Hearts In Harmony
Hearts in Harmony sees musicians together from across the county, streamed online on 6 July - International Kissing Day! - supporting four great causes.
Featuring nearly three hours of musical entertainment from five different acts, the idea came from Rare Occasion (Judy Dunlop, Nigel Corbett, Jon Scaife), having wanted to support the organisations who positively affect the lives of loved ones. It soon expanded to include musical friends Offshoots, Some Antics, New Horizons, Blair Dunlop and Ashley Hutchings – all instantly agreeing to be part of the event to help others.
The folk music, with elements of jazz and more – all played by wonderfully talented musical performers. The MC, guitar maestro Gordon Giltrap MBE, has this message: “I hope with all my heart that funds raised will help to relieve some of the suffering. Please be as generous you can...”
All profits from the concert will be shared equally between four causes. Blood Cancer UK are dedicated to beating blood cancer funding research and supporting those affected. Hft provide services for people with learning disabilities to support them to live the best life possible. Meningitis Now are the founders of the meningitis movement and the only charity dedicated to fighting meningitis in the UK and ThisIsLuke is a Crowdfunder to help young Luke Mortimer and his family with costs relating to Luke's quad amputation due to meningococcal meningitis.
Julia Kinch, Divisional Fundraising Manager for Hft says “we're thrilled to have been selected as one of the charities supported by the Hearts in Harmony concert. We're already looking forward to tuning in, and can't wait to see all of the fantastic acts that are lined up.”
Tickets from b.link/heartsinharmony are £15 for up to two people watching (or £20 for more), and the event will be streamed from Tue 6 July 2021.
Online Social Events For All
Friendship group, Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows is inviting anyone struggling with the impact of spending increasing time alone to join them at one of their regular free online social events.
Upcoming Zoom events, where people can meet digitally:
Every Wednesday at 11am
National Cuppa and Chat
Meeting ID: 988 3920 7187
Every Thursday at 2pm
Just-for-fun Thursdays
Meeting ID: 988 3920 7187
Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows’ Social Organiser Toni Siddall adds: “It’s been a hard start to 2021 for many. Even though we can’t meet up, we still want to bring a bit of friendly conversation, company and comfort into people’s homes. Having something to look forward to in your day can be a real mood-lifter.”
“If you don’t know where to start with Zoom, drop the event host a note and they’ll happily help. You just need a good internet connection and a device such as a smartphone, tablet or computer.”
Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows, a friendship group with members from across the Derbyshire peak District and Chesterfield area, meets regularly to socialise, fundraise and to support each other. Contact Toni on 01246 273076 or email toni.siddall@oddfellows.co.uk for further info.
Room For Friendship
The Oddfellows have been intouch with regard to meetings restarting.
Off the back of the government’s recent roadmap announcement, we’re putting plans in place to re-start our face-to-face social events. While many of our group’s members can’t wait to get out again and re-connect, there are some who feel that their confidence and mental health have been knocked for six this past year.
We’ve been in regular touch with our Derbyshire Peak branch local members throughout the pandemic. Sadly, some have lost someone close, and the majority have felt the daily struggle of staying at home to keep themselves and others safe.
As social restrictions ease and we’ve got routes back to a more normal way of life, we know that many people’s normal will be very different to the one they once knew. So much time has passed and we appreciate that it might feel incredibly daunting to step out and socialise again.
We’re going to be there for all our members to help them re-adjust at their own pace. But if anyone else feels that they too are in need of some gentle, friendly support or encouragement, then we’ve always room for more within our friendship group.
We’ll be looking to safely restart our outdoor events from mid-April earliest and indoor ones from mid-May. We’ve also lots of online events that are free and open to the public to enjoy right now. We’ve been told that they’ve been a lifeline during the pandemic. There are also monthly online open days where you can find out more about us. The next few dates are: Wednesday 28 April at 2pm and Thursday 27 May at 7pm. Details to register available at: https://www.oddfellows.co.uk/news/our-virtual-doors-are-open/
If you’d like to be kept in the loop of our group’s activities and receive a listing of our events, contact me on 01246 273076 or email toni.siddall@oddfellows.co.uk. Everyone’s welcome.
Stay safe and well.
OPEN ARTS: Virtual
The annual Derbyshire Open Arts event is normally held over Spring Bank Holiday weekend each year, but as this year's event is totally virtual, it's already available online, from now until the end of May.
There's no need to get an actual venue ready, or even prepare loads of "stuff" to show, so please pop to the link below to see what's on offer.