Evening of fun to help leprosy victims (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Evening of fun to help leprosy victims

THE Rotary Club of Cirencester stages the town's first ever European Extravaganza of Song and Dance at the Bingham Hall on March 16.

The event will be compered by BBC radio presenter Mark Cummings, and Robin Thompson, managing director of Thompson & Wilson Communications, will introduce a variety of acts which include poetry, song, dance and comedy.

Performers range from well known local band Smiley Mac to the award winning Ukrainian folk dance group Mandriwka as well as Polish and Irish dancers, a guitar ensemble and a rock group - to name only a few.

The concert is being organised in aid of the Leprosy Mission International (TLMI) with the aim of helping 100 leprosy victims aged from 13-18.

"Some of the children we will be helping have had leprosy, others have been orphaned by the disease. The Leprosy Mission International is able to provide trainers and teachers, but there is no equipment available such as books, nursing equipment, old vehicles and maintenance items," said Rotary Club president Stephen Segar.

The project undertaken by the Cirencester Rotary Club aims to raise funds in excess of £10,000 and will allow victims affected by the disease to lead independent lives as they will be given access to equipment and the opportunity to learn a trade.

So if you want to help a group of people very much less fortunate than you are, come along to the Bingham Hall on March 16 for an evening of non-stop entertainment and fun.

Tickets from Cirencester Tourist Information Centre on 01285 654180 or from the special Rotary Club box office in Brewery Court which opens on Saturday, March 3.