Local Fundraiser Draws Enthusiastic Crowd, Raising Over £750 for Penlee RNLI

Photo: (l-r) Charles Parke, Stephen Lawry, David Williams, Graham Warren, Teresa Foley, John Matthews, Jenna Matthews, Jim Harris , Colin Lawry, Morwenna Matthews and Kath Matthews. – Photo Credit: Denise Lawry 

In a heartwarming display of community support, the Pulse Venue at Heamoor buzzed with activity on Saturday, 11 May, during a fundraising evening organised by the Madron-Heamoor Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

The event, dedicated to raising funds for the Penlee RNLI, showcased a blend of musical entertainment and heartfelt speeches, leaving attendees thoroughly entertained and inspired.

Community Comes Together

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Teresa Foley, Chairman of the Madron-Heamoor RBL Branch. Teresa introduced the night’s performers, Twin Harmony and Buccas Four, and welcomed Colin Lawry from the Penlee Lifeboat station. Colin spoke about the critical work of the RNLI and the dedicated crew at Penlee, highlighting the essential services they provide to the local community.

Musical Performances Delight Audience

The musical entertainment began with Twin Harmony, featuring sisters Jenna and Morwenna Matthews. They were occasionally joined by their parents, Kath and John, for a few numbers. Twin Harmony started with “Let Your Lower Lights” and took the audience on a nostalgic journey with their rendition of “Solitaire,” a classic made famous by The Carpenters. One of the standout moments of their performance was a moving version of “Crossing The Bar.” Their set also included an array of songs from musicals and contemporary Cornish folk tunes.

Next, the male voice quartet Buccas Four, consisting of Charles Parke, Graham Warren, David Williams, and Stephen Lawry, took the stage. Stephen introduced their selection, which featured the hymn “Just As I Am” to the lesser-known tune of St Minver, and the poem “Cornish Boy,” set to music by Newlyn’s own Ken Northey. The quartet’s harmonious performance captivated the audience.

Grand Finale and Fundraising Success

The evening concluded with a unifying performance of “Cornwall My Home,” written by Harry Glasson. Twin Harmony and Buccas Four, joined by several audience members, brought the night to a resounding close, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

The fundraising segment of the event included an auction of a day’s golf for four and a raffle, skillfully conducted by Jim Harris. Prizes for the raffle were generously donated by various businesses in Newlyn, Mousehole, and Penzance.

By the end of the evening, the collective efforts of the performers, organisers, and community members had successfully raised over £750 for Penlee RNLI. This significant contribution will support the lifeboat station’s ongoing mission to save lives at sea, underscoring the community’s unwavering support for this vital cause.