(Wednesday, 10 July 2024)
Funds raised for a now defunct Marlborough music competition will now go to ensure Marlburians can continue providing quality end-of-life care.
The Blenheim Country Music Club has strummed its last tune as a formal club after more than 50 years, which meant they needed a suitable home for the $15,075.28 in the club accounts. Originally raised for the 28th Gourmet Paradise Country Music Awards in 2019, it was decided the event would be it’s last.
President Sandy Dobbs and Vice President Lynette Mason were pleased the Club could benefit an organisation that all Marlburians can connect with and benefit from.
“We realised we couldn’t do the Gourmet Paradise Awards anymore as it stood in 2019, and we just haven’t been able to revive it”, said Sandy.
“So, we decided our funds needed to go to a local, worthwhile and Blenheim based cause just as we did with our instruments and trailer for the Marlborough Youth Trust”.
“Why not the Hospice?” said Lynette.
“These funds were raised by a Blenheim based club for a Blenheim event, so we insisted that our donation needed to go somewhere it would be used in Blenheim with a bank account here”.
Hospice Marlborough staff were “hugely grateful” for the generous donation, as Hospice is reliant on donations, bequeaths and fundraising events.
“Going forward we’re aiming to have more of our services in home”, says CEO Carole Crawford which obviously has extra costs involved but it means we can continue giving dignity and compassion to people at the end of their lives where they feel comfortable”.
“We think that our service “without charge” is really key”, says Events & Engagement Lead Leigh Somerville.
“Without generous donations like this one from the Country Music Club since opening 21 years ago, we couldn’t provide the highly skilled, dedicated and community orientated care we strive to provide daily”.
And while all involved are sad to see the club closing, the members are planning fortnightly or monthly open Sunday country afternoons at the Redwood Tavern.
“The club became too much for us to go through everything the Charities Commission requires, but it’s been a fantastic club with fantastic memories made”, says Sandy.
“Like many clubs the next generation wants to do other things but we’re keeping the music going however we can though – so stay tuned!”
Photo (L/R): Sara Mitchell, Sandy Dobbs, Carole Crawford, Lynette Mason and Leigh Somerville outside Hospice Marlborough.
Photo: William Woodworth
**This news article was first published in the Marlborough Weekly on Wednesday 10 July 2024, written by TSM journalist William Woodworth, and has been shared with permission.