Glossop based band Rook and the Ravens, hotfoot from wowing fans at Glastonbury, had its audience rocking in the aisles at Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College’s Cabaret Showcase to raise money for Kidney Research UK’s ‘Find a Cure for Martha’ campaign. Former students Joe and James Fay, Dave Brodie with their drummer John B Major III admitted that Glastonbury was the pinnacle of their music career to date but that they were equally excited at returning to the College to help raise funds for Martha.
As Joe explained,
“We’re are still great friends with Stuart Thornley, our Music Tec tutor and when he asked if we would come and play tonight, we jumped at the chance to give something back the community that had provided us with such a brilliant education. Glastonbury was amazing, by far the best gig we have ever done. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible with people bouncing up and down like I’ve never seen before! We had a superb time and hope to do it all again next year!”
"Applause must also surely go to Stuart Thornley who with his team of dancers wowed the audience with his interpretation of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and tutor Mike Booth, who with student, Tom Pownall brought the house down with their comedy circus juggling act ‘Golden Balls Too’".
Kirsty Jackson, who coordinated the Cabaret Showcase commended the performers,
“We have had an amazing evening and what a show of talent! Although we only had a short time to put a programme together, I was overwhelmed by the number of students and staff who wanted to perform so we were left with no alternative but to audition everyone who applied. The performances showcased such an array of talent including the jazz band, song & dance, our own barber’s shop singers to name but a few who provided a hugely successful and very enjoyable evening. We are particularly grateful to Rook and the Ravens who not only gave up their time after such a busy weekend at Glastonbury, but also offered their CD for sale during the interval and donated all the proceeds to the Charity which raised over £500 on the night.”
"Earlier in the week nine brave volunteers faced Evil Quizmaster, Robert Clapham, in a recreation of The Weakest Link raising another £162.00 for the ‘Find a Cure for Martha Campaign. Congratulations went to Jane Hall who works in the College’s Learner Records department who won the event, completing a remarkable double as she also won an edition of the real Weakest Link on television in 2004!".
Both events hosted by the College were supported by Martha and her parents Dan and Paula. Paula commented on the family’s behalf,
“We have been overwhelmed by the support offered by the College towards the ‘Find a Cure for Martha’ Campaign. Their efforts have been superb and will undoubtedly provide a better future both for Martha and countless others who will benefit from the money raised".
