admin, Author at Christchurch Living Advent Calendar

Mon 4 Dec – Chicken & Blues

Tonight’s surprise performer:

Fifinellas

Day 4 of CLAC 2023 and even though the weather was atrocious around 40 dedicated supporters turned up complete with umbrellas.

A fantastic performance by Annie, Louise and George better known as Fifinellas warmed the hearts of everyone with renditions of popular and Christmas songs. The water on their brows was not from perspiration but were raindrops!

A song about tonight’s weather!

The charity, the Water Lily Project raffled 3 prizes and were then presented with a cheque for £500 from Matthew of Tony Hairdressing. Andy Guilbert received the cheque on behalf of the charity.

Chicken & Blues distributed hot mince pies which were gratefully received. Our thanks go to the performers, the venue and the wet and sodden supporters!

Raising money for:

The Water Lily Project

The Water Lily Project is a registered Christian charity that predominantly supports vulnerable women in crisis. This may be a temporary crisis such as an acrimonious divorce, bereavement, illness etc. Or it could be something more long term such as mental health issues, self-harming, domestic violence and abuse, addiction or financial difficulties.

https://waterlilyproject.org.uk

Tonight’s Venue & Refreshments Provider:

Chicken & Blues

Situated on the corner of Church Street, the restaurant is just a stone’s throw from The Priory, and a short walk from The Quay, with lots of parking available for visitors. Head on down for dine-ins (walk-ins only) and takeaways, or order a delivery through our exclusive partner, Deliveroo.

www.chickenandblues.com/christchurch/

Kindly sponsored by:

Tony Hairdressing

More about tonight’s performers:

Fifinellas

We are a vocal harmony trio; Annie, George & Loo sing a combination of 1940’s classics, swing, jazz and songs of today in an old fashioned way!

The Fifinellas got us in the mood with a performance of vintage classics, postmodern jukebox and a sprinkling of Christmas cheer!

Follow the Fifinellas on Facebook

View more on our YouTube channel

Next event >

Sun 3 Dec – The Boathouse

Tonight’s surprise performer:

Rachel More

Thanks to the generosity of the Boathouse, we were able to hold tonight’s event upstairs in the Chandelier Bar rather than outside.

We were able to relax in the warmth in comfort whilst listening to Rachel More, tonights’s performer. Rachel delivered a lively selection of Christmas and popular songs. A good sized crowd was in attendance and it was an evening thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

This evening’s charity was Ashley’s Birthday Bank, to whom a cheque to the value of £500 was presented on behalf of this evening’s sponsor, Little Lives.

The Boathouse treated us to mulled wine, mince pies and hot drinks, all of which were very welcome on such a cold, wet night.

Raising money for:

Ashley’s Birthday Bank

Ashley’s Birthday Bank was set up at the end of 2014 and registered as a charity in April 2015. We provide two types of services: Firstly we provide underprivileged children (up to the age of 16) with a birthday and Christmas present to ensure they do not go without on these special occasions. Secondly we provide a crisis service for families who find themselves going through a financially difficult time or who have escaped domestic violence, neglect, human trafficking or abuse.

http://www.ashleysbirthdaybank.com/

Tonight’s Venue
& Refreshment Provider:

The Boathouse

Kindly sponsored by:

Little Lives

More about 3rd December’s surprise performer:

Rachel More

I simply love entertaining! Book me to sing at your event – I am available to perform in a variety of line-ups to suit your event and/or budget.
In my jazz set I perform a varied mix of swing, blues, bossas and latin including songs made famous by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee to name but a few. I also perform ‘jazzed up’ arrangements of classic pop and soul songs in my repertoire.

I also help people find their voice! Uncover your own unique voice and feel the joy of expressing yourself through singing.

Rachel More Facebook page

www.rachelmore.com

Next event >

Weds 20 Dec – Druitt Hall

Tonight’s surprise performer:

Highcliffe Charity Players

The 20th evening of the 2023 CLAC programme at the Druitt Hall saw a wonderful performance by the Highcliffe Charity Players which included a word perfect cameo from the famous Panto Kids.

