COMMUTERS are to be welcomed in a festive music style when they arrive by train in Salisbury later in the month.

Salisbury Station is to play host to the musical greeting from singers comprising South West Trains employees, pupils from local schools, musicians from local churches and other local choirs and singing groups.

Estelle Williams and Kelly Sullivan, both guards’ managers at Salisbury Station, came up with the idea after they heard that central Government funding available for the John McNeill Opportunity Centre was to be cut. It was a further body blow to the Centre which has suffered funding cuts repeatedly over recent years.

As Estelle’s son attends the nursery, which caters for 60 children under the age of 5 all of whom suffer from varying levels of disability, she felt particularly passionate about this threat to its future.

Estelle and Kelly drew together a small committee to help organize the fundraiser and the event “Salisbury Station Sings” was born.

Amanda Foster, founder of local training company Hector Merrywheather, said: “When I was asked to come on to the committee and help introduce some of my contacts to this initiative I was only too delighted to help out.

"The John McNeill Opportunity Centre has provided invaluable help to hundreds of families over the years who otherwise would not have been able to access this level of support anywhere else locally. It is vital that the local community pulls together at a time like this and does something to make a difference.

We are hoping to spread a little festive cheer as people arrive back in Salisbury Station on the afternoon and early evening of Friday 11th December, boost the profile of this incredibly worthy charity and raise important funds for them at the same time. We are extremely grateful to South West Trains for allowing us to hold this event at Salisbury Station and to their wonderful staff for their support and enthusiasm.” The singing will take place on December 11th between 4.00pm and 8.00pm.

The John McNeill Opportunity Centre has been in its current location at the bottom of Odstock Hill in Salisbury for around 28 years and the numbers of children they have been able to help have grown over the years as the centre has expanded its facilities, in response to demand.

The cut to their funding is due to central government withdrawing the Aiming High for Disabled Children Grant and leaves them now needing to raise between £60,000 - £70,000 a year in order to survive.

More details about this fundraising event can be obtained from Amanda Foster on 07788 316596. Angela Bryant, Manager of the John McNeill Opportunity Centre, can be contacted on 01722 413263, or at fundraising@johnmcneilloppcentre.org.uk.

#salisburystationsings