Boogie night for hospice DoveAid
Boogie night organisers in Oban are hoping ticket sales will fly for DoveAid.
Next month Oban Hospice’s Dove Centre in Stevenson Street will celebrate its first anniversary since opening.
The cost of running the centre, which relies totally on the generosity of supporters, is ‘a surprise package’ says Anne May, who is one of its board members.
So the Dove Centre was thrilled when Oban businessman and musician Dave Hobbs offered to put on a music event for them.
Mr Hobbs, who runs Oban Computer Services in Mill Lane, plays in the three bands who will be performing on the charity night at The View in George Street on Saturday October 20 from 7.30pm into the early hours.
Still Water, Treble Trouble and Angus Smith and North 56 are sharing the stage with two slots each throughout the rockin’ night.
Tickets are £10 and available from the Dove Centre, BID4Oban office, Dunbeg Village Store and Oban Computer Services. There is room for 400 revellers.
‘All the bands are completely different – from country and Celtic rock to pop and R’n’B. I wanted to do something to help the Dove Centre because they do a fantastic job helping so many people.
‘Like a lot of other hospices and organisations nowadays, they are cash-strapped and rely on donations to keep them going. I hope this helps and encourages others to show them support. They do amazing work for people,’ said Mr Hobbs, whose father received hospice care before he died nine years ago.
All the acts, the venue, sound crew and poster designers are giving their services for free.
Mrs May said: ‘We hope DoveAid will get a great turnout. We’ll definitely put the money it raises to good use. Our fundraising is ongoing and we need to keep adding to the pot to keep us going.
‘November will mark our first year in this building so the cost of running the centre each year is a bit of a surprise package at the moment. We are always looking for more support and donations. We are a local charity for local people. Every penny we raise goes to our front-line services helping people with life-limiting illnesses.’
Last month the Dove Centre received £1,214.58 from Sue and John Greenwood, aged 60 and 70 respectively, who invited guests at their joint birthday party in Benderloch to give donations in aid of the charity instead.
About 60 people come through the centre’s doors every week for practical and emotional support and information.