THE WURZELS AND FRIENDS

Weymouth Pavilion

WHEN Weymouth Rotary Club decided to stage a concert to raise funds for local charities, supporters turned out in droves and had a wonderful evening, thanks to the Somerset old boys band and three groups of friends who kept the audience singing along and cheering.

First on the menu were around 60 mainly female singers from two local Rock Choirs who raised the temperature nicely with popular songs from the past which were performed with precision and style.

Then came Let’s Dance, the award winning group that performed short ballet, tap and modern dance numbers, again mainly girls with just one brave boy among the company.

Twelve members of WOW sang numbers ranging from Baggy Trousers to 42nd Street, the solo artist being Darron Garnett (correct) who was also the excellent compere for the evening and he maintained the easygoing informal pace throughout the event.

Finally, it was time for saucy jokes and country music the old-fashioned way as the five members of The Wurzels struck out their toe tapping hits like Oh What a Beauty, I’m a Cider Drinker and Combine Harvester, all of which the audience joined in with gusto.

With drummer John Morgan now 80 years of age and accordion player Tommy Banner having been with the Wurzels for more than 50 years, one might expect the standard of music to be a little frail nowadays but the opposite is the case, the five men are all brilliantly talented musicians who gave energy and enthusiasm to the show that would put many younger groups to shame.

The charity event was to support Julia’s House, Weldmar Hospice, Weymouth Lifeboat Station and Dorset and Somerset Ambulance and if the level of laughter and enjoyment of the audience is anything to go by, a large sum of money must certainly be assured.

MARION COX