A special ‘Big Band’ event on Saturday, 18th October, featuring the unique sound of the West Midland Light Orchestra, has raised over £2,200 for St Richard’s Hospice.
More than 170 local music lovers enjoyed a toe tapping evening of song and dance at a special charity concert hosted by the Bank House Hotel, Bransford. The West Midland Light Orchestra, which offered its services free of charge for the fundraising event, delighted the audience with a range of music and song from the films and stage shows of the 1930s to 1970s.
The 65 piece orchestra offered a unique sound, comprising a big band as well as a 20 piece string, reed and horn section, which was joined by singers Garry Holloway, Rebecca Grace and Claire Worboys. The audience was delighted with arrangements by the likes of Rogers and Hammerstein, George and Ira Gershwin, and Harold Arlen.
Mrs Christine Inight, from Worcester, who attended the event said; “We were thrilled when we heard that the West Midland Light Orchestra was coming to Worcester, and were not disappointed with the evening. It was a great atmosphere and we thoroughly enjoyed the music – everybody got up and danced!”
Alison Parkes, Senior Fundraiser for St Richard’s Hospice, said; “We would like to thank both the Bank House Hotel and the West Midland Light Orchestra for supporting this event, and giving their services free of charge. Tickets for the event sold out very quickly, and raised a total of £2,256 which will be used to help St Richard’s continue to offer care to patients at the end of their lives, and support their families. We are delighted that everyone had such a great evening and would like to thank all those involved for their support.”
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.