Chamber Ball 2015
Joining in with the Circus theme are: Councillor J Shervey (Clitheroe Deputy Mayor) Mrs Shervey, Tony Gould (CCoT& C President), Consort to Councillor Hilton, and Councillor B Hilton (RV Deputy Mayor).
17 March 2015
Members, Civic Dignitaries, & guests of Clitheroe Chamber of Trade & Commerce enjoyed their Annual Ball and raised money for local Charities, when they partied the night away to a Wild West Carnival Circus themed evening. Throughout the year the Chamber is supporting two local Charities and will be raising funds for the Local Heroes Foundation & The Soloman Project. Local Heroes was launched in 2011 for people who have served in the armed forces and are now suffering from either physical disabilities due to injury, mental disabilities or both. The Soloman Project is advocating the needs of some of Kenya’s poorest children, by using local produce and community volunteers they are able to feed a child in school for a year for just £17.00.
Opening the evening’s entertainment were members from the Aerial Lounge of Shawbridge Mill, run by Leana Darbyshire, with a display of aerial arts and pole fitness, which got the evening off to a great start. Leana said “We all really enjoyed putting on the show and I think the guests were amazed by the student’s versatility and suppleness. Afterwards many people commented on how much they had enjoyed the demonstration of both the student’s ability and the use of the equipment.” Throughout the evening guests were entertained by Ribcaged Productions with a memorable evening including a Circus Carnival atmosphere complete with a Ringmaster as Master of Ceremonies and a short humorous film featuring Clitheroe Chamber of Trade & Commerce members in the guise of “The Good, the Bad & the Ugly!” Owen Phillips, Ribcaged Director said: “Everyone had a fantastic time with the circus theme really making it a fun evening and we at Ribcaged were thrilled to be helping with the entertainment.”
After the meal guests took to the dance floor with live music provided by Western Valley Hot Club Band, continuing the Wild West Circus theme with two sets of Country, Blue Grass and Rhythm and Blues. The 4 piece band is lead by local vocalist Gaynor Sutcliffe, with John Vagianos who sings and plays guitar, Ray Walmsley playing the Double Bass & Tony Dolman on Drums & Vocals. With harmonies and instrument changes along with polished and musical virtuosity the band used their vibrant and entertaining personalities to create a memorable occasion.
Throughout the evening members and guests were able to swell the Charity coffers by participating in various fundraising games including a coconut shy and raffle. Local businesses and individuals had already been incredibly generous with over 50 raffle prizes some with a value of hundreds of pounds each. No final figure has yet been calculated, but Katie Winstanley of Megabites, Moor Lane, who organised the event commented “By holding the Ball in Clitheroe this year we had to reduce ticket numbers to around half the normal number we have had in the past, but with such generosity from local businesses I am confident we will still have raised a significant amount of money for the Chambers chosen Charities.”