Janet Spence’s Fundraising Gig
(from Fibromyalgia Focus Oct-Dec 2008)
Janet Spence's fundraising gig took place at Holmbush Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea on Saturday 9 August. It very rapidly became an Awareness Day as well!
We had permission to perform in the Atrium at the Centre (adjacent to Tesco's and M & S superstores and McDonalds) between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm, and to have a stand elsewhere.
The musicians set up outside McDonalds and I set up a stand opposite. There was one collecting tin on the ground in front of the musicians, one on the stand and one carried around when we had a body available. There were also application leaflets and a dancing flower in front of the musicians, which turned out to be very important. The kids came to look at the flower and parents put money in the tin. I was constantly refreshing the supply of leaflets, so much so that I had to borrow a car to drive back to Worthing to print a further supply.
Janet laid on six different sessions over the six hour period, including skiffle, rock & roll, country & western, contemporary music. There was certainly some foot-tapping amongst the visitors who stopped to listen and watch. It was a terrific effort on Janet's part to bring together a number of different groups who all contributed their services free. Geoff Cox, who helped Janet substantially, videoed some of the performances.
There were many enquiries on the stand, about FMSSAS, about fibromyalgia and about support groups elsewhere. I also had an approach from a member of an RSI group about common features of the condition, and who promised to get in touch separately. About 150 application leaflets were taken, plus other display material.
Support from within the group was disappointing. Only Jane Weymer and Claire Merritt volunteered. They looked after the stand and talked to people, Jane for the first 4 hours and Claire for the first 3 hours. I was there all day.
The amount collected was £169.00 exactly. I am delighted for Janet and for all the performers who gave their time so freely. Thank you to all.
Tony Ede
See report from the Skiffle Band here.
 
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