Easter Sunday rock for hospices

4:55am Wednesday 19th March 2008

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PERFORMERS will play with even more than their usual passion when they line up for the grand slam Easter weekend show, Rock for Havens Sake.

The day-long music event at the Mill Hall, Rayleigh, features a spectrum of local bands. All are dedicating their services for free in support of Havens hospices - Little Havens in Thundersley and Fair Havens in Westcliff.

Among the performers are several who have good reason to revere Havens. Warren Byatt, bass player with the ten-piece band Elco Jones, lost his son Cameron to a brain tumour 18 months ago. Cameron was looked after by the children's hospice, Little Havens.

Warren said: "It was fantastic, both for Cameron and for the family. Without it, what happened would have been far more difficult for us to get through.'' Jazzman Digby Fairweather, who will be performing with his new musical partner, accordionist Tony Compton, says: "My mother died in Fair Havens. I would do anything for them, any time.

"It is a saintly organisation with true angels on the staff. It's amazing how they deal with consistently heartbreaking problems with such resilience."

Volunteer Peter Hall, who is co-ordinating the show, said: "There will be a broad mix ranging from soul to swing, blues, and even barn dancing - all for just £7."

Other local bands in the line-up include Soul Detectives, Hedgehog, the Famous Potatoes, the Late Shift and Vacant Touch.

Rock for Havens Sake is part of a campaign by the local community to raise £250,000 by the end of March.

With the Havens hospices costing nearly £5million each year, the money is needed to safeguard vital services.

Peter stressed: "Everyone can be assured that 100 per cent of the ticket price will be going directly to support the Havens appeal. We really hope local people will come along in their numbers to support the event, have a wonderful time and raise as much money as possible for this charity."

Tickets are available from the Mill Hall, Rayleigh, PMT in Queens Road, Southend, or on the door. For details e-mail annemarie.earl @btopenworld.com or log on to www.essexinfo.net/rockfor havenssakemusicfest