The capacity audience enjoyed a mixture of festive and other lively musical numbers. The benefitting charity was Bournemouth Blind Society whose CEO, Philip Tarrant, received a cheque for £500 from President Nigel of Bransgore Rotary, the sponsors for the evening.

Those attending enjoyed excellent refreshments generously provided by Baccello and were tricked into thinking that a white Christmas had arrived early thanks to an artificial snow storm which covered them as they left.

Tomorrow’s event will be at the Thomas Tripp and will benefit Christchurch Cancer Research.

Tonight’s event was raising money for:

Bournemouth Blind Society

Bournemouth Blind Society was founded in 1911. We continue with the same passion as our founders to try to find new and creative ways to help our members retain their independence.

Bournemouth Blind Society is an independent, local charity. We are not affiliated with any other group or charity. We receive a small grant from the Local Authority towards the costs of running our Resource Centre and Community Support service, otherwise we are self-financing, relying on donations, fund-raising activities and legacies to meet our costs.

Find out more about us by visiting the Bournemouth Blind Society Website

Tonight’s Venue:

The Druitt Hall

The Hall in the Heart of Town! Located behind the Library just off the High Street. Home to Dorset Made Food’s weekly Monday Market, Friday Craft Market, various local clubs and available to hire. For more information see:

http://www.druitthall.org.uk/

Kindly sponsored by:

Bransgore Rotary CIO

Bransgore Rotary Club website

Refreshments provided by:

Baccello

At Baccello we server the best Italian Wines and Cicchetti in a relaxed and welcoming environment where people feel at home.
When catching up with friends or family, you don’t want to pause to read through a 200-bottle wine list. We’ve curated the finest wines from vineyards across Italy, offering a special selection of around 75 bottles — many available by the glass as part of our rotating weekly bar specials. So, you can sit back and enjoy the company whilst exploring our Italian grapes recommendations.

www.baccello.co.uk

Next event >

Join us at The Thomas Tripp

Next event >

20th December’s surprise performers:

Highcliffe Charity Players

Highcliffe Charity Players have been entertaining audiences in Highcliffe and Christchurch for over 50 years, all while raising money for local causes.

Their annual pantomime at the Regent Centre is a community staple, filled with toe tapping musical numbers, sumptuous costumes and a healthy dose of slapstick. The Players are currently in rehearsal for Robin Hood, which plays from the 26th – 28th of January at the Regent Centre.

Highcliffe Charity Players performed show-stopping collection of festive favourites, complete with their trademark high energy routines and dazzling smiles.

http://www.highcliffecharityplayers.com

Highcliffe Charity Players on Facebook

Sun 10 Dec – Ye Olde George Inn

Tonight’s surprise performer:

Susie Kimber

Raising money for:

Marie Curie Fundraising: Christchurch & Highcliffe

The UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie is here to support everyone in the UK through all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. Last year in Dorset, our team of 78 staff delivered over 57,000 hours of specialist care to 1,730 patients in their own homes, allowing families to get a much-needed rest and enabling them to be more than just a carer. To be a husband, wife, partner, daughter, son or friend, again.

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/local/groups/christchurch-and-highcliffe-fundraising-group

Marie Curie Christchurch & Highcliffe on Facebook

Tonight’s Venue & Refreshment Provider:

Ye Olde George Inn

Located in the heart of Christchurch, the oldest pub in town with six centuries of history.

https://www.craft-pubs.co.uk/ye-old-george-inn-christchurch

Kindly sponsored by:

The Primrose Trust

More about 10th December’s surprise performer:

Susie Kimber

Known for her captivating smooth voice, Susie Kimber is a soulful female singer-songwriter. Susie released her debut original single earlier this year to much acclaim and extensive radio play both locally and nationally, and regularly performs live at stunning venues across the South Coast.

Susie performed some beautiful Christmas songs mixed with some Smooth Jazz & Soul Classics from the Greats of Yesteryear.

