Barnhammusic nightfor new hallpulls crowds

The event on Murrell's Field is being organised by BLADE (Barnham Leisure And Development Enterprise) and promoted by Barnham-based theatre director Joe Harmston.

'The evening went very well and it didn't rain much. In fact the looming clouds gave rise to a magnificent slow sunset,' Joe said.

'The bands were all really terrific with a great range of music from '60s rock standards to modern indie songs and from sax groups to classical guitar.

'There was something for everyone and it was wonderful to see the whole audience, from tiny kids to grandparents dancing around to the energetic music of Barnham-based band CoverNote.

'All the bands, The SADs, the Sax Band, Keith Baxter, The Lost Boys, Chancer and Charlotte Howard, gave their services free of charge to help the fundraising for the community hall and all have asked to be part of next year's event.

'The atmosphere was really splendid and this is exactly the sort of event which we want to see more and more of.

'The Murrell's Field site is an ideal spot for big occasions for the people of Barnham and the adjacent communities.

'The turn-out to the event was good but it would have been great to see even more people there.

'I'm sure everyone who was there went away enthusiastic and will be back with a bevy of friends next time.

'The biggest challenge we have is making sure that people are aware of what is going on.'

Barnham has a dilapidated corrugated iron village hall which is desperately in need of replacement, Joe explained.

'Over the years, people have successfully raised a fair bit towards a new building, and recently rather splendid plans for a really well-designed hall have been drawn up.

'They are now in a push to raise the rest of the money to start building in 2012. I've offered my services to help them organise some of their fundraising events. The budget for the hall is 1.5m. By various means and by a deal that they are going to do with the developer, they have already got more than 600,000, which is pretty impressive.'