Poole tribute band Erasure-ish played a storming set to a SOLD OUT audience on Friday 3rd March at Parkstone Trades & Labour Club, raising a massive £2,517 for local mental health charity Dorset Mind.
The evening was a brilliant celebration with enthusiastic performances from everyone involved – including the crowd! It followed an extensive online promotion, with incredible contribution from many local businesses including Travis Perkins in Winton and members of the community, who very generously donated their services and prizes for the raffle.
On the night Erasure-ish were supported magnificently with uplifting performances from Relight My Choir and Connor of Mobile DJ Discos. The Choir has links to Dorset Mind, having supported them for several years – but this was their largest performance yet! Not only that, one of their choir members is Dorset Mind’s very own Patron, Dr Andy Mayers.
Erasure-ish has four members, front man and vocalist Jimmy Geddes, vocals and brothers Mark and Paul Thomas, and last but not least keyboard player Craig Newey.
This is the fifth fundraiser the band has organised since starting in October 2021. What started off as ‘a bit of a laugh’ has now raised over £17,500 in total for charities – with another 3 charity events booked for later this year!
Mark Thomas, founder of Erasure-ish says, “This was the best gig yet – thank you to everyone that came and supported us! A special thank you to Tom Clarke at Travis Perkins Winton and Parkstone Trades & Labour Club who went over and above supporting us. I must also thank Gaz, and Nikki Davies-Thomas for her incredible support behind the scenes. It was an absolute privilege raising money for Dorset Mind, and the band are thankful we've raised a substantial amount that can support the amazing work the charity does.”
Gem Rose, Relight My Choir Leader and Performer said, “Our members were so honoured to be part of such a great event for Dorset Mind, who we’re supported for a few years now. We know first-hand the mental health benefits of singing, and class ourselves as part singing group / part support group, so it’s a cause very dear to our hearts. I was incredibly proud of our performance on the night – everyone had a great time, big smiles all round!”
Dr Andy Mayers, Dorset Mind Patron and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University adds, "I am so grateful to Erasure-ish for raising so much money for us. This is going help so many people across Dorset. I am also indebted to Parkstone Trades & Labour Club for hosting the event and my friends at Relight my Choir for supporting the lads.”
Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset Mind CEO says, "What a brilliant night this was – we are delighted to see the local community and businesses come together to have a great time – whilst also supporting a great cause! We know that now, more than ever, money is tight for people and we’re hugely grateful to everyone that supported the event and donated. It’s truly amazing what can be achieved together in difficult times.
For Dorset Mind, donations from our community are essential – they enable us to continue supporting local people by providing mental health services, education and training across Dorset. As an example, the amount raised could provide six months vital support for 15 women, providing a safe, confidential environment for women to access women-only peer support. Thank you Erasure-ish!”
To find out more about the upcoming gigs Erasure-ish have planned, follow this link to their Facebook page.
To find out more about the support, education and training Dorset Mind offers, visit their website: Dorset Mind's website.