IN BRIEF
CALL FOR ENTRIES TO
THE WIRRAL FESTIVAL OF
MUSIC, SPEECH & DRAMA
Since 1949, the Wirral Festival of Music, Speech and
Drama has given amateur performers of all ages the
opportunity to showcase their talent. Entries are now
open to take part in the Festival’s 70th anniversary year
in 2019, which promises to be a wonderful celebration
of the performing arts.
Originally called the Bromborough Festival, the annual event has
attracted hundreds of entries each year from amateur musicians,
singers, choirs, orchestras, speakers and actors, who are given the
chance to perform in a supportive environment.
The Festival runs over two weekends in March, with speech and
drama on the 15th-16th, and music on the weekend of 22nd-23rd.
All performances are open to the public.
THOUSANDS RAISED FOR
THE CHARLES
THOMPSON MISSION
A group of Freemasons from Combermere Lodge in
Wirral gave up their homes for a cold and wet night on
the street to help raise thousands of pounds for a charity
helping the homeless.
Organised by Charles Thompson’s Mission in Birkenhead, the sleepout
saw over 100 hundred people take part to raise an amazing £26,226.11.
People laid out their sleeping bags in the car park of its premises in
Hemingford Street in exchange for donations to the charity.
Geoff Jones, a member of the Freemasons said: "We were unaware
of what the Mission actually did so it was a great experience to get
involved in the Sleepout 2018 event. We met many homeless people
that night and it opened our eyes to the reality of the problem."
Caitlin Edwards, Chair of the Wirral Festival Committee comments:
“The standard across music, speech and drama is often phenomenal.
Many members of the audience have commented on the quality of
many of the performances and have been overwhelmed by the talent
on display.” "I chatted to one guy and he explained his own situation to me. At only
43 years old, having served in the army for 9 years, he was diagnosed
with PTSD and two years ago his wife died of cancer. He had been
living rough ever since. He explained to me how important the Mission
was and that he relies on the centre daily as he finds acceptance and
friendship with other homeless people."
Entries close on 31st January 2019 and adults and children aged 6
and over from Wirral and beyond are welcome to take part. More
information on the categories and how to enter are now available on
the Wirral Festival website: www.wirralfestival.co.uk. Geoff added: "The whole event was humbling and for such a good
cause. I’m pleased that we got involved and managed to raise so much
money.”
Caitlin continues: “I feel it is so important to encourage participation
in the arts amongst adults and young people. It helps with confidence
building and being able to act, sing or play a musical instrument
gives so much pleasure to the individual and those who come and
watch the performances.” The Charles Thompson's Mission has been serving the people of the
Wirral since 1892. The Mission looks to help men and women who
are homeless, poor and needy, out of poverty. They provide hot food,
clothing, toiletries, other basic essentials, along with much love, care
and compassion. For many, the Mission is a place to go for friendship,
food, support and advice. It’s a safe place that offers help.
As well as taking part as a performer, the committee are also on the
lookout for new members to join them and help support the Festival
during its 70th year and to ensure that it continues to flourish for
many years to come.
To support the mission, visit:
https://charlesthompsonsmission.org.uk/
wirrallife.com 11