A SUCCESSFUL war-time themed music event raised £750 for the redevelopment of Thornbury’s Armstrong Hall Complex.


The ‘V for Victory’ concert on Saturday (August 29) was held to raise funds for the first phase of the Armstrong Hall redevelopment appeal – a long-term project to introduce new facilities to the town.


Barbara Ray who helped organise the event with Joan Hawkins and Daphne Ashton, said a packed Cossham Hall rang out in the afternoon with songs, music and speeches from World War Two.


“Audience members left in great good humour after such an excellent afternoon's entertainment by Five Alive Plus playing their part towards fundraising,” she said.


“The capacity audience were treated to loved and well remembered songs from the time such as 'The White Cliffs of Dover' and 'Run Rabbit Run' in addition to powerful renditions of Sir Winston Churchill's memorable wartime speeches which did so much to maintain morale.


“Tea and plenty of cakes were served in the interval and the second half allowed the cast of Alan Edmunds, John Smith, Ray Hale, David Wrench, Dorothy Wrench, Cheryl Wrench, Anne Weston, Jill Harris, Karen Blount and Desiré Osborne to explore other favourites such as 'I Want To Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair' from South Pacific and 'Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.'


"Audience members were invited to join in the community singing followed by an enthusiastic version of 'Land and Hope and Glory' to finish off the afternoon.”


The first stage of the redevelopment, which would include new versatile function and practice rooms at the multi-function entertainment and community facility, is estimated to cost around £700,000.


If any community group or individual would like to help with the appeal, you are asked to contact Thornbury Town Hall on 01454 412103.


To view proposed plans for the redevelopment visit armstronghallthornbury.org.