Robin and Sue Cook with ‘Elvis’, Col Parker and Josie
More than 130 guests enjoyed an evening of fine food and entertainment at a Gala Charity Dinner organised by Cllr Robin Cook, Chairman of East Dorset District Council, in support of Alzheimer’s Society and Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne. The event was held at the Dudsbury Hotel Golf Club and Spa in Parley.
Star attraction of the evening was Garry J Foley, an award winning Elvis Presley tribute act, with his amazing performance of the great 1968 Comeback Special and the Las Vegas Years. An added attraction was an appearance by Col Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager, together with Josie, a Las Vegas Showgirl.
The evening raised over £2700, which, together with totals raised from other fundraising events held by the Chairman during his Civic Year, will be presented to the charities at the Annual Council meeting on 18 May.
Cllr Cook said, ‘It was a wonderful evening and I believe all the guests enjoyed the party atmosphere. I would like to thank everyone who supported me in raising this fine total, in particular Garry who performed free and the Dudsbury for their fine service’.
The next (and final) fundraiser is a St George’s Day Concert to be held in Wimborne Minster on Thursday 23 April at 7pm, featuring the Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth Chamber Choir and Orchestra. Entitled ‘A Celebration of English Music’ it will feature music by Byrd, Purcell, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Butterworth and Rawsthorne.
Tickets £10, available from Wimborne Tourist Information Centre, Christopher Batten in East Street Wimborne, or direct from Robin on robindcook@hotmail.co.uk
