Band Keane to help charity fundraiser

NOTHING ventured, nothing gained - and when the Hastings and Rother voluntary group for Diabetes UK was seeking fundraising ideas it decided to aim for the top.
Diabetes UK, Hastings and Rother Voluntary Group promote their fund raising seafront walk and a raffle which will include the signed drumskin from internationally famous local band Keane who wrote a song about the Sovereign Light Cafe. March 25th 2013 E13097PDiabetes UK, Hastings and Rother Voluntary Group promote their fund raising seafront walk and a raffle which will include the signed drumskin from internationally famous local band Keane who wrote a song about the Sovereign Light Cafe. March 25th 2013 E13097P
Diabetes UK, Hastings and Rother Voluntary Group promote their fund raising seafront walk and a raffle which will include the signed drumskin from internationally famous local band Keane who wrote a song about the Sovereign Light Cafe. March 25th 2013 E13097P

Committee member Claire Baldry suggested contacting locally raised supergroup Keane to see if the four-man band might be prepared to back a forthcoming sponsored walk.

With the band committed to helping just a few charities to avoid becoming inundated with requests, it was a bit of a long shot.

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But a delighted Claire said: “We were thrilled not only to get a message of support from Keane, but also a drum-skin signed by each of the boys which they asked us to accept as a raffle prize.”

Hailing from Battle, and having spent many hours of their youth in Bexhill, the band members retain affection for the resort.

Their latest album, Strangeland, features a track about Bexhill’s Sovereign Light Cafe which was highlighted in a video shot by the band last year.

As a result of its sudden international fame, the cafe has become ‘must see’ for many Keane fans, and proprietor Stella Brennan-Wright has since welcomed visitors from as far afield as Brazil.

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Now more are on the way. Having learned that a Diabetes UK sponsored walk is planned in Bexhill on Sunday April 20, the organisers have received word that a diabetic Keane fan plans to travel from The Netherlands to take part.

Claire said: “The response already has been amazing, and so we’re hoping for a really good turnout on the day.”

The walk will begin at the foot of Galley Hill at 2pm and cover a distance of some two kilometres to finish with refreshments at the Sovereign Light Cafe on West Parade.

Claire said: “People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join us, and among intending walkers so far the age spectrum ranges from just four years old through to 80.”

A raffle, to include the famous drum-skin, will take place at the Sovereign Light Cafe.

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