Website: www.susiekimbermusic.co.uk

Susie Kimber on Facebook

Susie’s YouTube Channel

Next event >

Mon 19 Dec – The Captain’s Club

Captain's Club in Christchurch in the snow

Tonight’s performance at The Captain’s Club

The audience for the 18th night of the Advent Calendar was given a warm welcome at The Captains Club and wonderfully entertained by the assembled saxophones lead by Sarah Bolter as a suitably lounge friendly evening.

A cheque for £500 was presented to Peter Holway of NCI (National Coastguard Institution) Hengistbury Head by Kelvin Medley-Jones, the sponsor for the evening to go with the money collected by donations and tickets sold for the raffle at the end of the evening.

Our thanks again to Sarah and The Captains Club for another amazing evening and looking forward to tomorrow’s performance now changed to The George Inn in the centre of Christchurch.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Hengistbury Head National Coastguard Institution

Watchkeepers are “eyes along the coast” for HM Coastguard. NCI Working for you. We maintain a watch from Barton-on-Sea in the east, through Christchurch and Poole Bays, and 12 miles out to sea round to Bournemouth pier in the west. The Headland is 36 metres (118) feet high and separates Christchurch bay from Poole Bay.

www.hhnci.org.uk

Thanks to the venue:

The Captain’s Club

4 Star accommodation, delicious dining, an award-winning Spa, and beautiful views over the River Stour.

https://www.captainsclubhotel.com/

Thanks to the local sponsor of tonight’s event:

The Primrose Trust

The Primrose Trust was established in 2017 by Kelvin and Pippa Medley-Jones in memory of Kelvin’s late mum, Mrs Primrose (Prim) George.

Based in Christchurch, The Trust priority is to support small local charities that benefit children and adults in most need – through disability, age, serious physical or mental illness, or financial deprivation.

The entertainment was provided by:

19th December’s surprise performers:

Sarah Bolter: Not Just Sax

Sarah is a local freelance musician and teacher. Sarah plays the sax/clarinet and flute and sings and performs either as a solo artist or in a multitude of different combinations including running her own bands ‘Not Just Sax’ and ‘Sax In The City’.

Sarah passion is jazz, so the Christmas solo performance was ‘well known’ favourites with a jazzy twist!

http://www.sarahbolter.co.uk

Sarah Bolter on Facebook

Highlights of the event

Sun 4 Dec – The Boathouse

Tonight’s Highlights from The Boathouse:

What a fabulous evening hosted by The Boat House in aid of Ashley’s Birthday Bank.

On arrival, the Boat House treated us to complimentary tea, coffee and warm mince pies, which were very welcome on such a cold evening.

The entertainment was provided by the fabulous Soda Pops, a trio of harmony singers giving us Christmas songs such as Last Christmas, I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, and Jingle Bells with a vintage twist.

At the end of the half hour event, a cheque for £500 was presented to Anna Carney and Lynn Hewitt by the President of Christchurch Rotary Club on behalf of Little Lives, who were sponsors for the evening. The evening was exceptionally well attended even though there was a clash with England playing Senegal tonight.

The entertainment was provided by:

4th December’s surprise performers:

Soda Pops Trio

Sodapops are a trio of experienced performers from the Bournemouth area singing in three part harmonies.

We specialise in the vintage sound, singing the music of the 40s, 50s, 60s and modern swing with a vintage twist.

The SodaPops on Facebook

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Ashley’s Birthday Bank

Ashley’s Birthday Bank was set up at the end of 2014 and registered as a charity in April 2015. We provide two types of services: Firstly we provide underprivileged children (up to the age of 16) with a birthday and Christmas present to ensure they do not go without on these special occasions. Secondly we provide a crisis service for families who find themselves going through a financially difficult time or who have escaped domestic violence, neglect, human trafficking or abuse.

http://www.ashleysbirthdaybank.com/

Thanks to the venue:

The Boathouse

With panoramic views of the quay, the Boathouse has the most unique location in Christchurch. Extensive outdoor and indoor seating and our own crazy golf course, the Boathouse is the ideal place for the whole family.

