George Clooney’s “Singing Waitress” helps to raise funds for Soldier’s Charity
Posted on December 9, 2008
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This Christmas stunning jazz singer Victoria Hart has released a version of the timeless classic Santa Baby in a bid to raise funds for the ABF.
Victoria shot to fame as the “Singing Waitress” after George Clooney heard her sing in a London restaurant and invited her perform at a benefit party in front of top Hollywood guests including Brad Pitt and has since gone on to release a debut album and toured with the likes of Russell Watson.
“The Soldier’s Charity was an easy choice. I am only 19 years old and there are soldiers younger than me out in the war zones. I would never have the strength of character to be able to do what they are doing but I have been given a voice!
“Since recording Santa Baby with the Guards Big Band, I have literally had thousands of messages through MySpace, emails and letters from the wives and children of servicemen who won’t make it home for Christmas - just to say thank you.”
- Victoria Hart
The ABF are thrilled to be the charity of choice for Victoria.
“Now more than ever is when we need support from the public to help us look after those soldiers and their families who need it most so we hope the public will support us by buying the single and helping to make it Number One this Christmas!”
- ABF Controller Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter
Recorded with the Household Division Big Band, Santa Baby will be available to download on itunes from 8 December, and on general release on 15 December and is looking to be a serious contender for the Christmas Number One slot! So buy the single, support the Soldiers’ Charity and spread the word!
Visit Victoria Hart’s website:
www.victoriahart.com
Join the Facebook support group here!
Kate Adie’s script for Music on Fire!
Posted on November 6, 2008
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The following was written by and read by Kate Adie for the ABF’s Music on Fire! 2008, and much requested to be posted online.
Today’s soldiers risk their lives daily in distant lands. Not as conscripts or adventurers, but as professionals. These young men and women are realists about the modern world, knowing that getting shot at is a possible consequence of the political will that deploys them.
They’re asked to be peacekeepers – and find that there is no peace to keep, only a complex maelstrom of angry and unpredictable people, ready to injure each other and the troops sent to bring order.
They’re asked to win hearts and minds, often in an atmosphere of hatred and resentment, and be nation-builders in societies where almost nothing functions normally.
They’re asked to deliver aid and reassure frightened people, in communities where an army traditionally represents oppression and brutality.
They have to engage in missions whose aim is often unclear, and make sense on the ground of operations which seem to those both in and outside the forces, far from sensible.
To these tasks, they bring their training, their determination, their own inimitable language and a wacky sense of humour.
And if they put a foot wrong, they find themselves in a glare of publicity. For today’s operations are carried out with the media never very far away. As a reporter, I’ve seen them grim-faced and dirty, living in dreadful conditions with little sleep. Wanting to hear from their families, because frequent deployments give them ever-shorter time at home.
Even so, they still represent the best: an army which has long traditions and aims for the highest standards. Nor are they stuck in the past, yearning for a world of endless regimental spit and polish, or National Service, or marching to the sound of It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.
These young people take their i-Pods to war, connect to home through satellite television, use laptops in ops rooms in the desert, read the morning’s tabloid headlines on their computers and have unmentionable views on the people who take part in Big Brother. They work hard, they play hard, and they care a lot about what we think of them.
Being a soldier today is still special: it’s more than just a job. They put their lives on the line and they deserve our support in both peace and war.
- Written by Kate Adie for Music on Fire!
Top prize for top Flora London Marathon 2009 fundraiser!
Posted on October 30, 2008
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In 2009, the ABF’s top Flora London Marathon fundraiser will once more receive a well-deserved spa break for two.
Great Hotels of the World in conjunction with The Quay Hotel and Spa, North Wales, is pleased to support the ABF runners and look forward to rewarding the top fundraiser with a relaxing short break on the shores of the Conwy Estuary.
Join Team ABF!
We are now only accepting applications to join the ABF Flora London Marathon Team from own place runners. If you have been lucky enough to get a ballot place in the Flora London Marathon directly from the organisers, we would be delighted to look after you. There is no minimum sponsorship for a ballot place, we just ask that you do your best and raise as much money for the ABF as you can.
For further details please email Sarah Coleman-Meyer or call 0845 241 4831.
The Quay Hotel and Spa
The Quay Hotel and Spa is situated on the Deganwy Marina, on the shores of the Conwy Estuary in beautiful North Wales. Elegant and modern, this contemporary hotel complements perfectly its breathtaking countryside surroundings, and overlooks the World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle and Anglesey. The region is renowned for its iridescent sunsets, adding to the hotel’s peaceful atmosphere of calm and tranquillity.
The Quay Hotel and Spa is a member of Great Hotels of the World. For more information or to make a booking, please contact a Great Hotels of the World luxury travel advisor on 020 7380 3658, tailormade@ghorg.com or visit www.ghotw.com.
Great Hotels of the World is a collection of the world’s finest hotels and resorts that showcase the highest levels of service standards available. All the Great Hotels – from opulent palaces in vibrant cities to idyllic beach hideaways on secluded islands – are renowned for their dedication to excellence and luxury.
Music on Fire! merchandise online
Posted on October 16, 2008
Filed Under Music on Fire! | 2 Comments
Music on Fire! merchandise is now available to purchase online.
