Music teacher in Cornwall Clive King hosts Helston Christmas concert

Clive King is director of music at Helston Community College and also runs Helston Jazz Orchestra.

Together with close friend Tony Richards, owner of Pendle Funeral Services in town, they have jointly set up a new band called The Fast Track Big Band, which will now launch at a Christmas dance party held at the Old Cattle Mark next month.

The band – featuring their initials 'TR and CK' in the word Track – plays a range of swing music and big band tunes, as well as hits from the likes of Michael Bublé and Stevie Wonder, and includes a number of well known local musicians along with some of Clive's colleagues and also students, past and present.

Their first concert will now be on Saturday, December 18, in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care, as a charity that Tony regularly deals with through his work.

Clive added: "Because I was so fortunate beating it, I wanted to do something for those less fortunate."

They will also be inviting staff from the Headland Unit, at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, which treated Clive, to come to the event for free.

Details of the Christmas concert

Clive said: "Unfortunately in January I got diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, stage four. I've got through it; six months of treatment and I'm clear.

"This is a new band we put together, Tony and myself. Our first concert was cancelled due to Covid and we decided we would get a concert together and fundraise.

"Last Christmas was awful and we though why not put on a really nice dance party, for people to come and have a dance and do it for a good cause."

The concert begins at 7.30pm on December 18, and will feature special guests singers Megan Real and Jack Curnow.

There will be a licensed bar and raffle, with guests asked to "dress to impress" for Christmas.

Tickets cost £20, to include a pasty supper, and must be booked in advance, by calling Pendle Funeral Services on 01326 573080 or Christophers Estate Agents on 01326 565566.

A Covid Pass will be required.