The Rotary Club of Perth’s Cairncross Trophy for community service has been awarded to Edna Auld.

Edna has long been involved with the performing arts and formed the Jambouree Choir in 2005 in response to an interest locally in singing.

The choir’s aim is to make singing available to all and has always been completely free to members. Their first engagement was to sing for the Queen at the opening of Perth Concert Hall.

The current choir has 40 members ranging from seven to 22 years. Members call Edna “Mum” and rehearsals take place on Thursdays and on Sundays at Edna’s home.

Not only does she freely provide her home for rehearsals and her time, she also provides a Sunday meal for members.

The self-funded choir often perform concerts to help other groups to raise money for charities, with some members keen to develop their career in music as a result of the support from the Jambouree.

Senior members accompany Mrs Auld – who was awarded a trophy and £500 – to schools to encourage singing. Children supported by the choir have progressed to further education in music.

Daily Mail (Apr 30, 2013)