Over £500 was raised for the Poole Hospital Africa Link Charity at a Dinner Jazz evening in the Italian Villa at Compton Acres recently. The Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Chris Mayne attended the event which was supported by a number of local businesses. Dame Yvonne Moores, patron and founder member of the Hospital Charity said the money was very welcome and would be used to purchase vital equipment for the Wau hospital in Southern Sudan, which is one of the poorest and least well known parts of Africa. Poole Hospital has been providing education and training for doctors, nurses and clinical staff, helping them to develop health services in a country where child and maternal death rates are some of the highest in the world.
Performing live at the inaugural event, Poole musicians Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral with their accomplished jazz quintet played a number of well known jazz standards from the likes of Norah Jones, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Whilst enjoying the music, guests were treated to a gourmet meal prepared at the Italian Villa. It was an opportunity to enjoy good food and listen to some world class jazz and at the same time raise money for a good cause.
During the evening, Gerry Clarke, Compton Acres Arts & Music Festival Director, announced plans to establish a series of dinner jazz evenings in the coming months.
