A "GLIMMER of hope" may be shining out at an iconic Tenbury Venue, after many years of work, as concert plans are set to go ahead this weekend.

St Michaels Church has had plans for many years to improve its facilities, but has had two mountains to climb, said spokesperson Tony Penn.

Getting approval has not been simple, as it is a listed grade II* listed building and a unique example of Victorian architecture. It was one of the poet laureate John Betjeman’s favourites.

The second challenge has been finding the money to carry out the work, which includes proper disabled access externally and internally, a toilet and galley kitchen, together with all the backup this requires including an independent water supply and sewage facilities.

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Some of the work has already been carried out including the replacement of the old heating boiler with modern efficient units, but much remains to be done.

But, said Mr Penn, there is a glimmer of hope that the “gear” needed to climb this second mountain might be to hand and an update on the situation may be forthcoming before long.

Despite these challenges, events are still in full swing, with hopes for a closer association to be formed after a successful visit in March from Musica Academia, students from Hereford Sixth Form College.

"They appreciated the qualities of this mini cathedral and its amazing acoustics," Mr Penn said.

The next event at the end of April proved to be a non-event, with the well-known Quindici choir from mid-Wales, regular visitors to St. Michaels in concert, unable to perform due to ill health. It is hoped that the situation will have changed by October 22 when they are due to sing a eucharist service and evensong.

Still on the calendar is a visit by the Edge Chamber Choir from Ludlow who are due to present a concert on Saturday, May 13, at 4pm. Organist Catherine Boyd-Moss, has already visited St Michaels to familiarise herself with the magnificent Father Willis Organ.

Musical director Ros Crouch will be presenting an interesting and unique concert of music through the ages by women composers, called Music She Wrote. Composers include Hildegarde von Bingen, Raphaella Aleotti, Clara Schuman, Ethel Smyth, Cecillia McDowall and Laura Mvula.