The Big Hour keeps getting bigger with 40 events staged
More than £20,000 has been raised for the Guernsey Motor Neurone charity in just a few weeks.
The campaign is the brainchild of local musician Jean Owen, who has asked a host of islanders to give up 60 minutes of their time to help raise funds for Guernsey Motor Neurone.
In total, more than 40 events are being staged, the majority in February.
Mrs Owen said that so far the appeal had now raised £20,000.
‘I decided not to have a target because I thought that everything, anything, we raised would be fantastic,’ she said.
‘I feel privileged to know so many lovely talented people willing to give so much of their time, money and expertise, the Guernsey community has just shown yet again how special it is in the desire to help others.
'I think that actually I will feel a little sad when The Big Hour closes for 2025.’
Coming up is a morning of events next Saturday at KGV with yoga, pilates, fencing and Irish ceili dancing.
‘The yoga is full, but there is still time to sign up for the other events,’ said Mrs Owen.
‘This Friday there’s a jigsaw evening at the Vale Douzaine Room.
‘There are only a couple of tables left – competitive completion of a 500-piece jigsaw.’
As well as the Bel Canto concert, last weekend also saw a dance class with Alix Coubrough-Barnett, a talent show at St Saviour’s Church, and an organ recital at St Peter’s Church, and a forthcoming musical theatre evening hosted by Gadoc and Cheshire Dramatic Arts has sold out.
‘There are spaces on the seaweed foraging walk on 1 March.
'There may also be spaces on the seaweed talk and pressing workshop at The Guernsey Institute on 6 March. This will be a really lovely event.
'In addition to these events, there are many private afternoon teas, breakfasts and dinner parties happening throughout February and into March now.’
Mrs Owen was particularly keen to draw islanders' eyes to the Big Hour auction.
‘We have prizes like an overnight at St Pierre Park, spa treatments, a car service, pictures by Lauren Travers and an incredible painting by Peter Le Vasseur,’ she said.
‘A canape party for 30 people, by talented chef Daniel Green, was snapped up and has raised £1,000, but we have had very few bids on the other items, so please do look on the Big Hour Facebook page.
‘The support for The Big Hour events has been just brilliant. Most events have sold out,’ she said.
‘However, if anyone feels that they would like to hold an event for The Big Hour, there’s still time.’
For more information look on the Big Hour Facebook page or email jean.owen@cwgsy.net.