Visit the Music on Fire! shop to buy items such as polo shirts and bags…
Soldiers’ Charity appeals to combat concern over enormous welfare need
Posted on October 3, 2008
Filed Under Appeals | 1 Comment
The ABF announced its latest fundraising drive this week, prompted by concern that it will be difficult to meet the welfare needs of soldiers and their families in the future, due to the high casualty figures in the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The casualty figures from the Army’s operations in Iraq and Afghanistan make for very sobering reading, with every week bringing news of further attacks on soldiers.
“We must prepare now to cope with the arrears of the future as well as the needs of today. Otherwise I’m very afraid we may not be able to help those who have served their country.”
- The Controller of the ABF, Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter
Sergeant Paddy Caldwell is one of the hundreds of soldiers who have suffered psychological or physical injuries whilst serving their country.
Learn more, and read Sergeant Paddy Caldwell’s inspiring story here…
Annual Review is published
Posted on October 2, 2008
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The ABF’s Annual Review ‘07 - ‘08 is now available to download.
This year the Review is in newspaper format. With details of fundraising activities, the people we have helped, and our vital work with veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is a must-read!
Download the Annual Review here (2.7MB)
Browse other ABF publications…
Supporter dedicates fundraising effort to memory of local fallen soldier
Posted on October 1, 2008
Filed Under Fundraising, Regional News | 1 Comment
Following the sad loss in June this year of a young soldier, Private Joe Whittaker from Stratford upon Avon, a Warwickshire resident has dedicated his fundraising campaign for the ABF to his memory and invites the community to show support in whatever way they can.
Dedication in memory
Mike Vallance launched his campaign - the ABF 500 Trek Challenge Appeal - last year, to raise £5000 for the ABF. When Private Whittaker was lost on duty in Helmand Province this year, he raised his target to £6500 and dedicated all proceeds to his memory.
“Joe was a former pupil of schools where my daughters studied. This sad local news really brought home the realities of what our troops are facing every day in Iraq and Afghanistan and made me even more determined to raise some additional money for the ABF.”
- Fundraiser Mike Vallance
The challenge
The ABF 500 Trek Challenge required Mr Vallance to walk at least 500 kilometres at a series of walking marathon events. He said: “So far I have walked 485 kilometres and have one final event to complete - the Berlin marathon which I’ll power walk in 6.5 hours as part of the ABF team.”
The final social fundraising event which the community can attend, is on 10 October - a ‘Pie, Pint and Poetry’ evening at the Zetland Arms Warwick, to tie in with the Warwick literary festival, Warwick Words. Everyone who attends has to bring along a piece of poetry to read or perform whilst consuming beer and pies, and being entertained by former BBC Birmingham poet laureate Spoz and Straford duo Kidnap Jack, with all proceeds going to the ABF.
Support for Mike’s fundraising
“As of today I have raised £6460 including a generous £500 contribution from my employer Citi, Old Leamingtonians Rugby club, Chiltern Railways (Warwick Parkway station) and a host of local Warwickshire businesses which have also made important contributions. It’s not too late to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/michaelvallance or come along to the Pie Pint and Poetry night.”
“Joe died tragically, doing the job he loved. He was immensely proud to be in the Parachute Regiment, and volunteered for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Joe lived life to the full, relished a challenge and gave everything 100%.
“I am honoured and touched that Mike Vallance’s incredible fundraising efforts are to be dedicated to Joe’s memory. I wish him all the best in the final stage of his own tribute to all our troops serving in the British Army”.
- Private Whttaker’s mother Naomi
Music on Fire! winning raffle tickets
Posted on September 22, 2008
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We are pleased to announce the numbers of winning raffle tickets from the Music on Fire! shows!
Thursday
First prize: 07179
Second prize: 06056
Friday
First prize: 12285
Second prize: 02035
Saturday
First prize: 07217
Second prize: 05793
The first prize winners each receive business class return tickets anywhere on the British Airways network.
The second prize winners each receive premium economy tickets to Australia courtesy of Quantas Airways.
Music on Fire! Saturday now sold out!
Posted on September 16, 2008
Filed Under Music on Fire! | 5 Comments
Tickets for this Saturday’s Music on Fire! have now sold out. Tickets for the shows on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September will be available from the box office at College Town gate.
Music on Fire!, the UK’s most stunning outdoor spectacular, is a production of live popular and classical music, interspersed with a thrilling firework display and a magical Son et Lumiere. Special guest performers include acclaimed classical singers Hayley Westenra and Jonathan Ansell.
This unmissable event is held in the impressive setting of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and guests are invited to picnic on the lawn in front of the Old College as they enjoy the show. Gates open from 4pm.
For further details of the show visit the Music on Fire! website.
Bid for two tickets for Last Night of the Proms!
Posted on September 4, 2008
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We have two tickets, located in the Choir Seats, for the Last Night of The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall London, on Saturday 13 September.
The Last Night of the Proms is one of the most popular classical music concerts in the world, watched and listened to by an audience of many millions around the globe. These tickets sell out months in advance, so don’t sleep on the street for the chance to only stand at the show, get your tickets here and give money to charity at the same time!
You can bid online at: www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk/lots/lastnight_proms
The ABF will receive 90% of the proceeds. Bidding closes on 10 September!
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