The BBC TV show “Strictly Come Dancing” has been a huge success with audiences old and young, since it first hit our screens in 2004. The show has seen record numbers of viewers waiting breathlessly for the results, the format has been sold to more than 60 countries worldwide, and has even led to a phenomenon known as “TV pick-up” – a huge surge of electricity use after the show, as the nation switches on the kettle for a post-Strictly cup of tea!
Local charity Home-Start Royston Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire started planning their own version of the competition, which they are calling “Strictly for Charity,” more than a year ago, recruiting local celebrities and professional dancers from across the region to take part in this fabulous fundraising event. Home-Start works with families in the SG8 and SG9 postcode areas, providing compassionate support to parents who are facing difficult times. For more information about the charity’s work, take a look at their website: www.hsrsc.org.uk
Strictly For Charity, which will be held at The Cambridge Motel on the A10 (London Road), on Saturday 14th May 6.45-11pm invites ticket holders to enjoy a Strictly-style dance show, a 2-course buffet supper, a fun photo booth (get your photo taken with Anton du Beke!) and a full bar – plus the chance to vote for your favourite dance couple. The winning dancers will take home the Strictly For Charity trophy.
Tickets, priced at £30 per person, are now on sale to the public and can be purchased from the Home-Start team over the phone (01763 262262) or via email (events@hsrsc.org.uk).
Keeeeeep dancing!
Meet your dancers…
Alex Kanold is more widely known as “Nanny Alex,” thanks to her successful Buntingford-based children’s entertainment business “Mummy SOS.”
Active and energetic, Alexandra French enjoys horse riding and bee keeping and has recently returned from living in Quebec for 2 years, where she enjoyed cross country skiing and ice skating on frozen lakes.
David Atkins is a well-known face around Royston, having taught at Meridian School (now KJAR) for many years. He has recently moved jobs to teach in Cambridge, but still lives in Royston. He is an active member of CADS, undertakes marathons, and is a keen football supporter.
Eduardo Andrade is a company director and software engineer who has been living in Royston since 2014. He is a member of Royston and District Round Table and likes to take every opportunity to get involved with activities to help the local community.
Linda Bance is a musician, composer and author of Play Music Play – a book that examines the benefits of making music with young children. She is a stalwart Home-Start supporter, running the immensely popular “WomenSing” choir, and providing many local families with a wonderful opportunity to make music together.
Lisa Honey is a solicitor with local firm Curwens, having qualified in 2015 and specialises in family law. She’s also a keen traveller, and has a particular interest in wildlife, nature and environmental protection.
Mandy Jinkerson will be familiar to many, as the Community Champion at Royston Tesco, working with lots of different groups, schools and charities.
Mike Phillips is the business development manager at Royston’s EWFM, working with old and new customers since 2017. He’s also currently vice-Chair of the Royston and District Round Table.
Sarah Harrison is a well-known and well-loved author (28 books and counting!) singer, comedienne and performer. She’s been on TV, radio, the stage and now the dance floor.
Toby Pilcher qualified as a Solicitor specialising in Wills and Estate Planning in 2021 and is based at the Curwens office in Royston.
Meet the professionals…
James Goddard
Sue Fazey-Wood
Kieran Fulton
Maggie Killingbeck (photo credit Archant)
Mary Bance
Naomi Wallen
Richard Coulthard
Serap Mert
Terry Charlton
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Out & About – Strictly for Charity
