A dedicated local musician and hospital governor is staging a special farewell concert to generate crucial funds for a vital hospital charity, marking his final contribution after years of service.
A Final Act of Service
Kevin Stewart, a resident of Ravenshead, has combined his two great passions for his final charitable endeavour. For two decades, he has played the trombone with The Ravenshead Swing Band. Alongside this, he has devoted nine years as a governor at the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, preceded by six years of volunteering.
"I have now done three terms as a Trust governor, the first one being in 2014, and unfortunately my term will officially end this February," Kevin explained. "I really wanted to have one last ‘hurrah’ before I leave and raise some much-needed funds for the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust Charity, which supports Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust."
An Evening of Swing and Song
The ‘Swing and Sing’ charity concert is set for 8pm on Friday, February 27th. It will be held at the newly opened Cornerstone Theatre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, promising a night of vibrant live ‘Big Band’ music.
The event will showcase performances from both The Ravenshead Swing Band and the Mansfield Male Voice Choir. In a remarkable show of community spirit, both groups have generously donated their time free of charge to support the cause.
Tickets are priced at £13.50 each. All proceeds from the evening will be donated directly to the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity, ensuring maximum benefit for the hospital trust.
Community Collaboration
The success of the event hinges on significant goodwill from local organisations. Kevin expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am delighted that the Mansfield Male Voice Choir and Ravenshead Swing Band have agreed to donate their time free of charge, and that the Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) college have gifted us use of their Cornerstone theatre for the night. It is thanks to their kindness that this event can happen."
Liz Barrett, Principal of ATTFE college and Lead Governor at the hospital trust, provided the theatre free-of-charge. She emphasised the importance of such community-driven initiatives.
"As Lead Governor at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, I know how important it is to raise awareness of the hospital charity, who provide those essential extra services which go above and beyond what the NHS can provide," Liz commented. "I was delighted to offer up our theatre for this event, and I hope to see many members of the local community come together to raise money for this wonderful cause."
Supporting the Hospitals
The Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity exists to enhance the work of the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This trust operates King’s Mill, Newark, and Mansfield Community hospitals. The charity funds projects that improve the lives of patients, visitors, and staff, covering areas beyond standard NHS provision.
Meet the Performers
The Ravenshead Swing Band, formed in 2011, is a traditional ‘Big Band’ ensemble. Its lineup features five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, a full rhythm section, and vocalists. Their repertoire spans swing, jazz, and popular tunes from the 1940s through to the 2000s.
The Mansfield Male Voice Choir boasts a rich history dating back to 1944. They perform a wide and varied selection of music, including popular songs and numbers from musical theatre, ensuring the concert offers something for every musical taste.
This event represents a powerful fusion of community talent, charitable spirit, and local support, creating a meaningful send-off for a committed public servant while benefiting a crucial healthcare cause.
