I’m not sure if I told you that I’ve been involved in setting up a charity fundraiser for Centrepoint UK, the incredible charity which helps to support homeless young people across the UK.
Actress Lisa Maxwell who we know from many roles including Sam Nixon in the Bill and from her time as a panelist on Loose Women, was the brains behind this fundraiser and she asked me to help.
As an ambassador for Centrepoint for many years and as a huge Judy Garland fan, Lisa decided to put on a show celebrating what would have been Judy Garland’s 100th birthday, with all proceeds going to Centrepoint.
She invited many huge stars from stage and screen and many West End singers to perform a song of their choice made famous by Judy or read a little story about Judy’s life.
The result was a wonderful extravaganza with incredible and varied talent and a fabulous band.
It took place at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End this week and I took Gordon out on a date night to watch it with me.
West End Theatre
For my part, Lisa had asked me to coach some young people who have needed support from Centrepoint and who loved to sing.
These girls had little or no experience with performing but were about to sing solo on the stage of a West End Theatre.
We had a lot of nerves in the early stages of rehearsals but I couldn’t have been more proud of how much their confidence grew.
All of them sang their solos wonderfully and even though they were sharing the stage with Wayne Sleep, Lesley Garrett, Arlene Phillips, Stephanie Beecham, Rosie Jones, Gabby Roslyn, Kate Thornton, Matt Goss and many others, my girls where the only ones who got a full blown standing ovation!
I hope the confidence that doing this performance gave them, helps them in life to feel they can do anything they put their minds to and I’m sure Centrepoint will be so grateful for the huge sum of money raised on the night.
Well done to Lisa Maxwell and her team.
Opportunity
When I think of my own upbringing and how lucky I was to have singing and piano lessons and the fact that many children are lucky enough to have lessons in whatever they are good at, whether that be piano, drama or football, it’s very sad knowing that there are children out there who would love that chance in life but aren’t given it.
Charities like Centrepoint are needed more than they ever were.
It was lovely to be out in the West End of London this week as it is looking so festive.
At last it’s been weather for winter coats and it feels a little bit Christmassy.
I’m so behind with my decorating this year.
I like to have everything done before Gordon’s birthday on the 7th December but I’m no way making that deadline this year as life has just been too hectic.
I haven’t even got the decorations down from the loft or made the trip to the farm to choose the tree.
I love to pass by houses covered in lights in our area but with all of us watching our electricity bills this year, I wonder if it’s an unnecessary luxury or even if it’s a bit ostentatious to have your house covered in lights, when many people can’t afford to switch on their heating.
Of course, having lights outside your house is something other people can enjoy too.
When the children were little we always took them to see any houses where the people had gone to a great effort with their decorating and actually some people who have huge displays, ask visitors for a donation to charity, when they come to have a look.
I’ve got a few outdoor lights to put on the trees which are battery powered and are on timers so they don’t waste the batteries by being on all the time but tend to last right through the Christmas season.
I’ve also got ones I plug in outside though but they definitely won’t be on all day!
It looks so inviting when you arrive home and see the outdoor trees all lit up.
And as for festive candles well as you know I’m a big fan.
I love the pine ones which seem to accentuate the smell of the tree. I’m not so keen on those sickly-sweet cinnamon ones which smell like you are baking a cake. Don’t get me wrong, I love a cake but not 24 hours a day!
Have a good week, enjoy decorating the house!
Yvie x
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