Sell-out Otley Poppy Appeal concert hailed a huge success (From Wharfedale Observer)

Sell-out Otley Poppy Appeal concert hailed a huge success

9:00am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

A sell-out Poppy Appeal Jubilee Concert in Otley has been hailed a “fantastic” success.

Hundreds of music-lovers turned out to enjoy the event – headlined by the Brass Ensemble of The Band of the Royal Air Force – at Prince Henry’s Grammar School on October 13, raising £2,375.

The audience, which included two Chelsea Pensioners, Otley town mayor Councillor Mary Vickers, and MPs Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) and Stuart Andrew (Con, Pudsey), enjoyed a varied programme that featured tunes by Gershwin and Glenn Miller along with swing music.

They were also treated to a quartet, who sang Beverley Sisters songs.

Organiser and British Legion member Irene Willis, who has received a national award for arranging the fundraising event each year, said: “It was an absolute sell-out and the concert was just fantastic.

“The whole band sounded terrific, and the four ladies from the RAF who sang from the Beverley Sisters were fantastic too.

“I’d like to say a big thank-you to the band, to the Chelsea Pensioners for coming up, to Otley Lions for looking after them so well, and to my daughter, Susan Bye, for cooking a beautiful meal for the whole band and being a huge help once more.”

Mr Mulholland said: “It was a pleasure to again attend the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal concert. This year, this annual event was even more special as we celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the fantastic military band of the RAF played in her honour.

“I would like to thank Irene for, once again, organising such a worthy and important event and for inviting me to take part.”

Mr Andrew said: “What a wonderful evening and a fitting tribute in this Jubilee year. I would like to extend my thanks to Irene Willis, who organised the event and has worked tirelessly, for more than 30 years, as a volunteer – she is remarkable.”

l Poppy Appeal organisers are looking for volunteers to help with collections in the Ilkley and Menston area. Contact Margaret Hunter on (01943) 608278 or Wendy Window on (01943) 876093 for further information.