Arundel traders’ musical drums-up top sum for hospice

Some of the cast handing over a cheque to the hospice

Traders based at Arundel’s Nineveh House Antiques Centre, in Tarrant Street, have raised their biggest charity haul to date for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice – a total of £1,480.

The charitable windfall was handed over to the Poling-based charity on Saturday (January 10) and was the result of the traders’ latest Christmas show, Songs from the Shows.

The production was staged at Climping Village Hall, over the festive period, and featured songs from the top musicals since the 1950s.

It was organised by Trevor Wyatt and featured a total of 12 tradespeople from across Arundel taking part, either on stage or assisting behind the scenes, with rehearsals taking place for four months before the curtains raised.

Speaking to the Gazette about the show’s success, 62-year-old Trevor said: “It went fabulously well. The audience just loved it.

“It’s the biggest single event we have ever held and it was very successful.”

Over the past three years, traders at Nineveh House have raised about £4,000 for Chestnut Tree House.

Trevor, who grew up performing at the King’s Theatre, in Southsea, said plans are now in the works for next year’s show, Jack and the Beanstalk. Trevor wished to thank Mark Dallyn, owner of Nineveh House, who paid for the production’s costs.