Cliviger church stalwart marks 80th birthday with marathon music fundraiser

Alan Scholes, of Mount Zion Church, Cliviger, marked the milestone on Saturday with a special concert featuring 80 popular songs, old and new, in aid of the village hall restoration scheme.

The four-hour performance saw Alan entertain supporters with a wide-ranging selection of music. He was joined for part of the event by members of the church’s ukulele group, which he founded several years ago and which continues to meet weekly and perform for community organisations across the area.

One section of the concert featured a nostalgic collection of children’s songs, with Alan joined by his wife, Pauline, and others. The songs were originally used during the couple’s many years leading assemblies in local schools.

Alan spent 32 years teaching chemistry at Barden High School in Burnley before retiring at the age of 50. Music and community work have remained central to his life ever since.

The celebration followed a similar event held to mark his 70th birthday, when he performed 70 hymns and songs at the church.

Together, Alan and Pauline, an accomplished pianist, were heavily involved with the Burnley Evangelical Schools Trust (BEST). Over more than 20 years, they led school assemblies and lunchtime clubs in 35 schools and nurseries across the area, often conducting up to 16 sessions each week.

Although they have since retired from their work with BEST, Alan continues to share his love of music through performances with the ukulele group at residential homes and community events. He also regularly leads worship at Mount Zion Church, where he has worshipped for most of his life. Having served for many years as a church leader, he now acts as chairman of the church trustees.

Alan said: “The celebration day went very well and we raised £550 for the village hall on the day, which was wonderful.”