Lapal Community Choir, based at St Peter’s Church in Lapal (part of the Halas Team of Churches in Halesowen), has struck a powerful chord with the local community after raising more than £1,000 at their recent Spring Concert. The funds were dedicated to installing a new external defibrillator, an essential piece of lifesaving equipment that will be available for public use at any time.
Although the choir’s fundraising total was impressive, the cost of an external defibrillator, which is typically around £1,700, meant there was still a small shortfall. Shortly after the concert, the choir was approached by the Heart of England charity, who generously offered to match fund the choir’s contribution. Their support ensured the project could progress without delay.
This collaboration between a local choir and a regional charity highlights the strength of community spirit and shows how grassroots initiatives can work alongside wider organisations to deliver meaningful local impact.
With additional help from the St Peter’s church community, the defibrillator was successfully installed ahead of the Choir’s Summer Concert on Saturday 4 July 2026. Audience members were able to see firsthand the tangible result of their generosity, demonstrating how community giving directly strengthens safety and wellbeing for local residents.
Choir conductor Liz Littler said:
“Lapal Community Choir meets every Monday at 7pm in St Peter’s Church. We always welcome new members. We do three big concerts a year. These concerts are free and include refreshments afterwards. We always try to help a local charity and owing to the immense generosity of the choir and our supporters we have raised many thousands of pounds over the years”.
In his closing remarks at the Summer Concert, Christopher Henson, Vicar of St Peter’s and ‘aspirational baritone’, noted that the newly installed defibrillator is just one detectible sign of the many charities we support throughout the year. He added that it stands as a testament to the goodwill and community spirit we nurture together for the benefit of God’s Kingdom.
Lapal Community Choir extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, attended, and supported the initiative, and to the Heart of England charity for their invaluable partnership.
The next concert will be held as always at St Peter’s Church, Lapal on 12 December at 3pm, all are welcome to come, it is free entry, and donations towards our next chosen charity will be gratefully received.
