The peace and tranquillity of the garden at Southleigh was interrupted for one glorious day to make way for picnic tables, chairs, and a large marquee. The patio became a stage, resplendent with guitars, keyboards and amps while our neighbour’s field became the official car park. Special thanks are extended to all the buskers, the musicians, who included Barry Jackson, local band Jurassic Rock, the Jackson Cannery Band, the couple in the village, On the Edge, who played the wonderful pipe and bodhran music and, very much in the true spirit of busking, the arguably ill-assorted group who played the comb and paper so tunefully.

 

Mike’s rendition of “Father’s Day”, the song he wrote following his son’s death, was a sobering and fitting highlight, while his final song of the evening, “Raining in My Heart” exposed an alternative meaning to that beautiful Buddy Holly song.

 

We extend our thanks to the local businesses who so generously donated prizes for the raffle: J R Humphreys (Clare Butchers), Hudgies (Clare Hardware Store), Passionflower (Clare flower shop) and PBM Building Supplies in Haverhill. Special thanks are also extended to Sue Eaton, Tilo & Martina Ehlers and Barry Jackson for so generously providing items for the auction.

 

We could not have managed without the support and generosity of those who helped on the day, and which has enabled us to exceed our target for raising money for Cancer Research UK.  Total monies raised are now nearing £3,000 (www.justgiving.com/Mike-Laycock/).