Song tribute for charity
By Jo Deeks on Wednesday, 29th November 2000.
SINGER Maria Daines has recorded a CD to be sold in aid of the Best Mates Trust, a charity set up in memory of two young men who died in a road accident.
The song is especially poignant for the Horseheath songstress because one of the victims was her cousin Steven Bowers. She grew up living next door to him.
Steven, of Burton End, Haverhill, was 21 when he died in the crash three years ago at Sturmer with his friend Ben Rowlands, 19, from Westward Deals, Kedington.
Steven's mother Marilyn Bowers and Ben's mother Penny Rowlands, set up the Best Mates Trust in memory of their sons.
So far, Marilyn and Penny have raised around £6,500 and are now awaiting applications from people aged 25 years or under in the area who need help because of bereavement, illness, disability or poverty.
Maria and songwriting partner Paul Killington will donate all the proceeds from the song Where Are You? to the trust.
Initially, 500 copies have been produced but there will be more if there is the demand. The CD will be on sale shortly at Sainsbury's and Henderson's newsagents, as well as at Horseheath Post Office, priced £5 a copy.
Maria said she hoped the CD would sell well and that it would help publicise the work of the trust.
"We wanted to do something but we are always gigging when they organise events for the trust. This was something we could do and hopefully it will make them some money.
"It was a very emotional song to write and the families loved it, which really pleased us. It is really about all the floral tributes you see, especially on the A1307, and the fact that they are all for somebody's loved ones.
Mrs Bowers said they were very grateful to Maria and hoped to raise at least £2,000 for the trust. Their fundraising at Castle Camps had come to a halt because the old village hall had been knocked down to be replaced.
She said: "We hope to sell quite a few. A lot of people will buy it just because it is her singing. It does not actually name Steven and Ben, so anyone who has lost someone can relate to it.
Anyone interested in the trust should ring (01440) 705510.
The song is especially poignant for the Horseheath songstress because one of the victims was her cousin Steven Bowers. She grew up living next door to him.
Steven, of Burton End, Haverhill, was 21 when he died in the crash three years ago at Sturmer with his friend Ben Rowlands, 19, from Westward Deals, Kedington.
Steven's mother Marilyn Bowers and Ben's mother Penny Rowlands, set up the Best Mates Trust in memory of their sons.
So far, Marilyn and Penny have raised around £6,500 and are now awaiting applications from people aged 25 years or under in the area who need help because of bereavement, illness, disability or poverty.
Maria and songwriting partner Paul Killington will donate all the proceeds from the song Where Are You? to the trust.
Initially, 500 copies have been produced but there will be more if there is the demand. The CD will be on sale shortly at Sainsbury's and Henderson's newsagents, as well as at Horseheath Post Office, priced £5 a copy.
Maria said she hoped the CD would sell well and that it would help publicise the work of the trust.
"We wanted to do something but we are always gigging when they organise events for the trust. This was something we could do and hopefully it will make them some money.
"It was a very emotional song to write and the families loved it, which really pleased us. It is really about all the floral tributes you see, especially on the A1307, and the fact that they are all for somebody's loved ones.
Mrs Bowers said they were very grateful to Maria and hoped to raise at least £2,000 for the trust. Their fundraising at Castle Camps had come to a halt because the old village hall had been knocked down to be replaced.
She said: "We hope to sell quite a few. A lot of people will buy it just because it is her singing. It does not actually name Steven and Ben, so anyone who has lost someone can relate to it.
Anyone interested in the trust should ring (01440) 705510.
Comment on this story
[board listing] [login] [register]
You must be logged in to post messages. (login now)