A COMMUNITY fundraising event which saw Startforth residents serenaded by talented local artists raised more than £300 for musicians’ charity. Though the sun remained hidden, there were deck chairs aplenty in Startforth Park as residents relaxed and enjoyed a slice of cake and musical interludes as part of Busk and Bake.
The unusual combination of a cake sale and outdoor live music was the brainchild of saxophonist and music teacher Pat Baldwin.
She said: “The pandemic has really hit professional musicians, many of whom are self-employed.
“I felt I should be doing something to raise money for the Musician’s Benevolent Fund, now more widely known as I’ll Help Musicians.”
Gazebos were erected in the cul-de-sac for performances and a cake sale and residents pulled up a chair to enjoy the show.
The afternoon was kicked off with music from accordionist Mike Murray which was followed by performances from Eddie Tinkler and James Dykes, Steve Warren and John Rhodes from The Corner Boys, Richie, from the Catolina Rock Club and Ms Baldwin herself.
And while the music played cakes, baked and donated by friends, were sold by the slice, raising £343 in total.
Ms Baldwin said: “For what essentially was a small event I’m more than happy.
“I was indebted to Pauline Glasper and Deborah Snowden for taking over cake selling duties at short notice when my principal volunteer had to go into hospital.
“Frank and Sue Goat helped with the refreshments,” she added.
“I’m also really grateful to all who contributed various cakes and home baking, the musicians who were prepared to take part and those who came along to part with their cash.”
