MORE than £5,000 was raised from a concert held in Presteigne earlier this month, staged to remember a popular local man who died earlier this year.
Music from the Parish took place on Wednesday, June 19, at St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne.
The event was organised as a memorial for Andy Leavis, of Courtyard Antiques, with over £5,500 raised in aid of St Michael's Hospice.
Andy passed away peacefully at St Michael's Hospice, in Bartestree, near Hereford, on February 4, aged 61.
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Andy's partner Jules Brisbane explained how the evening came about, saying “Gratitude is the motivation behind this fundraiser, inspired by the level of kindness and quality of medical care Andy, and many other friends, received from all the staff at St Michael's Hospice, Bartestree.”
Ruth Kirkby, a friend of Andy’s who helped organise the evening, said: “We are extremely grateful to all those who attended on such a lovely evening, and to those who helped with the organising of it.”
Guests enjoyed musical performances from local musicians Little Rumba, Jessica Rising and the Presteigne Pop Choir.
The evening also included a spirited performance by Rev Steve Hollinghurst of classic songs, including some from his favourite singer Matt Monro. The event was compered by local writer and broadcaster Ian Marchant who also announced the raffle.
The evening ended with a moving finale by all the performers who came together to the stage to sing the Bill Withers song 'Lean on Me' whose lyrics are the perfect tribute to St Michael's Hospice.
The raffle included very generous donations by local businesses and the community, including paintings, ceramics, prints, restaurant vouchers and food and wine.
Andy was described as a “much-loved Presteigne character” who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him following his death.
A service of celebration for Andy's life took place at St Andrew's Church on February 29, with people urged to donate to St Michael's Hospice if they wished.
Pete Mustill, singer and guitarist in Little Rumba and also a friend of Andy’s, said: “Andy was the most extraordinary polymath (a person of wide knowledge or learning).
“What was he interested in? Art, antiques, old buildings, churches, old cars especially Austin A 35s, coaches and buses, magazines, Presteigne’s history, music, records, CDs, food, dogs, birdwatching, you name it.
“But most of all he liked people and particularly anybody who ventured into the 10 square yards of pavement outside his shop, Courtyard Antiques.
“Within 5 minutes of moving here he accumulated more knowledge about the town and its history than some people who had lived here for 50 years.”
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