Musical acts to support charities
A concert at a community centre will raise money for two charities close to the heart of one of its organisers.
Miss Alison Kent is organising the concert at Holy Trinity Community Centre, Newark, on Sunday.
It will raise money for Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark, and the Nottinghamshire Diocese Sick and Retired Priest’s Fund.
Her mother, Mrs Barbara Kent, who ran taxi firm Bab’s Cabs, was helped by Beaumond House before her death last year, aged 68, after a year-long battle with cancer.
She was also a parishioner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and her family wanted to give something back to the priesthood.
Miss Kent, a carer for Hatzfeld in Newark, is organising Trinity Fest with fellow parishioner Paula Skoyles, a biology teacher at Southwell’s Minster School.
Trinity Fest will feature performances by acoustic duo The Ghost Drinkers; 11-year-old Zara Francis, who appeared on The Voice Kids; Newark singer Ant McAndrew; and Holy Trinity Catholic Academy school choir.
A set of Polish folk songs and music will also be performed as well as a musical theatre performance by two members of a singing troupe from AJ’s Dance.
Miss Kent is looking to raise around £1,000 for each charity and will split the proceeds equally between them.
She said: “My mother was a well-known lady in Newark.
“She was one of the nicest ladies you will ever meet and was known across the community.
“Mum loved her job, not only because she loved driving, but also because she loved to meet people — all people — in her taxi.
“She made many dear friends along the way in the form of her regular customers from all over Newark.”
'I wanted to give something back to them'
Miss Kent said Beaumond House had been supportive for her mother and the family.
“They were amazing for my mother and supported me and my family well beyond bereavement,” she said.
“They told me I could come to the house whenever I wanted and so I wanted to give something back to them.”
Miss Kent said she also wanted to give something back to the church as her mother was a dedicated parishioner.
“Father Michael O’Donoghue is an excellent man and he was so supportive,” she said.
“I am donating half of my proceeds to the Sick and Retired Priest’s Fund for priests who are either too sick or too old and it will help heat their homes and put food on their table.
“These two charities are very close to my heart and very close to the hearts of the community of Newark.
“I wanted to bring the community into my home area to say welcome and say this is what we are all about. We will have a get-together and raise money for some brilliant causes.”
Trinity Fest will feature a bouncy castle, bar, barbecue and stalls selling pies, cakes, jam, crafts and will be held on Sunday, from 2pm to 6pm.
A family ticket costs £12, adults £5 and children £3.
Tickets are available from Ali on 07952 520201 or Paula on paula.skoyles73@gmail.com
