Hundreds flock to charity gig at Bognor Regis pub

Hundreds of people went along to The Elizabeth II in The Steyne last weekend to listen to some great bands and help St Wilfrid's Hospice.

The day raised about 1,300 with some more proceeds to come in when unwanted raffle prizes are bought.

Licensee Pete Rapnik said: "Everyone had a fantastic time. The pub was absolutely packed.

"St Wilfrid's looked after my dad in his last days, as they have hundreds of local people, and they are angels in my eyes. They are worth every hour of the time I invested in this." Mr Rapnik's father died at the hospice three years ago from mesothelioma caused by working with asbestos decades ago.

"They are absolutely fantastic people at the hospice," he stated. "When you go there, you don't feel like you are in a hospice.

"It disgusts me how little help they get from the government and it's people like me, and those who supported the gig, who keep them going."

The musical extravaganza featured a range of local musicians.

Solo acoustic artiste Matt Blake played a great set of his original stuff, while the QE2 Allstars were formed exclusively for the event.

The members of Maximum High, The Mulberries and The Jam were put together by Matt Douglas and Dave Moore and played a set which combined old favourites and new songs.

Four-piece covers band Classix with vocalist Stuart Brand played tunes from Billie Idol, Green Day, and Blink 182 to old classics from The Ramones, The Clash, The Buzzcocks, and The Undertones, as well as old rocked-up, punked-up classics.

The musical treats were rounded off in true punk style by superb live band The Sex Pistons.

The gig followed one held by Pete last year which brought in 1,560 for the hospice thanks to a superb 550 donation for an autographed guitar.

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