10/04/2026
On the final night of the York Community Choir Festival, in front of a full theatre, compere for the evening and YMS President, Paul Blenkiron together with performer and YMS Manager, Susan Blenkiron, presented a cheque for £2,200 to Theatre Manager Dan Shrimpton.
This was as a result of fundraising work by members during Paul’s presidential year for our Society’s chosen local charity, plus a donation from charitable funds. The Joseph Rowntree Theatre holds a special place in Paul’s heart. He has performed there for many years and he is a keen advocate for its good work and the wider health benefits it brings. The Theatre, built in 1935 for the workers of Rowntree Factory, is now run by volunteers. It is fundraising to improve its access and disabled facilities. This will allow it to continue hosting projects like the Annual Community Choir Festival which gives local groups the opportunity to perform on a professional stage. This year performers included many adult and children’s choirs, several wellbeing choirs and the Leveson Choir, launched by York Against Cancer in 2023 for those in York touched by cancer.
If you wish to help the Theatre continue its great work, like York Medical Society, then you can ‘Buy a Brick’. Details can be found on the Theatre website: https://www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/support-us/
