The Coronation Hall in Ulverston was once again the venue for the annual fund raising concert of the Furness and South Lakeland Group. Organised by the group charity steward Richard Wilcock and Rowly Saunders it was a great success with the popular venue filled nearly to capacity. The proceeds will be going towards assisting victims of the winter floods in Cumbria.
The auditorium begins to fill.
Prior to the concert, 60 people enjoyed a superb pre-show buffet at Ulverston Masonic Hall with many returning to use the facilities after the event, so ensuring that the hall balance sheet profited in addition to the one for charity.
This year the event saw Semper Sursum Lodge No 5622 member Dean Fawcett presenting “Musicalia” featuring Full Benefit and the Fawcett Sisters performing a wide range of popular songs ranging from modern day classics from groups such as Queen to hits from the shows. The musicians and vocalists were all given chance to show their individual talents which were worthy of a much larger venue.
The ever popular Andy Newsham proved once again that he is the master of many vocal styles as he strutted his stuff round the stage. Elizabeth Fawcett made great use of her classically trained voice; her sister Victoria covered songs by the likes of The Carpenters whilst 12 year old Anya-Grace took to the stage to sing a song from the musical ‘Annie’ and followed it up when appearing later for some more up-beat numbers.
Dean, on keyboards, was supported by Keith Halligan on drums, Ian Gibbons on lead guitar and Steve Harris on bass as these veterans of the local music scene brought their skills and experience to bear on what was a fun packed evening of good music.
The second half began with a rendition of Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’ with Richard pressed into action to act as narrator, a part undertaken by Richard Burton in the original version.
Richard Wilcock (left) and Rowly Saunders.
The finale was a spine tingling version of ‘Barcelona’ with Andy taking the Freddie Mercury role whilst Elizabeth did full justice to the part originally sung by the operatic soprano Montserrat Cabelle. It brought the whole hall to its feet.
Afterwards Richard commented: “These things don’t just happen. Dean and the other artistes have been six months in putting the show together, all for the sake of charity. They deserve our appreciation and thanks. I am grateful to the local businesses that have generously provided raffle prizes which have helped us to raise over £2,500 for this worthy cause.”
Group chairman Peter Schofield remarked: “It was a tremendous occasion providing an opportunity for Masons and non-Masons to get together and enjoy some outstanding entertainment whilst at the same time raising funds for charity and making good use of the beautiful Coronation Hall. I am grateful to all who helped out to make it the huge success it undoubtedly has been.”
It was a night of mixed emotions for Andy. The band and audience rose to sing ‘Happy birthday’ to mark his anniversary, whilst he had to keep his emotions in check having very recently suffered the loss of his mother.
The show was dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Newsham.
Pictured left top row from right to left, are: rear row Dean Fawcett, Steve Harris, Ian Gibbons, Andy Newsham and Keith Halligan, front row Elizabeth, Anya-Grace and Victoria Fawcett. Pictured right top row from left to right, are: Jackie Wilcock, Lynn Preston and Mike Benson. Pictured left bottom row from left to right, are: the Chatfield’s Harry, Jennifer, Liz and Fred. Pictured right bottom row from left to right, are: Kevin Rigg, Julie Rigg, Sue George, Dawn Fitzgerald, Brian George and Barry Fitzgerald.