Following on from our previous ‘Supporter Spotlight’ blog, we would like to say a HUGE thank you to Linda Bance and the WomenSing choir, who have continued to support Home-Start in so many different ways over the past year. Her continuing support has meant so much to our charity, and we hope you enjoy reading about some of the ways Linda has helped not only with fundraising but also through her musical sessions at our Family Support Groups.
‘Strictly’ dancing to help raise funds for Home-Start
Linda took part in our Strictly for Charity competition in May 2021 as a celebrity dancer and was matched with her daughter, Mary, as the professional.
It truly was a very special moment when they took to the floor for their musical theatre number, which they had both enjoyed learning, rehearsing and perfecting over the months leading up to the event. And although they didn’t win the competition, they came 2nd and loved being able to work together – a great experience for them both.
Linda was very well supported on the night by members of the WomenSing choir, who had come along to cheer her on. They also had a sneak preview of the dance at one of the choir sessions, but it was great for them to see the routine so polished and so well performed on the night. Linda raised an amazing £565 through her sponsorship for this event.
Providing entertainment for families at our Family Support Groups
Linda regularly attends our Family Support Groups to provide singing sessions for the children and also provided the entertainment along with Liz, for our Summer session and Christmas family party in 2022. Linda’s love for music is so infectious, and the children delight in joining in with singing and playing musical instruments.
Supporting Home-Start through singing
Linda was also instrumental (excuse the pun) in the planning of our 40th Anniversary Community Concert – Celebrating Voices – which was held on 4th March 2023. She worked hard, liaising with the 4 choirs, including WomenSing, that took part.
Linda is always so supportive and understanding and brings out the best in all the singers with her positive communication and enthusiasm. The St John’s the Baptist Parish Church in Royston was full on the night; everyone had a great time, with the audience joining in at the end, singing and dancing away to Dancing Queen by ABBA.
An outstanding £5,300 was raised for Home-Start – and there are many people to thank for the success of this evening, but we could not have held this event without Linda.
Continuing to support and raise funds for Home-Start
WomenSing choir continue to raise funds for Home-Start through their weekly fees for attending the choir sessions, raising a fantastic £1,631 in 2022.
One of their members, Nicola, kindly swam for the Home-Start Aquathon team in 2022, and of course, was supported with sponsorship by the other choir members. Our 2023 Aquathon event was held on Sunday, 23rd April and another member of the choir, Della, also swam for us this year.
As well as being part of the WomenSing choir, members have supported Home-Start in so many other ways. They have baked cakes for our events, helped on the rota at village markets, sponsored events, and sung at Royston Market in a flashmob. But they are more than a choir; these women like to think of themselves as a musical family – because they all support each other in a very special way.
Become our next ‘star’ supporter
Linda’s story is another testament to the power of community support and commitment to our charity. The impact this has on the lives of the local families we help is immeasurable. If you’re inspired by Linda’s story and would like to get involved with Home-Start, either through volunteering or fundraising (perhaps you’d like to take on a personal challenge?), contact us today for an informal chat about how we can help you get started.
Together we can make a positive change in the lives of children – because childhood can’t wait.