Eat alfresco or relax indoors and enjoy breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and cake, dinner, delicious pizza, a glass of wine and watch as the world passes by.

www.boathouse.co.uk

Thanks to the local sponsor:

Little Lives

Little Lives UK’s primary focus is to help children in who are disabled or disadvantaged. We provide support and opportunities to children that are facing many challenges in their young age and are in need of support. We identify problems within our community and establish grassroot projects to tackle them. Creating personal connections with the families and children we help is truly priceless to us.

Little Lives Website

Highlights of the event

Fri 2 Dec – The Priory

Highlights of tonight’s event at The Priory

The special event on Friday 2nd December was held inside the Priory, and featured a fantastic performance of seasonal songs from The Bournemouth Male Voice choir.

The audience applauded original arrangements of traditional carols Silent Night, Away in A Manger and The Carol of the Bells, plus an extra treat when the highly talented Alexandra Burstow gave a moving solo performance. What a fabulous evening!

Kelvin Medley-Jones from The Primrose Trust (tonight’s sponsor and also main sponsor of the Living Advent Calendar) presented a cheque of £500 cheque to Christine Westlake, Chair of Friends of the Priory, tonight’s charity.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Friends of Christchurch Priory

The Friends of the Priory Church Christchurch was formed in 1964 by a small number of local church members. It has now grown to include many people from all around this country and the wider world who wish to maintain a link with this historic and beautiful church.

The Society was granted Charitable Status in 1997 and aims to assist in the repair, conservation and improvement of the fabric, to support activities to preserve and beautify the church and to make gifts to benefit it.

Friends of Christchurch Priory

The entertainment was provided by:

2nd December’s surprise performers:

Bournemouth Male Voice Choir

“We have an eclectic and varied programme of music to entertain and uplift in these uncertain times.”

Bournemouth Male Voice Choir on Facebook

Thanks to the venue:

Christchurch Priory

The Parish of Christchurch

https://www.christchurchpriory.org/

Thanks to the local sponsor:

The Primrose Charitable Trust

The Primrose Trust was established in 2017 by Kelvin and Pippa Medley-Jones in memory of Kelvin’s late mum, Mrs Primrose (Prim) George. The Trust is the principal sponsor for the 24-day Living Advent Calendar event.

Based in Christchurch, The Trust priority is to support small local charities that benefit children and adults in most need – through disability, age, serious physical or mental illness, or financial deprivation.

Highlights of the event

Thurs 1 Dec – Saxon Square

The Highlights of tonight’s event in Saxon Square

The first event of the 2022 Christchurch Living Advent Calendar was held on Thursday 1st December in Saxon Square, commencing 6.15pm.

There was a great turn out under the marquee in Saxon Square with around 150 people in the audience as the Town Cryer declared the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar 2022 open for business!

Surprise performers Jitterbug Jive had everyone up and dancing with lots of festive fun (& festive jumpers!) and the local sponsor The Christchurch Charitable Trust presented a cheque of £1000 to Macmillan Caring Locally.

All funds raised will go to Macmillan Caring Locally

The cheque from tonight’s sponsor The Christchurch Charitable Trust was presented to the charity’s representative.

Macmillan Caring Locally

The Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital is a Specialist Palliative Care Unit and Hospice for patients in South East Dorset and South West Hampshire. The charity, Macmillan Caring Locally, works in partnership with the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide the services at the Macmillan Unit and in our community.

https://www.macmillanlocal.org

The entertainment was provided by:

1st December’s surprise performers:

Jitterbug Jive

JitterbugJive are a Lindy Hop Dance Troupe from Bournemouth, they will be dancing a set of Lindy Hop routines for your entertainment then after their dance displays you will have a chance to join in a short fun lesson. JitterbugJive perform at a number of festivals and at parties throughout the year and also run Lindy Hop workshops.

Please see more about JitterbugJive at our website:

http://www.jitterbugjive.co.uk

Thanks to the venue:

Saxon Square

Courtyard setting in the centre of Christchurch surrounded by a selection of local retailers and big brands. Stay local – shop Saxon Square.

www.saxon-square.co.uk

Thanks to the local sponsor:

Christchurch Charitable Trust

Kindly donating £1000:

The Christchurch Charitable Trust is a local, independent, registered charity who are able to provide financial support by way of grants to organisations and projects which benefit the community in the Christchurch area.

