Classical star Russell Watson to play charity festival

profit-organisation which is run entirely by volunteers from the village of Iron Acton.

Past events have funded local projects including an all weather track at the Parish Meadows, play equipment and Christmas parcels to around 100 pensioners in the parish each year.

In the past the bucket collections have raised money for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Ukrainian refugees.

Last year the two events were attended by 2,000 people, raising £3,500 for good causes.

Russell Watson has been described by the New York Times as a performer “who sings like Pavarotti and entertains the audience like Sinatra”.

He shot to fame after winning a local radio competition in 1999 – and his debut album The Voice was number one in the UK classical music album charts for 52 weeks.

He has performed for the royal family, the late Pope John Paul II, former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, and the Emperor of Japan.

Watson has also collaborated with artists including Meatloaf, Lionel Richie, Paul McCartney,

Lulu, Alexandra Burke, Sean Ryder and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

Flash are the UK’s leading Queen tribute band, and are returning after appearing at a previous Mash in the Meadow.

They will be supported by Joey the Lips – described as “the Nation’s funkiest ten-piece band”.

Over the years they have supported big names including Bob Geldof & The Boomtown Rats, Will Young, UB40, Gabrielle, and Bananarama.

Acton Aid's Richard Hunter said the tenth Mash could be the most successful ever.

He said: "We are so excited to showcase two world class acts.

“The evening will be a wonderful start to the weekend. A full range of food stalls and a well-stocked bar will enable the audience to feast, drink and dance to their favourite music.”

Acton Aid was formed more than 40 years ago, and the twin concerts are their most high profile fund raising events. Anyone in Iron Acton parish who needs assistance from the charity can apply for help through its website www. actonaid.org.uk, where tickets to the Mash and Music in the Meadows are also on sale.

Win tickets to see Russell Watson at Music in the Meadows

The Voice has teamed up with Acton Aid to offer you the chance to win one of three pairs of free adult tickets, worth £100 per pair, to see Mash in the Meadows on the Friday and then Russell Watson & Guests Live on the Saturday.

Simply follow this link and answer a simple question about Russell Watson to be in with a chance to win. Good Luck!

www.actonaid.org.uk/2023-music-competition

Castle School Friends

MORE than 80 students, parents and carers came together for a fun-filled evening of bingo in the Castle School main hall.

It was the first time Castle School Friends have run a bingo evening and it was a great success.

Seven rounds were played, with various prizes including a £40 Linela school clothes voucher, an air fryer, a drone, with the main prize being an annual family membership to Old Down Country Park, which was won by Olivia Hawkins.

We were particularly pleased to welcome lots of Year 6 children who will be starting at Castle School in the Autumn. It was a great chance for them to visit the school and meet their future classmates while having fun.

A pop-up bar provided refreshments and our bingo callers for the evening were volunteers Tracy and Simon Appleyard, who resorted to using a loud hailer for calling the numbers over the hubbub in the hall, which was very amusing.

Two new Castle School Friends committee members were also recruited, rounding off a really great evening which brought people of all ages together, under one roof, for a fun time.

Justin Warr Chair, CSF

Thornbury Volunteer Centre

VOLUNTEERS’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.

Volunteers Week takes place on June 1 to 7 every year, and it's a chance to say thank you, to celebrate and inspire.

The aim is to show that there’s more than one way to volunteer and encourage people to take that first step into volunteering.

Do you want to volunteer but don’t know where to start?

Volunteers’ Week is an ideal time to have a chat with Thornbury

Volunteer Centre and let us know what you’re interested in and find out more about local volunteering opportunities - there are all kinds available.

As well as helping others, volunteering has been shown to improve the well-being of the volunteer, help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost your confidence.

So, to all the new volunteers who have come forward this past year and to all those who volunteer regularly please accept our very grateful and massive thanks, you are the people who make our communities strong. To those of you who are thinking of volunteering we look forward to hearing from you.

Thornbury Volunteer Centre is open from 10.30am to noon, Monday to Friday, in Thornbury Town Hall - no appointment necessary.

Alternatively, visit our website at www.volunteer-thornbury.co.uk and search the many opportunities online.

Or you can email us at: mail@ volunteer-thornbury.co.uk.

MARATHON season is upon us again.

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