What a fantastic concert 1st September

Aquabox held their annual Open Day today, so Gail and I took the opportunity to call at their depot at Cromford for a look round.   The depot has been expanded considerably since the last time I visited and it now consists of four adjoining units.   The sight of several hundred filled boxes on the front of the units waiting for dispatch to various parts of the world was a very impressive sight.

Inside was a hive of activity, with volunteers putting together the filters upstairs in the workshop.       Downstairs other Aquabox volunteers were showing people around the facility.  Among the visitors at the time of my visit were the Chairman of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor George Wharmby and his wife, Councillor Jean Wharmby who both told me how impressed they were with what they had seen.

I also bumped into another visitor, who I had not seen for many, many  years, an ex colleague of mine from the Derbyshire Constabulary, Mr Bill Bishton.  Bill was always a larger than life character and now that he is in his eighties, he is still a larger than life character. 

Thanks to all the volunteers at Aquabox for the work they do, week on week, to ensure a ready supply of boxes to the various parts of the world that need them.

In the evening Gail and I accepted an invitation to a Charity Variety Show, being hosted by The Rotary Club of Long Eaton Dawnbreakers.   We were accompanied to the show, at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton by Rtns Alan Widdowson and Hilary Surga.

The event was arranged in conjunction with The Grand Order of Water Rats and was in aid of The Chatsworth Centre (which includes the Duchess Theatre) and the Water Rats charity.

On the bill were names including Bernie Clifton, comedian and entertainer, whose performances first with a six foot ostrich called Oswald, and then with a twelve foot blow up deep sea diver had the whole audience in absolute stitches.

The other performers were Simmons & Simmons (compares of the show), Kaplan Kaye and Bill Dare (The Ukaye Ukes),  David Capri (singer), Derek Martin (aka Charlie Slater in Eastenders), Scott Dee (Englebert Humperdinck tribute), Rtn Paul Hopkins (Roy Orbison tribute), Clive and Jean Moore (magicians) and Paul Squire (comedian).    

Also performing throughout the evening were "The Young Performers" a group of about 35 young people from the Long Eaton area and The Leonettes, the house band, led by their Musical Director, Leon Wade.

Many thanks to all the performers and those involved in the organisation.   A fantastic event and a great advert for Rotary.   Particular thanks to Rtn Simon Davey, President of Dawnbreakers, for all his hard work.

President Simon with the lady Mayor and consort