Battle of Britain Memorial Concert story

by Yixiang Zeng

Hundreds of visitors attended Battle of Britain Memorial Concert yesterday to raise money for St Luke's Hospice and the RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust.

The concert, held in Bentley Priory in Stanmore - the headquarters of Fighter Command during the WWII, also aimed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and commemorate those who died in the battle against the Nazis.

Erica Ferguson, 43, executive consultant of the Trust, said the money raised from the concert is just a small part of the £2 million the organisation wants to raise in order to improve the educational facilities of the museum, a Grade II listed mansion house in Bentley Priory.

Pam Russell, 48, director of Fundraising of St Luke's Hospice, said: “Some of the proceeds go to the hospice, and we probably made about more than £10,000.”

Couple of bands who performed during the concert, such as The British Airways Brass Band, children's choir Voice in a Million, and Harrow Apollo Male Choirs, reminded around 500 guests about the old days.

Peter Schiavi, 70, of Pinner told The HA1 the concert let him remember “the metal of sheltering, and the soldiers”, he said:“It's an excellent concert, bringing back a lot of memories, things you know, should not be forgotten.”

The 94-year-old Blenheim gunner, Owen Burns, from the 235 squadron who served in the battle, said: “I've been here for many times, it's always lovely to be here, this was the heart of the people who ran the war and who followed Fighter Command.”

St Luke's Hospice story

By Yixiang Zeng

An evening of salsa moves, Mexican food and cocktails was dedicated to raise money for St Luke's Hospice.



The event, held by the Hindocha family from Wolmer Garden, Edgware, attracted hundreds of guests dressed up as Latino dancers, who enjoyed a fabulous Wednesday night.

Neha Hindocha, 25, daughter of the family explained why they wish to help raise money for the Hospice, she said: “My grandma was very ill for the past thirty years. Last year she was at St Luke's Hospice, the way they treated her was absolutely incredible.”

Vishal, 24, Neha's brother, added: “The money will pay for nurses and doctors, they receive very little funding from the NHS, and almost purely depend on donation. We wish we could give something back to them.”

Among the guests enjoyed the party was Renu Malhotra, 48, from Camrose Avenue, Edgware, who said: “I like the dance, and it's an excellent event. I feel very organised and enjoyable.

“[They've got] great support from their friends, because everyone is at the middle of the week and I don't expect so many people turn out.”

The family is aiming to raise £25, 000 and so far has already got £15,000 under their belt through a variety of events including a yoga workshop, a charity lunch, and a trek during which Neha's mom and dad participated in across the Alps in Switzerland.

Neha told The HA1 they are now gearing up to take on the Everest Base Camp Challenge in October with the hope of raising the rest of the money.

She said: “We're trying to go to Box Hill in Surrey, go to gym, cycling, swimming, and walking, and increase our endurance.

“We're climbing to the peak just above the Base Camp, which is 6,000 metres over 13 days of trekking.”

The team, including the entire Hindocha family, are also preparing their equipment for the trip, such as tents, sleeping bags and trekking boots.

If you would like to raise money for St Luke's Hospice or know more about their adventure, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Team-N-Everest/3