A seasonal performance by the Rushwick Amateur Dramatic Addicts (RADA) entertained the crowds with a mix of drama and pantomime, raising £550 for St Richard’s Hospice.
The group performed their annual ‘Christmas This’n’That’ show at Rushwick Village Hall on the evening of 1st December and dedicated the show to their founder and artistic director, Ann Moore, who was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice before her death earlier this year. The evening included their own special version of the pantomime Cinderella, as well as a sing-a-long which had everyone in the audience joining in.
RADA Chairman, Stewart Davies, said; “Ann was our mentor, inspiration and a close friend to each and every one of us. Ann and her family very much appreciated the care and support they received from St Richard’s during her illness, and we wanted to show our appreciation too. The group decided, with the approval of Ann’s sons Jon and David, that it would be entirely appropriate to donate any profit from this show to the hospice.
Mr Davies added; “Ann was a talented actor and a much respected director at Rushwick and at Worcester’s Swan Theatre. Her book on the nuts and bolts of producing and directing a show, the forward to which was written by her lifelong friend Bill Maynard, is an essential reference for all would be, as well as more experienced, thespians.”
Rachel Jones, Fundraising Manager at St Richard’s Hospice, said; “We are really grateful to the Rushwick Amateur Dramatic Addicts for their support. The group have raised a fantastic amount for the hospice, and this will help us continue to offer compassionate care to patients and their loved ones.”
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.
Photo: (L:R) Stewart Davies, Carolyn Barrett, Phillip Slayter, Carole Gregory, Keith Gregory