When someone close dies the world can seem a lonely and empty place.  At times like this it helps to talk things over with someone who will listen without judging or telling you what to do.

At Harrow Bereavement Care our team of trained volunteers are here to  support adults and children in the London Borough of Harrow and surrounding areas who have been affected by a death regardless of when the death occurred.  The service is entirely free and confidential.  For details click What we offer.

Harrow Bereavement Care is a well established registered charity. It is also well respected by healthcare professionals, teachers, community leaders and family support workers throughout the community.

Cabaret Evening a resounding success

Vamp til Ready provided rip-roaring entertainment on Saturday night, 28th April at the Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue. Around 100 people came to the dinner and musical entertainment evening – and all thoroughly enjoyed it.

The event was one in a series of fundraising events organised by Bobbi Riesel and the fundraising team at Harrow Bereavement Care (HBC). HBC is a local charity that provides caring support for adults and children in the boroughs of Harrow and Hillingdon through their dedicated visitors. The service, providing support to those who have suffered grief or loss, is entirely free. But there are some costs associated with running a charity, however small, and this series of events and entertainments is designed to fill the funding gap so that the service can continue and flourish, even in straitened times.

The evening started with a drinks reception and continued in the main room with all sitting at dinner tables and with entertainment from  the fabulous five key performers accompanied by their fellow pianist. HBC Chairman Jack Lyons introduced the event and thanked all for coming.

When the band (or more correctly Barber Shop quintet) started, the audience roared with pleasure at the amusing takes on old favourites such as Gee Officer Krupke from West Side Story,  Mr Sandman, and introduced us to some new songs like The Spaniard that Blighted my Life or The Oyster, which had everyone hanging on the next line.

The musical numbers were introduced by Dave Simpson (Baldy Vamp), always giving a humorous twist to what seemed, initially, like straight talking.  The other Vamps were Tony Bogod, Martin Elleiff, Nick King, Martin Wilcox and Ken Williams (the accompanist).  The Northwood audience hooted with delight at songs like There is Nothing Like A Dame where the Vamps, with their talents for dance, mimicry and dressing up, recreated the glories of South Pacific and other popular shows.

The buffet dinner was provided by local supporters of Harrow Bereavement Care - salmon, quiche and salads followed by an array of delicious desserts, all home made.  Everyone at the end said how much they had enjoyed it all – and the icing on the cake is that £2,000 was raised for the charity. An evening to remember. And all thanks to a Vamp!