SINGING FOR PALESTINIANS

12.00.00am GMT Mon 21st Dec 2009

A group of charitable carol singers and music-makers in Wells have helped raise money this Christmas to provide Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

The Mid-Somerset Branch of CND sang carols outside Wells Library on Saturday to raise money for the MAP charity, accompanied by Helena and members of the Miller family from Priddy.

Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and prospective Liberal Democrat MP Tessa Munt joined the singers, and £103.50 was collected from generous shoppers.

Members of Mid-Somerset CND then added £50 themselves to send a total of £153.50 direct to the charity, which works "for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees".

Tessa, who is also vice-chairman of Mid-Somerset CND, said: "Around 20 singers sung traditional carols to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

"It was great that Michael was able to join us yet again this year, taking time out from preparing for the 40th Glastonbury Festival in 2010. He is and always has been such a big supporter of CND."

Mid-Somerset CND treasurer Sali Money was delighted with the generosity of Wells shoppers, saying that the amount collected was the same as last year.

She said: "People gave willingly, and having Michael and Tessa singing was a great draw".

"Considering the economic climate and how cold it was, we are really pleased with how much we collected."