'Flanders & Swann' Fundraiser

A full house in St. Mary's School hall ensured that a good time was had by all as Tim Armitt and Gus Orchard entertained with music and song to raise funds for an excellent, locally funded charity: the Utugi Street Children Project.

Those of us who are able to remember the original duo could only be impressed as we were treated to the highly entertaining and professional rendition of old favourites to sing along to — as well as some more unusual items
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A supper, wine and sweet treats helped the evening go with a swing as we were entertained with tales of hippos, gnus and many other animals along with songs about Dr Beeching, the gas man and other topical items from the 1950s and 60s.

The Utugi Project in Kirinyaga, Central Kenya was set up in Haddenham in 1998 to build a home for street children. All the funds to build and maintain the home have been raised in Haddenham. The first boys were admitted in April 2005. There are currently 51 boys, aged 4 to 19 in the home. There are no girls as there is only one dormitory as yet.

In addition to ongoing support and sponsorship, money is raised each year for a specific project. This year it is to build a carpentry workshop, to replace the current homemade wooden hut, for the older boys undertaking free two year vocational training at the centre.

The concert formed part of the fund-raising for this project.