We invite applications for funds from not-for-profit groups and organisations including registered charities, community interest groups, service organisations, volunteer groups, youth groups, local schools, local town and parish councils and the like.

Christchurch Charitable Trust Website >

Highlights of the event

Thurs 22 Dec – Christchurch Library

Tonight’s performance in Christchurch Library

The Christchurch Library was the venue tonight for a fabulous performance by soloist Olivia Sebis.

The audience gathered in the library main reception area fortified against the elements by refreshments of mince pies and hot drinks provided by the Library to hear a medley of seasonal songs from 15 year old Olivia.

A raffle was held following the performance and proceeds from that would be added to the cheque for £500 presented to Philip Tarrant of the Bournemouth Blind Society, the nominated charity for the evening, by Charlie White from Onepoint Survey who had sponsored the evening.

Our thanks go to Olivia for a wonderful evening’s entertainment and all the staff of the Christchurch Library who were such enthusiastic first time participants in the CLAC programme and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the final evening performance at Druitt Hall tomorrow night before the programme finale on Christmas Eve in Saxon Square at 2pm.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Bournemouth Blind Society

Bournemouth Blind Society was founded in 1911. We continue with the same passion as our founders to try to find new and creative ways to help our members retain their independence. Bournemouth Blind Society is an independent, local charity. We are not affiliated with any other group or charity. We receive a small grant from the Local Authority towards the costs of running our Resource Centre and Community Support service, otherwise we are self-financing, relying on donations, fund-raising activities and legacies to meet our costs. Find out more about us by visiting the Bournemouth Blind Society Website

The entertainment was provided by:

22nd December’s surprise performer:

Olivia Sebis

15 year old Olivia is a talented up and coming singer from Bournemouth. Find out more by visiting her Facebook page:

Olivia Sebis on Facebook

Thanks to the local sponsor:

One Point Survey Ltd

One Point Survey Equipment are highly experienced in offering survey and safety equipment to the construction industry.

Our services include the sale, hire, calibration and repair of survey and safety equipment including laser levels, total stations, theodolites, GPS survey equipment, machine control, cable detectors, gas detectors and much, much more.

https://www.onepointsurvey.com/

Thanks to the venue:

Christchurch Library

Christchurch Library is right in the heart of Christchurch. The building now houses a BCP Council Hub, a Skills and Learning classroom and CAB offices as well as hundreds of books! Membership of the Library is completely FREE!
We offer computer access for all, as well as access to online magazines, newspapers, e-books and e-audiobooks – all free with your membership card. We offer weekly Wriggle and Rhyme and Story Time Tribe sessions – again all free, as well as treasure hunts and craft activities throughout the holiday periods.
We also offer a free Home Delivery Service for our housebound readers and their carers supported by the RVS.
We run crafty sessions for adults, a Reminiscence Group, Knit and Natter, Board Fridays, Chatterbooks, Family Code Club and a Lego club for all ages, every Saturday.
Every October we hold a Fun Palace event which is fun for all the family and completely free.
Reading and Writing Groups meet regularly both in the Library other venues with books supplied by the Library Service.
The Friends of Christchurch and Highcliffe Libraries also run events in both Libraries, raising much needed funds for all our added extras!

https://www.facebook.com/christchurchlibrary/

Highlights of the event

Fri 23 Dec – Druitt Hall

Viva Voce choir at The Druitt Hall for CLAC 2022

Tonight’s performance at The Druitt Hall

The penultimate performance of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar 2022 was held at The Druitt Hall with the surprise entertainment being provided by Viva Voce, an award winning male and female voice choir formed in 2016.

After a wonderful set of seasonal songs a cheque for £500 was presented to Jim Oates of the Christchurch branch of Parkinson’s UK by Suzanne Kadziola from tonight’s sponsors, local solicitors Williams Thompson.

