Mandy Stableford receiving a cheque from WBro Mike Stubbs, District Charity Steward and WBro Ian Johnson Assistant Charity Steward.

Following the highly successful Charity Variety Show help at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn on 1st April, two cheque presentations from the East Ribble District Charity Stewards Fund,  were made to two theatrical organisations from the district. The donation was from money raised on the evening.

GOs On Tour are a group of unpaid volunteers who hold regular dance and theatre productions. They pride themselves on bringing fun, colour and light to everyone they entertain. GOS on tour will perform in any suitable venue, including nursing and care homes and help the older generation relive past experiences , they have previously performed at our own residential home Hewlett Court and also RMBI care home Ecclesholme and on occasions they appear at the Thwaites Empire Theatre Monday Club. Their troupe boast a wide variety of talents underpinned by huge enthusiasm. They perform songs from the 1920’s to the present day all with themed choreography and costumes. Some of the soloists have been performing all their lives, but many dancers have never been on stage before!

The Bernese School of Theatre, Dance and Drama offer specialist dance, drama and musical theatre training to children of all ages. Training is delivered by highly trained and qualified teachers who aim to get the best possible from the young people in their charge. The school provides an excellent grounding for both ‘leisure’ pupils as well as the more ‘career minded’. Teaching qualities ranging from musicality, artistry, co-ordination, speech and imagination to confidence, deportment, discipline, language and memory – the list is endless! Both communication and personality can all be developed from these values which will not only enhance one as a performer but will also be beneficial in life and social society. The school has been running for over 10 years, and has supported many young people throughout the district during this time.

Pictured is WBro David Lightbown PAGDC District Chairman presenting the cheque with the assistance of WBro Mike Stubbs Charity Steward and WBro Ian Johnson Assistant Charity Steward.