Hahahaleluja

Together with FCN we held a funtastic fundraising night with Arthur Smith & his Smithereens doing their own unique take on Leonard Cohen.

Arthur (AKA the 2nd best Leonard Cohen tribute in Balham) lives locally in Balham and was delighted to support FACE and FCN (Furzedown Community Network) with this show. His reflections on dementia, enthusiasm, comedy and death were marinated in Cohen’s music in a performance that was personal and poignant, yet packed with big laughs.

Smith’s rendition of the songs was hugely enhanced by his beautiful backing trio, The Smithereens: Kirsty Newton, Carrie Marx and Ali Day, plus a very energetic bit of dancing.

It was a great venue at Chestnut Grove Academy and the tickets were sold out well in advance, the bar was very busy and there was also a raffle to win great prizes which were drawn at the end of the evening.

• a ‘Taste of Tooting’ Hamper with Graveney Gin, Chateau Tooting, Tooting honey and preserves plus other Tootastic treats

• a hand-made Furzedown window box planted with Spring flowers

• Cheese and wine

• Arthur Smith’s signed autobiography – My name is Daphne Fairfax

The money raised will help FCN keep this year’s Big Day Out event FREE and FACE will be helping local charities including opening a chill-out room for young people with cancer in St George’s Hospital early this year.

Thanks to everyone who came – looking forward to the next event!