SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Des O’Connor-thon raises funds for Lords Larder

BEING subjected to non-stop Des O’Connor songs has raised £355 for local Yeovil-based food bank organisation The Lords Larder.

The idea came to residents over lunch one day at Yarlington Housing Group’s Common Road Extra Care Retirement Living Scheme, in Wincanton, and discussion turned to those that might not be so fortunate to be able to enjoy a regular meal.

Scheme manager, Carol Glass, said: “The residents wanted to do something unique to raise funds and started talking about the worst possible singers they could be subjected to - Cilla Black and Ken Dodd were in the running but it was Des O’Connor that won the votes.

“The residents aimed to raise around £50 so to collect seven times that amount is fantastic!”

The fundraiser brought people together from across Yarlington’s Retirement Living schemes in the area, and members of the local community also joined in.

Carol added: “I told residents it didn’t matter how much they raised or donated – a few pounds or tens of pounds, it would all make a difference. We had 16 songs on replay so were relieved when the two hours had passed!”

Thirty local residents were involved in the Des O’Connor-thon and many gave money not to be subjected to the music. Cakes were enjoyed and a celebration supper held once the singing was finally over.

The Lords Larder chairman of trustees, Dr Richard Hogben, said: “I’m so grateful to everyone that has given up an afternoon, or donated, to raise such a fantastic amount of money.

“We have seen an increasing need for food parcels over the months, however what’s fantastic is that the fundraising is also going up at the same rate so as of yet we have not been in a position where we have not been able to meet demand – and that’s thanks to all the communities, individuals and groups that support the charity.”

The Lords Larder provides bags of groceries and essential items to local people in need.

PHOTO – TOP: Residents take part in the Des O’Connor-thon and they are pictured with scheme manager Carol Glass (left, front row, black top) and Dr Richard Hogben (far right).

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