual, due to the Tour de France. It will open on Sunday July 20, and runs until Saturday, July 26.”

Mr Beamond said: “The Holmfirth group is always keen to welcome new members and volunteers to help with existing events and to suggest new fundraising ideas.

In addition to Artweek, over the next few months a number of fundraising events are planned. These include the Holmfirth Charity Market on Sunday, April 28; A Face the Music and Dance concert to be organised by Vocal Expressions on June 21 at Holmbridge Parish Hall; and A Taste of Yorkshire evening of food and music featuring Yorkshire Traction Honley Band on Friday, July 4, at Holmfirth Civic Hall on June 21; Taste of Yorkshire” evening of Yorkshire food and music at Holmfirth Civic Hall on Friday, July 4 featuring the Yorkshire Traction Honley Band.

Macmillan needs to raise £1.8m in 2014 to maintain current services in West Yorkshire. To get involved contact Mr Beamond by emailing gbeamond@hotmail.com or come attend the next fundraising group meeting at 7.30pm on Monday, April 7, at Holmfirth Civic Hall.

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