Triple concert plan for charity

It is exactly 25 years ago that this publication first began to actively encourage fundraising activity for The Sabrina Archbold Trust.

Sabrina, who was a small child at the time, needed treatment in a ground-breaking eastern European clinic to treat her cerebral palsy. The editor at that time was Don Slack, now sadly no longer with us and then as now I was the clubland writer. Don became involved in the appeal as a trustee and I became involved at Don’s behest.

Many concerts were organised and held and happily Sabrina received her treatment and still resides in Lupset. Sabrina’s mother Gillian was in touch asking if clubland people would again like to help to cause of cerebral palsy sufferers.

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Gillian and Sabrina now run a charity known as Kidz Aware, which helps other disabled children. Gillian is keen to stage three concerts in the area to mark the 25 years since she began her fundraising work.

Were you a member of one the clubs who raised funds back then, or were you an entertainer who took part in one of the shows that took place at the time? If so, perhaps you would like to give Gillian a call and pledge your support all over again. The telephone number for Kidz Aware is 01924 385977.

In a recent Express column I mentioned South Elmsall entertainer Demmi, who performs in her bare feet. Looking back I remembered the singer Rod Brooks, who also left his shoes at home while out working in clubland. Rod called me to say he still performs occasionally in a duo called Yaketty Yak, with his friend Wendy King, who also used to be a female solo star. It was great to hear from Rod and I’m sure that many of his old fans will remember him well.

As I reported here in the Express only a couple of weeks ago, Wakefield City Club has closed its doors, possibly for good. Gilly’s Country Music Club has now upped sticks and is now being staged at Westgate Common club every Tuesday. Additionally a Roy Orbison tribute night, which was originally scheduled for the City Club in early May, is now being staged at Westgate Common Club on June 5. Tickets are currently on sale for the show, which features tribute singer Paul Hopkins.

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Finally for this week, I would like to say well done to Altofts entertainer David Jones, who I worked with in a show over in the Huddersfield area last week. David is performing comedy of the cheeky variety and in this day and age our clubs have needed a good laugh more than ever. David’s wife is the singer and dance teacher Melissa Radway, who I must give a nice word for as she is my beautiful granddaughter Megan’s dance teacher.

If you have any news or views for this column we would like to hear from you. Just drop me a line at the Express or call my office number on 01924 890800 and leave a message for me. Most people choose to e mail me and the address is [email protected]

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