Ugandan Children's Choir Hit the Right Note at Edge Hill

The Pearl of Africa Children's Choir gave a dazzling performance at Edge Hill to thank the University for its recent support.

The 20 children, aged seven to18, put on a special show for students and staff on Monday 22 October.

The choir, drawn from schools and orphanages in Uganda, are currently touring the North West.

They perform in typical Ugandan dress and play traditional African instruments including panpipes and bongos. Earlier this year Edge Hill donated 200 items of sports' gear to children in the village of Kamuzinda in Western Uganda following an appeal from Aughton resident John Boyle, who is doing voluntary work with the youngsters.

The choir from this area asked if they could repay staff and students by visiting the University and entertaining them over lunch.

John Boyle, said: "The children wanted to say thank you in person as the clothing made a big difference to them. Most of them have very little in the way of personal possessions so it touched them to know that people in England cared about them. As musicians they are fabulous and seeing them is an experience staff and students at Edge Hill won't forget in a hurry."

After their performance, the children were given lunch and a tour of the 75-acre campus and presented with special polo shirts bearing the Edge Hill logo.

Edge Hill's Pro Vice Chancellor Steve Igoe, who welcomed the party, said: "We were very moved that the children wanted to visit us. It's not everyday that a choir of this calibre comes to town. It was a truly amazing experience. Lunchtimes will never be quite the same again!"