About The Radio Community Chest Inc.

The early history of the Radio Community Chest is inseparably connected with its founder France Grose. "Uncle Frank" began co-ordinating the charitable activities of station 2GB in 1929 as Director of the 2GB Charity Board, and he continued this work when the Charity Board and the Cheer-up Society were amalgamated to form the 2GB Community Chest in 1938.

In 1951 the name was changed to The Radio Community Chest.  Over the years activities have included: ANZAC dawn service, carols by candlelight, Handel's Messiah, church services, clothing distribution, charities co-operation and social services.

The principal activity of  The Radio Community Chest today is the annual presentation of Handel's Messiah and proceeds are used to assist needy persons in the Sydney region. 

The members of the Committe of the Radio Community Chest Incorporated, which is a registered charity, are:

• J.K. Staveley, A.M., B.Ec., A.C.I.I., Honorary Chairman
• D.A. Mayes, Dip. Law, Honorary Director
• J.H. Pollard, B.Sc., Ph.D.., F.I.A.,F.I.A.A., F.A.S.S.A, Honorary Director

Between 1935 and 1941, the Hurstone Choral Society presented Handel's Messiah several times on behalf of the Radio Community Chest, and it became clear that there was a need for an annual presentation. 

So, in 1941, the Radio Community Chest inaugurated its annual presentation with Combined Church Choirs.  Richard Thew conducted a much larger Combined Church Choir for 21 years until 1972. For 28 years the Choir was conducted by the much admired and loved late Professor Clive Pascoe, AM whose deep love and professional knowledge of baroque music bought out new meanings and a feeling of freshness and excitement to the performance each year.

The Choir now comprises many hundreds of voices from churches of all denominations.  Except in 1981 and 1982, when the Choir sang :"Messiah" in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall and in 2008 and 2009 when "Messiah" was presented at the City Recital Hall, all the presentations have been in Sydney Town Hall.  Practices are held in St. Stephen's Church, Macquarie Street, every Monday at 7.15pm from mid October.

Philip Chu conducted the choir in 2005, 2006,2007 and 2008
Tim Chung conducted the choir in 2009, and will direct the choir in 2010
Peter Kneeshaw became the Choir's organist and assistant conductor in 1983