Charity show raises hundreds for Christie's cancer fund

Photo: Jan Harwood

Lisa Jules of Jules and Journeaux

3 More Image(s) In Gallery

Rochdale entertainer Rod Barry raised £332 on his first step to raising thousands of pounds for Christie's new radiotherapy centre at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Rod was joined on stage by Bolton/Rochdale duo Jules and Journeaux and female vocalist Riocca, in front of an appreciative audience at Newton National Club in Castleton.

Riocca warmed the crowd up by blasting out some entertaining numbers before Jules and Journeaux, unquestionably the evening's highlight, took to the stage to perform their range of cover songs and some of guitarist Journeaux's own numbers.

The two-piece utilised Jules' wonderful voice to the full; from the troubled tones of Amy Winehouse to more intimate tunes, such as Fleetwood Mac's Songbird, which was dedicated to Journeaux's younger brother, who has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Ably supported by Journeaux's guitar, and with plenty of crowd involvement, Jules was soon into her stride, tackling Journeaux's own compositions such as 'Tears Began To Bleed' and 'Still You Let Me In', before rounding off with the Zuton's 'Valerie', which was blasted out with aplomb.

The audience were generous with their applause for the duo and generous with their money as they dug-deep for the raffle, helping to boost Christie's coffers, with Rochdale's largest teddy on offer alongside numerous other prizes.

Rod Barry then took proceedings late into the night with his 'advert and TV theme' set, which kept everybody guessing, before some classic hits brought the evening to a close.

Rod said after the event: "Everyone that came said they had a superb evening and they were very generous to give as much as they did. We've set a benchmark to beat now with the other shows, starting with the Take That & Robbie reunion show on Thursday 9 July."

The show, featuring Totally Take That and Danny Lowry as Robbie, is at the Ocean Treasure Restaurant in Middleton. Guests can see the Take That One show and enjoy a full Chinese banquet for £22 a head.

Bookings can be made through the restaurant on 0161 653 6688.