A CONCERT in Loddiswell that has ‘discovered’ homegrown prodigies is raising money for the Loddiswell parish church this month.

Held at Loddiswell Parish Church on Friday, December 16, a collection of homegrown talent will provide an evening of entertainment.

Mac Carter, ex church warden at the parish church, said: ‘What has now become a regular highlight of the Christmas musical scene in the area around Kingsbridge, the Loddiswell Allstars Christmas concert features high on the must see list of what’s on.

‘For the last five years or so we have been lucky enough to discover several young “prodigies” just starting out on their long, and already illustrious, careers, and with great delight follow their progress through to music colleges of huge repute, where they continue to excel.’

Eliza Haskin picked up the recorder early on in her time at the Loddiswell Primary School, and by the age of nine had shot to a place at the prestigious Purcell school of music where she recently gave a solo performance to guests at the Lord Mayor’s show in London.

Another regular star at the Loddiswell concerts is Jack Highley, who has thrilled audiences with virtuoso performances on the violin for five years, and he too went on to Join Eliza at the Purcell school of Music, having built up a significant reputation all around the South Hams.

He is joined once more by his elder brother Alex Highley on the piano.

Mac continued: ‘This year though we really looking forward to the “Jewel in our Christmas crown” which is the beautiful soprano voice of Anna Prowse. She also is a local girl having been brought up in Loddiswell and attending the primary school before going on to start her singing career as a Cathedral chorister at Exeter.’

Anna read English Literature at Cambridge University, holds a Masters degree in Composing for Film and Television, a performance diploma on the flute and is an accomplished pianist, but having spent most of her time with choral singing, only came to Operatic singing later as her voice matured.

She is currently studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire and is generously supported by the Joan Greenfield Trust.

She will be accompanied by Robin Brett, well known to everyone on the South Hams music scene.

The Modbury Gospel Choir, led by another member of the Highley family Joanne, who has been working her magic on the chorus.

Harry Bowdens will also be there, regaling the audience with his traditional story telling and the Loddiswell Handbell Ringers will also be providing light entertainment and Christmas cheer.

The entry fee includes a ‘Loddiswell Christmas Feast’ and tickets can be found at the Wordwise Christian book shop in Kingsbridge, local shops and at the door.