Tune into Mike’s 12hr livestream gig-a-thon
Hermitage guitarist invites requests for his charity fundraiser
A HERMITAGE man is planning a 12-hour ‘gig-a-thon’, in a bid to raise money for a number of good causes.
Music teacher Mike Hawthorne and his family have been entertaining their village through the lockdown period, staging musical performances on their front-lawn.
In April he raised the profile of smaller local charities by playing covers of well-known popular songs on his You Tube channel that viewers could play along to and he talked about each charity’s work to raise funds for them.
Now, he will livestream his act in a ‘marathon’ on Saturday.
The event will be streamed via Facebook Live and YouTube, and will feature Mr Hawthorne playing guitar non-stop for 12 hours.
It is aimed at all ages.
All proceeds generated from the event will go to a number of local charities, including Chieveley PreSchool, Eight Bells for Mental Health, West Berkshire Foodbank and Dingley’s Promise.
Mr Hawthorne said: “I’ll be playing a variety of songs, including some of my own compositions, and will be happy to take requests.
“However, I can’t promise that I’ll be able to do them, particularly if I’m not familiar with the song.
“I’ll do my best, though.
“I am also planning to do two ‘Kids’ Party’ sections, where I will be playing songs for the younger audience members, such as Old MacDonald, Row Row Your Boat, Wheels on the Bus, etcetera.
“Once the event is over, I will be splitting the funds equally between the charities which I have already supported during lockdown with my sing-alongs.
“Where possible, I will be donating via The Good Exchange, so they get more cash.”
To donate and to learn more about the gig-a-thon visit https://bit.ly/3fseD9Y
A FUNDRAISING drive by the Yattendon-based West Berkshire Brewery raised more than £1.3m over the lockdown period.
The news comes as the firm resumes normal operations, opening its taproom to customers after a three-month closure.
During the lockdown, £450,000 was raised via a public appeal, while the brewery’s shareholders provided it with £900,000. This allowed it to continue manufacturing and to pay and furlough staff.
Aside from the fundraising campaign, the brewery also ran a delivery service through the lockdown, keeping customers supplied with their favourite beers and novelty products. tracks – is also a problem for many disabled and elderly users.
The proposed car park would allow users to walk straight into the station.
However, some reservations have been expressed regarding the development.
In constructing the car park, the highway between Beech Hill and Mortimer and Grazeley would be subject to major alterations.
Residents Ruth and John Clatworthy said: “Stratfield Mortimer Parish Council’s proposal requires significant works to the highway, including signalling of the road bridge and conversion to single-lane traffic.
“The entrance to the car park is proposed on the dangerous road bend on approach to village.
“The proposal amounts to a significant intrusion into open countryside.”