The final event of the CLAC 2022 programme will be held in Saxon Square at the earlier time of 2:00pm and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the grand finale.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Christchurch and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK

The Christchurch Branch of Parkinson’s UK came into being over forty years ago. We meet on the 4th Monday of each month and provide a full social program throughout the year with a guest speaker, tea and cake and social interaction. We have an Outing, a Summer party, and a Christmas Lunch and 4 Holidays have been enjoyed. We also provide weekly Tai Chi classes whom our members say are very beneficial.

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/

The entertainment was provided by:

23rd December’s surprise performers:

Viva Voce

Viva Voce is an award-winning choir formed in 2016, under the direction of ‘the boss’ Jean Chambers with pianist Mary Potter. Our members come from all walks of life and share a common purpose.

We just love to sing! Our weekly rehearsals are a mixture of fun, laughter and heart-lifting harmonies.

We perform an eclectic range of songs – from pop to classical – and share our love of music throughout the community, supporting local charities, bringing cheer to folk in hospital and
competing in music festivals.

In fact, we are available for hire for any occasion!
If you enjoy humming along to your favourite songs? Would you like to take your singing a step further by joining a choir? Even if you’re unsure that your voice is up to the challenge come along and spend a few evenings with us, enjoy a cup of tea and some cake, chat with our friendly team and discover if you want to take that next step.

https://www.vivavoce.xyz/

Thanks to the venue:

The Druitt Hall

The Hall in the Heart of Town! Located behind the Library just off the High Street. Home to Dorset Made Food’s weekly Monday Market, Friday Craft Market, various local clubs and available to hire. For more information see:

http://www.druitthall.org.uk/

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Williams Thompson Solicitors

https://williamsthompson.co.uk/

Williams Thompson is a respected and long established law firm based in Christchurch, Dorset offering services in Family Matters, Wills & Probate and Property.

Fundraising Pop-up Events held at a different venue each night: 1st - 24th December 2023

Presented by:

Fundraising Pop-up Events in December in Christchurch, Dorset

Author: admin

Fifinellas

The Water Lily Project

Tonight’s Venue & Refreshments Provider:

Chicken & Blues

Kindly sponsored by:

Tony Hairdressing

More about tonight’s performers:

Fifinellas

Rachel More

Ashley’s Birthday Bank

Tonight’s Venue & Refreshment Provider:

The Boathouse

Kindly sponsored by:

Little Lives

More about 3rd December’s surprise performer:

Rachel More

Highcliffe Charity Players

Bournemouth Blind Society

Tonight’s Venue:

The Druitt Hall

Kindly sponsored by:

Bransgore Rotary CIO

Refreshments provided by:

Baccello

20th December’s surprise performers:

Highcliffe Charity Players

Susie Kimber

Marie Curie Fundraising: Christchurch & Highcliffe

Tonight’s Venue & Refreshment Provider:

Ye Olde George Inn

Kindly sponsored by:

The Primrose Trust

More about 10th December’s surprise performer:

Susie Kimber

Tonight’s performance at The Captain’s Club

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Hengistbury Head National Coastguard Institution

Thanks to the venue:

The Captain’s Club

Thanks to the local sponsor of tonight’s event:

The Primrose Trust

The entertainment was provided by:

19th December’s surprise performers:

Sarah Bolter: Not Just Sax

Highlights of the event

Tonight’s Highlights from The Boathouse:

The entertainment was provided by:

4th December’s surprise performers:

Soda Pops Trio

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Ashley’s Birthday Bank

Thanks to the venue:

The Boathouse

Thanks to the local sponsor:

Little Lives

Highlights of the event

Highlights of tonight’s event at The Priory

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Friends of Christchurch Priory

The entertainment was provided by:

2nd December’s surprise performers:

Bournemouth Male Voice Choir

Thanks to the venue:

Christchurch Priory

Thanks to the local sponsor:

The Primrose Charitable Trust

Highlights of the event

The Highlights of tonight’s event in Saxon Square

All funds raised will go to Macmillan Caring Locally

Macmillan Caring Locally

The entertainment was provided by:

1st December’s surprise performers:

Jitterbug Jive

Thanks to the venue:

Saxon Square

Thanks to the local sponsor:

Tonight’s Venue
& Refreshment Provider: