Charity Concert Rocks

Surrey Advertiser, 22 April 2005

A Concert at Guildford Cathedral featuring a rock band led by Gary Brooker (Procul Harem) [sic] together with a choir and orchestra raised more than £15,000 for the Jubilee Action Tsunami Survivors's Fund on Saturday.

Surrey Chamber of Commerce hosted the concert which delighted a packed audience with its unusual mix of classics, rock and gospel.

The funds raised will go towards Thanthri, a fishing village in Tamil Nadu, India, which was devastated by the Tsunami on Boxing Day.

A varied repertoire ranged from a piece written by King Henry VIII to spirituals and Baroque Chamber music. Paul Jones (the Blues Band and ex-Mannfred [sic] Mann) also gave a guest performance.

"It was wonderful that Gary Brooker and the band gave so selflessly their time and talent to support this fantastic cause," said Chris Bean, Surrey Chamber of Commerce president. "It is good to see the local business community pulling together to help an area that suffered such devastation."

"We are so grateful to Gary Brooker, Surrey Chambers, and the Guildford community and Guildford Cathedral staff for making this event so special," said Emma le Beau, from Jubilee Action.

"The difference the money raised will make is immense. Eight entire families can now have their homes rebuilt and receive fishing boats, providing jobs for a further 16 people.

"The concert was a wonderfully successful event both here in Guildford and for the community in Thanthri."

Thanks, Alan

Alan informs us that there are five colour photos of various personalities associated with the event.

'Picture if you can, and I quote ...'

• Paul Jones (the Blues Band and ex-Mannfred [sic] Mann) joining his wife in a duet at Guildford Cathedral to raise money for the Tsunami Appeal.

• Right: Gary Brooker (close up unsingingly playing a passage)

• Gary Brooker with some of the performers at Guildford Cathedral, Cathedral Hill. [Team photo. Back row standing left to right: Mrs and Mr Jones, Vic, Andy, Graham, Frank and Matt. Front row centre (seated on reversed chair, à la David Brent): Gary]

• The Very Reverend Victor Stock, Dean of Guildford Cathedral. (During concert address)

• Henry Spinetti on drums. (Concert action close up)