Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Choral Society

Rotherhithe & Bermondsey Choral Society (RBCS) was launched in November 1998 by distinguished local musician Susan Heath-Downey and with the support of Time & Talents, a Rotherhithe and Bermondsey-based community charity.

A decade later, RBCS is going from strength to strength and pushing the boundaries of what a community choir can do.

RBCS is a friendly, supportive group of singers of all abilities and experience, from many different backgrounds.

Its repertoire includes well-loved choral classics both sacred and secular, as well as more modern and rarely performed works, madrigals and partsongs, songs from the shows, rounds, folk song arrangements, and even music especially written by Sue and friends.

RBCS generally works towards three main public performances each year. It also sings at local festivals and community events.

This year, it is performing at Guy's and St Thomas' Charity’s Christmas Concert at Southward Cathedral on 14 December, along with Winner’s Chapel Gospel Choir and Evelina Pride Children’s Choir.

Sue Heath-Downey

Sue Heath-Downey is a freelance musician from nearby Rotherhithe. She has worked in various areas of music but now works as a Choral Conductor, organist and tutor. Always passionate about music, she enjoys many different styles.

Almost three years ago, Sue was suddenly diagnosed with leukaemia and within 24 hours found herself embarking on an existence of many months inside the walls of Guy’s Hospital, under the care of the Haematology Department.

Sue said: “After many treatments and a bone marrow transplant, this has been and still is an amazing journey. I have really been given the gift of a new life from this remarkable hospital.”

"To show your appreciation of our efforts on the night of the Charity's Christmas Concert, please give as generously as you are able. Whatever you give will help the tremendous work the Charity does to support the wonderful, life-saving work Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals does in caring for so many people at difficult times in their lives."

Tickets to the Charity's Christmas Concert are going fast! To avoid disappointment, call 020 7188 7744 or email Fundraising and book your ticket today.