Summer Soulstice 3
We lost our dear friend Andy Weekes, aged 43, to cancer in March 2006 and wanted to do something worthwhile to remember him...
"Why don’t we have a big party, good soul music, plenty of beer and get Andy’s friends and family together".
"How many people, where? About a couple of hundred – we could do it in our garden.”
"Perhaps a bigger venue for that many” I spluttered, thinking how many toilets would be needed. Little did we know what we started.
As well as having a great time we chose to raise funds for Cherry Lodge for all three events. First year raised £5,000, with Soulstice 2 raising £7,500.
We rely on huge numbers of people putting in enormous effort and many hours. Friends and family of Andy are the mainstays – the events rather take over our lives but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
These Soulstices are suitable for the whole family: many DJs play on the main stage, in the club house and this year, in a jazz tent. "Beggar and Co." played fantastic soul for one hour and 45 minutes! Only a quick shower this year and watching the sunset in front of the stage remains an abiding memory.
Thank you to everyone who helped and supported us, including our main sponsors Graham hill at JJ roofing Supplies and Justin Woodhouse at Concrete 2000.
To date Summer Soulstice 3 has raised an amazing £12,000. not bad for a small gathering in a field! What is great is that we know Andy would have loved his family and friends to get together to remember him in such an appropriate manner: he would definitely have been the first one in and the last one out!
Summer Soulstice 4 will take place on Saturday 19th June 2010 so put this date in your diary. We would love you to join us with your friends and family (children under 5 get in for free). Visit our website for more details.
Maggie Pratt on behalf of "The Crew"
