The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Bourne in the Swing of things to raise lots of money for good causes
Recently a packed Corn Exchange in Bourne was swinging to the sounds of the 18-piece RAF Swing Wing Big Band from RAF Cranwell.
The enthusiastic audience enjoyed familiar tunes from Glenn Miller (American Patrol and In The Mood), Count Basie (Blues In Hoss Flat), Cole Porter, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.
Beautiful and powerful vocals came from Corporal Philippa Hartley as she sang Smile, Miss Otis Regrets, Lullaby of the Leaves, and Too Darn Hot.
The band was led by Sgt Duncan Opie BPA, BMus, LRSM, who joined the RAF 24 years ago. He served at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan in 2010 and is a gifted composer and arranger.
The charity fundraising event was arranged by the Rotary Club of Bourne.
Over the past ten years the club’s main fundraiser had been “The Run In The Woods” which has raised approximately £50,000.
Sadly the Forestry Commission no longer allows such events, hence their energy has been put into this Big Band Evening, which attracted approximately 200 people.
The club’s President Judith Devereux opened the evening with a welcome and thanked everybody for their generous support, and past President
Steve Powell led the raffle.
The evening was kindly sponsored by Polyco Healthline, based in Bourne, and the funds raised of £4,000 will be split between the British Legion and local Bourne charities.
THE Rotary club of Huntingdon Cromwell held their annual Charter Night at the Marriot Hotel, Huntingdon, on Friday 14 April.
A number of visiting guests and Rotarians were entertained by Andy Abbot who recounted his experiences as a broadcaster on local radio, providing an interesting account of the local and national cricketers that he has interviewed or had contact with over the years in broadcasting.
Recently the club has held a meeting at the Greystone’s hostelry in Sawtry to look at the possibility of forming a satellite club.
All are welcome, for contact details of further meetings contact Geoff Richardson on 01487 773441 or email geoff.richardson7gmail.com