by Tim Nuttall
Withernsea Methodist Church’s popular Food, Friendship and Fun event returns next Thursday, August 29, with entertainment courtesy of local folk collective, Morning Dew.
The five-piece band, featuring Andrew Wells (guitar and vocals), Eric Godfrey (bass and vocals), Paul MacGilvray (whistles, pipes, violin, flute and vocals), Gordon Beastall (banjo, concertina, bodhran and vocals) and Rachel Beastall (fiddle, percussion and vocals), will showcase their mix of original material and traditional English, Irish and Scottish folk songs which have endeared them to audiences across Holderness and beyond for more than 20 years.
During that time, the group have hosted barn dances and performed regularly at local churches, pubs, folk clubs and private functions – taking no fees for their appearances and instead asking for donations towards chosen charities including Cancer Research and the RNLI.
To date, their generosity has also secured £8,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, £2,700 for Dove House Hospice and £1,800 for their current nominated charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.
For the band, the social element of performing together, both during rehearsals and at gigs, is a valuable experience.
Gordon said: “We really believe, from experience, that music can help improve emotional well-being. Studies have shown that people who engage with live music performances feel happier than those who haven’t done so.
“We love rehearsing together as much as performing in front of an audience and we are grateful to the audiences who continue to support us.
“We are extremely proud to have collectively raised almost £13,000 for charity and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this total so far. To enjoy ourselves on stage, while providing entertainment for others, is a fantastic feeling – and raising money for worthy causes at the same time is a real bonus.
“We are very much looking forward to performing at Food, Friendship and Fun where we’ll be singing some of our favourite songs.”
Food, Friendship and Fun sessions take place between noon and 2.30pm on the last Thursday of each month. The events offer entertainment alongside a simple lunch of soup and a bread roll, followed by a selection of homemade buns. While the food is free, an opportunity to leave donations is offered if desired.
As a platform for performance, local artists are given an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of an appreciative and informal audience. This has led to a succession of performers, from poets to raconteurs and musicians, who have freely offered their time and expertise to entertain the group.
Food, Friendship and Fun takes place in the Community Room at Withernsea Methodist Church in Hull Road. The room is wheelchair-friendly, with the venue also featuring an accessible toilet to ensure inclusivity for all. Access to the Community Room is via the footpath at the left side of the church, which will be signposted on event days.
