Life has been a bit hectic here with a trip to Buckingham Palace at the invitation of HRH The Prince of Wales for a Macmillan Reception.
Last night we were at the Hippodrome, Leicester Square for a brilliant evening with Colin Roy and his salute to Nat King Cole. It was well worth the effort and money as we had a great time, plus he introduced me and talked about ToC, so I had several chats with audience members afterwards. Patrons Michael Elwyn and Alison Steadman joined us there as well as Norman and Terri Davidson, our Ambassadors in Kent.
I have been in discussion with the TENOVUS Choir who have opened our last two Purple Balls. Vicki is being moved to their London choirs and Guildford is due to close on 21st April. I have been petitioned by the 50+ cancer patient members to save the choir as ToC Voices and so am currently seeking a new leader. I met with Vicki and estimate the annual cost to be about £6k (including current £20 per week venue hire), which should qualify for a local community grant as distinct from research so not diluting any funds, plus the members are willing and keen to get out there raising funds by any means themselves. They have already organised their own sub-committee. I will be promoting through the media and am getting airtime on BBC Surrey very soon. This could be a terrific vehicle to spread the work and goals of ToC, so any help you can give re contacts, grants, venue and referrals will be very welcome. The TENOVUS London choirs have been conducting formal clinical trials on the benefits to patients in partnership with the Royal Marsden, and that is one of the reasons Guildford is closing. It was always a satellite under a 3 year corporate sponsorship that ends on 21st April.