Ceilidh Night in aid of Scope

Ceilidh Night in aid of Scope, a set on Flickr.

Friday saw the arrival of the long awaited Ceilidh night. Much planning and organising had gone into this fundraising event, and there was anxiety as to how many people would turn up. In much the same way as the marathon the week before, I was in a dual role. Firstly and foremostly as a 'willing' participant in the dancing, and rather secondary, as photographer to get some images to send to the charity Scope, for which the event was in aid of. As you will see from the pictures they were pretty much grab shots, but I hope they portray a sense of the fun and excitement that everyone shared on the night. I believe the night raised well over a thousand pounds, and in that alone it was very successful, but in another sense the amount of perspiring, slightly tipsy revellers, with tired limbs from dancing, and exhausted mouths from laughing and smiling were testement to the success. A big cheer goes out to the organisers, and to the superb band who played all night, and gave their time freely, and of course to all the people who came to support, and dance the night away!

WFK Benefit gig Jan 2012

WFK Benefit gig Jan 2012, a set on Flickr.

I haven't done one of these for a while. My friends from the band 'Waiting for Katherine' asked me to cover a local charity gig for them. They were playing to raise money for the Winstons Wish charity which supports bereaved children and their families. The lighing was pretty tricky at the venue which was a local school, but a great time was had by all!
http://www.waitingforkatherine.com/
Winstons Wish

St. Albans Half Marathon 2011

St. Albans Half Marathon 2011, a set on Flickr.

This weekend our tribe braved the British summer wind and rain to go and be part of the St. Albans Half Marathon. Jane (lovely wife) was running her second race at this distance, and had been coaching some friends over the past twelve weeks. We know quite a few people taking part, most of them forming a group called Team Bolam. This was put together in memory of a friend, Kevin Bolam, who sadly died from bowel cancer earlier in the year. His wife, Caroline, formed the team as a fundraising event to raise money and awareness for charity Beating Bowel Cancer. Many of the team had never run a race event before. Along with the runners, the team fielded some power walkers for the separate walking half marathon. These brave souls started at eight in the morning, and had to endure much more of the horrible weather conditions
Jane has also helped Jackie, one of our neighbours to prepare for the race. Jackie is raising money to help children with autism, along with her husband Jim, who is a seasoned runner.
Our son, James, also ran his second half marathon, and did us proud when he stormed in at a time of 2 hours and 8 seconds. He is of course recieving much ribbing about the 8 seconds, but we are all very impressed, and proud of his achievement.
The rest of us cocked a snoot at the rain by sheltering under a tree for an hour or so to cheer on all the runners. Despite being a grotty day weather wise, I think everyone had an amazing time, with emotions running high. They all did amazingly, and are such an inspiration!