ACORNS: People across the two counties raise funds to build children's hospice

CORONATION Street's jailbird Jim McDonald was given parole from TV prison to take part in a celebrity-studded cricket match for Acorns.

Soap star Charles Lawson was one of a host of top names from television and sport who raised £1,000 for the charity by batting for the Acorns XI at Hereford Cathedral School last Sunday.

Legendary

Former Hereford and West Ham footballer Dudley Tyler and legendary England fast bowler Chris Old also put their best foot forward for the Acorns XI.

Ending in a tie with Headmaster's Invitation XI, the team scored 220 for nine at the close of their innings, with former Durham and England cricketers, Mark Briers and captain Derek Randall, chipping in with two half centuries.

Hunt jockey Richard Johnson remained unbeaten at the close in a thrilling run chase. In reply, the Headmaster's XI tied the game off the last ball by scoring 220 for eight.

The opposition was led by top cricket coach Richard Skyrme and joined by the director of sport at Hereford Cathedral School, Damian Cummings, Oxford Hockey Blue Andy Connop and Herefordshire county cricket brothers Ed and Robbie Symond.

Old Herefordian Richard Edwards, who is now a war correspondent with the Western Daily Press, also put in a special appearance.

I still fancy you 30 years later!

A CARER who organised a high school reunion found herself blushing with embarrassment after bumping into the "boy" she fancied 30 years ago.

Wendy Harding, who, with friend Jayne Riley, organised the event for former Christopher Whitehead pupils, had not seen the object of her affections since 1977.

"She was crazy about him and found he's even better now," joked best friend Lin Finnegan, who also attended the reunion at the Westside Bowling Club in Hylton Road.

"Some people hadn't seen each other for years and they really enjoyed themselves.

"It was such a fantastic night that we are talking about holding another one before we get too old."

More than 200 men and women, who attended the school between 1972 and 1977, travelled from across the country to attend the get-together, raising £952 for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Muff Murfin from Classic Gold FM put his own stamp on the night with a nostalgic disco before auctioning off two sessions in his Kempsey recording studio, The Old Smithy.

Mrs Harding, who runs a residential home for adults with learning disabilities in Blackpole Road, snapped up one of the unique lots for £150, which she has given to her sister for her birthday.

"She already written a few songs over the years which she will now get to record," the 42-year-old mum said.

Generous city retailers also chipped in with a range of prizes, including the owner of Bath Road Post Office, Tracy Wyatt, who donated a karaoke mini hi-fi, bottles of sherry and chocolates.

The money raised will go towards Acorns Three Counties Appeal to build a new hospice on the outskirts of Worcester for more than 150 children with life limiting illnesses.

It is already halfway to its £4m and aims to open the doors to the facility late 2004.

To make a contribution to the charity, call 01905 767676.

Charity catwalk show bid to come up with the cash

SEVERAL Worcester shops have clubbed together to parade their wares in a charity fashion show for children with life-limiting illnesses.

A whole range of businesses in the city's Reindeer Court have pledged support for the event at the Red bar in the shopping arcade next Wednesday evening.

Staff from Euphoria Hair Design, who hope to raise more than £700 for Acorns, will be modelling this year's summer fashions and accessories from Dare, Fuel, Red, Sisley and Vanilla and Zoo.

There will also be childrenswear from Ready Teddy Go, jewellery from Rock Lobster and Brimstones and stunning work from The Nailbar.

The Bees Knees, V V Solutions, The Software Store, Charlstons caf and bar, Youngs of Worcester, Oakstone Classics and Specsavers are also supporting the event.

Organiser Kate Hardman from Euphoria said they were over the moon with the response from retailers.

"We are delighted so many retailers in Reindeer Court are supporting the fashion show," she said.

"It's such a worthwhile cause and many of our fellow traders wanted to do something to help with the event."

The fashion show will take place at the Red bar between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

Tickets are £3.50, available from participating shops or on the door.

It's pounds, not pieces of eight

TREASURE seekers are being invited to raise funds for Acorns.

On Saturday, May 24, latter-day Long John Silvers will set off from the Old Bull Inn in Inkberrow, near Redditch, to root out a selection of prizes and raise funds for the Three Counties Appeal.

From 2pm, people can pay £5 to register their car and collect a quiz sheet giving them clues to where the goodies are.

Along the way there will be a number of stops, including the Flyford Arms and Boot Inn in Flyford Flavell, and the Bird in Hand in Stock Green.

Each pub's staff and customers will collect money and try and raise funds the fastest.

Each team will have its own start time to ensure a fair race.

On the same day, the organisers are riding their bikes from the village to Stratford-upon-Avon and back. They hope to raise more than £400 from the two events.

"We wanted to do something that will involve all of the family," said Alicia Gold, who will be manning the registration desk.

For more information, call 07779 248686.