Big-hearted stars always do their bit for Children in Need
For the past three decades, I have been very much involved in fundraising on behalf of Children in Need. It is a cause which has remained close to my heart and which carries greater significance just now when one considers the hardship and neglect children suffer worldwide. Thankfully, here in Ulster, we have a reputation for supporting good causes, and it is comforting to know that Children in Need is one cause which invariably gets an enthusiastic response from all sections of the community.
It was way back in my days as a Radio Foyle presenter that I first became acquainted with the Children in Need annual appeal, after which I vowed that I would do what I could on an annual basis to raise funds for what I believe to be a most deserving cause.
Of course, things were rather different in the 1980s. I well remember going out with the Derry city fire brigade personnel with their wheelie bins and people depositing money in them. People used to come into the studio in Derry with money and it was obvious that they were only too delighted to be doing their bit.
I can also not forget the generosity and thoughtfulness which my colleagues in the country music scene display when they are invited to lend a helping hand in terms of our auction.
TogiveyouaflavourofwhatI mean, I can reveal that this time around Nathan Carter is providing two tickets for his weekend in Blackpool in the early part of next year.
Derek Ryan has donated tickets for his weekend at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny during February and Declan Nerney will host a meet-and-greet for his followers at Omagh’s Strule Arts Centre.
These are just some of the acts who contribute wholeheartedly to an appeal that draws support from people from all backgrounds.
Yesterday, when we were taking stock of the offers and I came a cropper in some style on Tuesday — and I have the scars to prove it.
I had arranged to meet record producer and arranger Owen Smith near the BBC to discuss details of a new album, and everything went according to plan.
When our discussion ended, I told Owen that I had to pop back into the BBC to retrieve something I had forgotten, and he said he would wait for me.
But my foot caught the edge of the kerb just as I was about to enter the BBC building on Ormeau Avenue, and I crashed to the ground, hurting my knee, hand, arm and head.
It was a painful experience, I can tell you, with my glasses flying off and my clothes dishevelled.
But as I tried to gather myself up, I saw the funny side when Owen rushed up to me and said: “My goodness, Hugo, I thought you were happy enough with the choice of numbers, but I never thought that you would fall for me to this extent!”
I had reason to be grateful to the BBC frontof-house staff, who could not have been more helpful and understanding. I suppose, if truth be told, my pride was just as badly bruised as my body was. raffle prizes that had come into us, we were taken aback by the scope and variety of goodies on offer.
Country music folk, of course, are renowned for lending a helping hand when it comes to fundraising for a good cause.
Over the course of this year alone there have been many successful concerts and events at which a whole host of artists have performed, all in the interests of helping younger people to get a positive start in life.
We all had to start somewhere and, like many others, I encountered difficulties in my early life, which helped me to appreciate even more the benefits which I consider myself fortunate to have enjoyed.
I have no doubt that my programme today (on BBC Radio Ulster from 1.30pm to 3pm) will see even more offers of support flow in.
I have already been inundated with requests to play particular numbers from benefactors.
Disadvantaged children need help all year round, and the people who give of themselves to work with and help such children truly deserve the support of us all.
Obviously, practical and financial help are necessary if children are to thrive.
It has become even more important now that whatever money is made available should be channelled in the right direction. That’s why this year’s Children in Need appeal has assumed added significance. It is also why we put in a bigger effort than usual to attract maximum support.
We, in this part of the world, may pursue different cultures, but we are always totally united when it comes to helping out Children in Need. Long may this continue. A HOME-grown treat is on offer at Lola’s in the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh tonight, when father and son duo Dominic and Barry Kirwan and their band will be the big dancing attraction.
Since teaming up together, Dominic and Barry have carved out a comfortable niche for themselves on the country dancing circuit, having already played all the big venues.
Their lively, versatile programme has been proving a big hit with dancers everywhere and is now sure to set feet tapping at the popular Lola’s, which is currently hosting Ireland’s most popular attractions at its Friday night dance series.
Dominic and Barry combine to offer a repertoire embodying the best in country.
It has seen them create a big impact everywhere they perform.
Now, they aim to make their mark in style with an all-action show that should provide a stunning night’s entertainment.
“We have been working on our programme and we are now finding that we appear to have the right blend to please dancers,” says Barry.
“Obviously, people want to be entertained and we are always trying to raise the bar for ourselves.
“There is no doubt that people are still keen to come out and enjoy themselves, and it is our aim to ensure that they have a good night.”