"A CONCERT to suit all tastes and all ages" will bring the curtain down on this year's Swindon Cares week.

The Bishop of Swindon's Concert will be held in Christ Church, Old Town on Saturday, July 15 and will round off a week of charity events in aid of three good causes.

The music extravaganza will feature the Swindon Pegasus Brass Band with soprano Lynn Hawkins and baritone Graham Davison-Smith and, according to volunteer organiser Eric Walker, will provide entertainment for all ages.

"We have sold more than 100 tickets so far, but it is a big church so there is lots of room for more people," said Mr Walker.

"I do lots of volunteer fundraising and I just happen to be the volunteer fundraiser for Green Hut, which is one of the charities for Swindon Cares.

"We thought we would ask Bishop Lee Rayfield if he would give his name to the concert and he kindly agreed.

"The concert will feature songs played in the shows like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, but the Swindon Pegasus Brass Band do play some James Bond themes and themes from other films.

"So it will be a concert to suit all tastes and ages."

Swindon Cares week takes place from Monday until next Saturday and was officially launched by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, John Bush.

Swindon Cares is a charity fundraising week that features a range of activities and collects money for three beneficiaries.

The groups benefiting from this year's event are Working for Opportunities, Threshold Housing Link and the Green Hut.

The idea for the week was thought up by the Rotary Club four years ago.

Tickets for the Bishop of Swindon's Concert cost £6 and are on sale from the Tourist Information Centre in Regent Street or on the door on the night.

Children under 14 will be admitted free of charge. Tickets are also on sale for the concert and a special cheese and wine reception in the Christ Church leisure centre priced at £15.

On Monday there will be an inter-company quiz night in aid of Swindon Cares, hosted by the De Vere Hotel at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park.

The scheduled pub quiz the following day at the Crossway Suite at the Moonrakers has been cancelled and all teams have been entered in the inter-company quiz.

For more details, or to enter a team, contact Jane O'Driscoll on 01793 502985 or email pam.webb@uk.zurich.com

comingup

  • Monday: Intercompany quiz at the De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge. Mad Monday in offices around Swindon.
  • Wednesday: Swindon Advertiser-sponsored golf day at Marlborough Golf Club. Six-a-side football tournament at Supermarine Football Club.
  • Friday, July 14: Drinks reception in honour of Swindon Cares and David Howell at Broome Manor Golf Club.
  • Saturday, July 15: the Bishop of Swindon's concert at Christ Church, also broadcast on the radio.
  • Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19: Music festival at the Swiss Chalet.
  • Thursday, July 20: Music festival final at The Moonrakers.