“Wow! What an evening!” was the response from the Mayor of Ringwood, Councillor Rae Frederick, when she attended the concluding concert of the Avon Valley Concerts (AVC) 40th Anniversary Season.

Leon McCawley is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist. He is President of AVC and once again came to Ringwood to play. His programme included music by Beethoven and Chopin. To be able to hear and watch at close quarters the piano being played with such skill and emotional input is a rare privilege for the people of Ringwood, Fordingbridge and the wider Avon Valley.

The full house audience at Trinity Centre on Friday 16th May shared the Mayor’s response and all were stunned by the beauty and joy of the experience. The concert was followed by a celebratory “bubbly” reception which included a slice of delicious home-made carrot cake. The photograph shows Leon cutting the cake – encouraged by the Mayor!

Avon Valley Concerts was formed in 1983. Its original constitution was adopted on 23 September in that year and registered with the Charity Commission on 8 August 1984.

Its objective is to promote, improve, develop and maintain public interest in and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects by the presentation of public concerts and recitals within the local area of the New Forest and Avon Valley in Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. It has been supported by various authorities, patrons and members throughout that period and has just concluded a very successful season of six top quality concerts. The 2025/2026 season starts on 3 rd October 2025.

Full details are available on the website and on Facebook – book early to guarantee

a ticket.