Everyone in the UK has heard of Children in Need and every year entertainers, schools, pubs, clubs and many other organisations give their time to help raise funds for this worthy cause.

Brian Brackenbury, well known in Heacham as a musician and entertainer, resolved 2007 was the year when he had to support Children in Need as he had been unable to do so in the past despite his involvement in numerous other charitable events.  Brian approached several friends within the world of entertainment who immediately, and without question offered their services at no charge or fee.  Next he asked The Rev Steve Davies if he would allow the use of our beautiful St Mary's Church.  Again he received the same warm welcome and an afternoon of entertainment with a large cake stall was conceived.

Many friends and acquaintances were asked to contribute to the cake stall and once again the generosity of Heacham residents came up trumps.  On a cold November afternoon the big day arrived and so did the cakes - in great numbers!  CDs from the artistes were on sale throughout the event and a donation was made from each CD sale to Children in Need. In addition, The Heacham Newsletter provided 4 miniature copies of the November 2007 edition of The Heacham Newsletter to be auctioned off. 

Over 100 people began to arrive, made themselves comfortable and then .... disaster - a power cut.  There were no lights, no power for the amplification, keyboards etc.  Never mind the troupe had (as they thought)  Brant Nuttall - the guest concert pianist but alas, due to a misunderstanding he thought the event was in the evening and never arrived.  However the electricity was eventually restored and the show went on as planned with the remaining artistes completing a very enjoyable afternoon.

Brian, supported by his fellow artistes and other volunteers raised the fantastic sum of £517.98 for Children in Need.  He tells me he actually banked £500 for the charity and the balance - made up to a round £30 by Brian himself - was donated to the Church of St Mary.  Brian particularly appreciated the help given by The Rev Steve Davies and his helpers - right down to Steve being asked to say a prayer when the power failed!

All in all, Brian wishes to thank EVERYONE who made this event such a success. He said it was a real team effort, that he could not single out anyone in particular because there were too many and they all can feel their efforts played an important part to make the whole event such a success.