News
Stars of the long running science fiction show Doctor Who will be attending a one day convention in January to help raise funds for Compaid.
The event, entitled Big Blue Box, takes place on Saturday 14 January 2012 at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Special screenings, panel discussions, signings and more are planned to give local Doctor Who and science fiction fans a day to remember.
Among those taking part are actresses Louise Jameson, who played opposite Tom Baker as Leela, and Susan Jameson, who has recently played Mrs Wibbsey opposite Baker in Doctor Who audio plays. They will be joined by Doctor Who writers, including John Dorney, Paul Magrs and Jonathan Morris.
Several companies are backing the event, including local publisher Panini who produce Doctor Who Magazine, Doctor Who licence holders AudioGo and Big Finish, and the Tunbridge Wells branch of Waterstones,
All profits from the event will go towards Compaid’s work with disabled people in the local area.
Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid says, “Big Blue Box marks the first ever fan convention for Doctor Who in Tunbridge Wells, which has a long history of associations with the show. From a screening of a classic Peter Cushing Dalek movie to more recent fan films, we will be taking full advantage of Trinity’s superb theatre.”
Tickets cost £25 for the day, and are available from Trinity Theatre’s box office on 01892 678678 or online at www.trinitytheatre.net
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More than 140 guests partied late into the night last Saturday (12 November) and raised an incredible £27,000 for local disability charity Compaid.
The event was held in Hildenborough at Mountains Country House, who kindly donated the use of their fabulous marquee for the evening. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by Pop Creative Food, while being entertained with music from West End Jazz, Apollo Funk Discothèque and Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society, who performed songs from their upcoming production of Brigadoon.
The Ball was the inspiration of sisters Helen Tinworth and Sally Way, whose mother, Jean Burns, is a regular client of Compaid’s computer training centre in Paddock Wood. Helen commented: “Compaid supports hundreds of disabled people like my mum every week, and in its 25th year, Sally and I thought a fundraising ball would mark the charity’s anniversary in style.”
Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid said, “It was a fantastic evening, and it was great to be joined by many people who have been pivotal to Compaid’s success over the years. Sally and Helen, Shirley Spencer, Event Manager at Mountains Country House, along with Compaid staff and volunteers, have worked hard to make the Ball a real highlight of our fundraising calendar.
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Local disability charity Compaid has opened a new computer training centre for disabled people in Paddock Wood.
The specially adapted centre, in Maidstone Road, will support up to 25 clients each day, teaching skills such as using the internet, desk top publishing and digital design. Many previous clients have used these skills to move on to paid or voluntary work.
The charity had previously operated out of Tunbridge Wells Football Club for the last five years after leaving its original site at the old Pembury Hospital.
“We’re delighted to have secured these new premises in Paddock Wood,” comments Chief Executive, Stephen Elsden. “We expect to support more disabled people from the local area, and are closer to the road network into Maidstone and West Malling.”
The move and the refurbishment has been supported by a number of charitable trusts, as well as local building experts who gave their time free of charge.
Stephen adds: “I’d like to thank Tunbridge Wells Football Club for their hospitality over the last few years, and expect both our organisations to go from strength to strength in the future.”
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Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society is supporting Compaid through an after show bucket collection during their performances of Brigadoon at the Assembly Hall from 22 to 26 November.
Brigadoon, about a mysterious Scottish village that rises from the mist for one day in every hundred years, was last performed in 1989 and made famous by Gene Kelly in the film version in 1954.
In addition to performance collections, TWODS will also make a donation of £2 for each of the first 250 tickets sold through their box office until the end of October. Simply call Ted Denman on 01732 355363 and mention Compaid when you order tickets. Ticket prices start from £11.
Kevin Denman, Vice Chairman of TWODS, comments: “TWODS has a long history of supporting local charities, and I’m delighted to be raising funds for Compaid in its 25th anniversary year.”
Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid, adds: “Our staff, volunteers and disabled clients have enjoyed many earlier TWODS productions, and we look forward to a successful partnership with Brigadoon.”
The show starts at 7.30 each evening and there are also matinee performances on Wednesday 23 and Saturday 26 November starting at 2.30. The show on Wednesday evening is a signed performance.
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The third issue of our popular newsletter, Compaid Voice, is now available, with the usual mix of articles from clients, staff and volunteers.
This issue includes news of many of our 25th anniversary activities and celebrations, and much more besides.
The newsletter can be downloaded here, and hard copies are available on request.
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