AS part of our 170th anniversary celebrations, the County Gazette has launched a Community Fund to give a platform to the exceptional voluntary work which goes on throughout our community. We have been asking organisations to write in and tell us why they need fundraising support. We are featuring one group each week in the County Gazette, and this week its the turn of Staplegrove Scout Group Staplegrove Scout Group THE Longhorn trio featured at the Taunton and Wellington Keyboard Club on July 26.
Three brothers, David Richard and Martin, aged 21, 18 and 17, played on a Yamaha EL 900 electronic organ, Yamaha PSR 8000, and 9000 keyboards, a Roland RD 150 stage piano, and also on alto and tenor saxophones.
Never before had the large audience witnessed a spectacle in interchanging musicians on various instruments, the amazing breadth of sound and three or four keyboards were played together, and the sheer musical talent of the brothers themselves.
Dressed in turquoise or purple waistcoats and smart outfits, the programme was replete with famous standard tunes from Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, Elton John, George Michael, Nat King Cole, James Last, Dave Brubeck and many others. Of particular interest was the Dixie Land when the saints go marching in, which had every foot tapping throughout the audience.
The saxophone solos, accompanied by two separate keyboards, provided a hauntingly effective Swinging shepherd blues, Mack the knife, Latin Bossanovas, and an unforgettable In the Mood and Careless Whisper.
Chairman Graham Pope ran out of superlatives in giving the vote of thanks, and the audience gave a standing ovation at the close of the evening. It was really a unique musical feast.
The next meeting at the British Legion Club, Mary Street, Taunton is tonight (Thursday), when Chris Stanbury is due to play on a Yamaha EL900 organ. He too has an enviable reputation as a performer/teacher. The meeting is at 7.45pm and guests and visitors are welcome.
STAPLEGROVE Scout Group recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, making it among the oldest groups in Taunton. Last year three founder members from the 1930s Troop came along to join us and share their memories of Scouting.
The Group now consists of two Scout Troops and a Cub Pack. The Scouts meet on consecutive nights and total up to 36 youngsters. The Cub Pack numbers 16. All sections are open to boys and girls. The purpose of the Scout Association is to develop the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential of young people.
The Cubs and Scouts were involved in Group, District and County camps over the last year, offering a variety of adventurous and challenging activities. They also continue to be involved in the community through activities such as manning a drinks station at the Taunton Marathon, attending the local Remembrance Parade, and providing the annual fireworks display. The Group plans to celebrate Scoutings 100th anniversary this year, while at camp in rural Wales.
The Group is lucky enough to have its own hut, which provides a base for all activities, but requires regular maintenance. Funds have been raised to provide an access ramp to the hut, but we now aim to install a disabled toilet.
ö To apply, e-mail communityfund@countygazette.co.uk or write to Community Fund, Somerset County Gazette, St James Street, Taunton TA1 1JR. Include 150 words about the cause and its fundraising need/s, with details of how readers can make donations.
ö The Albemarle Centre ö The New Build Appeal, St Margaret's Hospice ö ESCAPE Support Group providing activities for disabled children and their families ö Mindline Somerset ö SAB C Somerset Association for the Blind ö Taunton Well Woman Centre ö Home-Start Taunton Deane ö Somerset Wildlife Trust ö 1st Wellington Scout Group ö East Somerset Railway ö Kingsmead School Society ö Chedzoy Pre-School ö HELP C Holiday Endeavour for Lone Parents ö St John Ambulance Taunton Combined Adult Division ö Somerset Cancer Care ö Victim Support Somerset ö The Open Door C Taunton's homeless charity ö North Town Primary School (new sensory room planned for special needs children) ö Norton Fitzwarren Village Hall Chair Appeal ö Norton Fitzwarren Pre-School ö Moon Bear Rescue (Quantocks based) ö Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Association ö Reminiscence Learning ö Conquest Centre ö Taunton Sea Cadets ö Pawlett Village Playgroup ö Taunton Vale Disability Club ö Wellington St John Ambulance ö Selworthy School ö BIBIC, Pawlett ö Carer Support Programme (CSP) helping parents who bring up/care for disabled children in the county ö Labrador Rescue Trust in Somerset ö Hemyock Pre-School ö Huish Woods Scout Camp Site C also the centenary year of Scouting ö Buckland St Mary Pre-School ö Taunton Beekeepers ö Holy Cross Church, Hillfarrance ö Taunton & District Mencap ö Taunton Womens Refuge ö Staplegrove Scout Group ö SASBAH Somerset Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus ö Taunton Deane Association for Neighbourhood Care ö Taunton Opportunity Playgroup ö Ruishton Ladies C knitting ö Helens Rabbit and Guinea Pig Boarding and Rescue ö Taunton Citizens Advice Bureau ö Macmillan Cancer Support ö Railway Runabouts
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