A huge evening of loud music, singing and dancing in the aisles raised the roof of a packed church to help adults with learning disabilities.
Twyford-based band The Walnuts and Woodley band The Hagen Brothers gave their all for the audience of 170 – and the good causes the event supported.
The evening’s proceeds will be shared between the venue, St Nicholas Church, Hurst, and CLASP (Caring Listening and Supporting Partnership), which supports Wokingham Borough people with learning disabilities.
Guitarist and singer with The Walnuts, Matt Allwright, told the audience: “Church is supposed to be a place where you come to share love. You have certainly done that.”
The Walnuts with Bells On evening was similar to one organised at the church a year ago – but unlike most concerts you’ve been to.
It started in The Castle Inn with landlord Matt Brown’s pizzas and drinks. Then local Scottish bagpipe player Colleen Scott lead everyone over the road into the church as the St Nicholas bellringers played.
The Celtic Funk, folk and Americana music had everyone clapping, singing along and dancing. And there were games – really good, fun, games.
At one point bass guitarist and singer Davie McGirr of Knoll Hill, clad in high viz protective gear was racing round the church with a large net to catch hundreds of plastic balls being hurled at him.
CLASP member Polly Walton, of Spencers Wood and who attends St Marys Church, Twyford, received great applause for her singing of Sweet Caroline with the band.
The Revd Graham Theobald, Debs Morrison, head of CLASP and churchwarden Sue Payne all thanked the many people involved in creating the evening – and also the picnic and singing session held for CLASP members in Hurst’s community orchard that afternoon.
CLASP is a self-adovacy charity run by its members. They employ people with learning disabilities and offer voluntary opportunities. They support their members to have their say about local services, and provide advice and information.
