A SPECIAL concert is set to be held in memory of a local music pioneer.

The concert, at Witham United Reformed Church, will celebrate the life and work of Betty Beal, who died in March.

Betty, who was 87, launched the monthly lunchtime concerts in both Witham and Braintree 30 years ago and was responsible for organising them for most of that time, only giving up when her health worsened.

Former primary school teacher and youth holiday courses organiser Betty ran her own performing group called Country House Opera for many years

She also organised a number of concerts featuring various local music groups in different venues, including Cressing Barns and Christ Church, Braintree.

Friday’s Concert For Betty includes the Braintree Male Voice Choir, Witham Singers and the Cygnus Trio plus a wealth of singers and instrumentalists.

Hans Montañana, joint organiser of the concert, said: “Betty believed firmly in enabling access to music for local community audiences, giving musicians opportunities to perform and encouraging young musical talent.

"It is totally with the same beliefs that A Concert for Betty is presented.”

The show will be held at the United Reformed Church in Newland Street, Witham, on Friday, November 10.