Party goes on in soapbox village (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Party goes on in soapbox village

3:00pm Friday 13th April 2012 in Devizes

The organisers of the popular soapbox derby in Great Cheverell are upping their game by organising two other major events this year for charity.

The soapbox derby, which is held every two years, returns on August 26 and will be raising money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Dorothy House Hospice.

The wacky event involves teams in home-made carts racing around the village followed by a barbecue, live music and hog roast at The Bell pub.

The committee held Party at the Pavilion last year in the absence of the soapbox derby. This featured ten bands and due to popular demand it is to be held this year on June 30.

It will feature seven live bands who will play outside, a bar and food and will raise money for the same charities as the soapbox derby. Entry is free.

Pete Andrew, a member of the organising committee, said: “The Party at the Pavilion last year was a fantastic day and a family event. We raised over £4,000 for breast cancer.

“We have decided to hold it again because we were inundated with requests from villagers. We decided to hold it on a different day to the soapbox derby though.”

The final event of the year is a Movember Ball, raising money for men’s cancers, on November 3 at Dauntsey’s School memorial hall.

This will feature two live bands, Soul Solution, who play R&B, funk and pop classics, and Elvis tribute artist Garry J Foley, who played at Party at the Pavilion last year. The host will be Jed Stone, a comedian who has been on television.

Mr Andrew said: “People said we ought to do a soapbox derby ball but we knew our facilities in Great Cheverell were too small.

“One of the committee contacted Dauntsey’s School and they have donated the hall free of charge which is fantastic.

“We have sold 30 tables so far but we would like to get up to 500 tables. It should be a great night and there will also be a raffle and auction.”

Tickets for the ball are £30 per person and are available by calling Mr Andrew on (01380) 812439 or 07787 535020.