Charity Has Dun It Again!
by Karl Connor
The charity auction and race nights to raise money for
the Charlie and Kathleen Dunnery Children’s Fund were a huge success –
pulling in over £2,300 in just two days.
The fund is in memory of the parents of one of Egremont’s most famous sons,
rock star Francis Dunnery, who found fame in 80s band It Bites. And Francis
made a flying visit to the Hometown he immortalised in the song of the same
name to be present at the events, which were both held in the Ship Launch.
He said: "It is great to come back to Egremont, I love the place and the
people, and I’m always astounded by how much money the events manage to
raise."
Mark Andrews, who went to school with Francis, organises the events, which
are held each summer and autumn.
He said: "The events are run annually and we have raised a serious amount of
money over the past few years, all of which has been used to help children
in West Cumbria. We have donated £500 worth of Christmas presents to Howgill
Family Centre last December. Last month we also donated some big toys to
Open Gates, and we have twice supported the Children's Ward at West
Cumberland Hospital, as well as all the Egremont schools.
"The October event usually brings visitors from all over the world to the area, and I always say that the summer event is the one for the Egremont people – and they never ever let us down.
"We started on the Friday night with a music quiz – and the winning team donated the prize money straight back into the fund which gave us the perfect start.
"We then had an auction of celebrity memorabilia, which is always good fun and always brings in a few quid. Some of the items are still available – check our website for further details.
"We also held a ‘Dutch’ auction, in which we raised over £100."
Then the live music started, with Francis’s nephew’s band John and Wayne up first.
John and Wayne are a brilliant Cumbrian Folk band, who make no attempt to hide their distinctive local accents as they sing. They were joined by Francis who played the drums.
Then came the highlight of the evening for me – the genius of Colin Nichol and MT Arms. How Mr Nichol hasn’t made a career as a recording artist is beyond me. He plays the guitar superbly and was a joy to watch.
MT Arms features Colin’s nephew, Stephen, and young Andrew Bates, who plays the drums with the wisdom and talent of someone far older and more experienced then he is. His drum solo was, as last year, simply brilliant.
Mark would like to thank all sponsors and helpers, and Tim and Ronnie at the Ship for hosting it again.
