DEFIBRILLATOR: The provision of this life-saving machine for the village took a step nearer after a sell-out concert by Tarantara - a 30-strong choir. The village hall was packed and everyone enjoyed a fine mixture of music to suit all tastes.

The programme ranged from secular music and popular choral music by John Rutter to modern classics made famous by the Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra.

Tarantara are based in Alcester and (although only formed three years ago by local singing teacher Tara Roberts) the choir is rapidly gaining a reputation for fine performances. Their conductor is Jonathan Hill and the accompanist Guy Pardoe.

For the Ilmington concert the choir and solo programme items were augmented with instrumental pieces by talented young people from the village. Hannah Blaikie (besides joining the choir for The Skye Boat Song) played a beautiful solo on the flute. Sophie and Emma Bagnall skilfully played a duet for two violas.

About £850 was raised towards the cost of the defibrillator from the most enjoyable evening. The application has been finally approved by the Warwickshire and Coventry Ambulance NHS Trust and now awaits the expected go ahead from the British Heart Foundation.