QUEEN Elizabeth’s School Jazz Band joined forces with Exeter College’s Jazz Project and Big Band for a “Youth Jazz Takeover” at Buccaneer’s Bar in Crediton on Thursday, April 27.

The event was part of the Moon Jazz and Blues Club’s monthly programme. 

The audience was treated to an array of musical talent and all of the money raised was donated to two local charities.

The Exeter College bands donated to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust charity and the QE Band donated to Age Concern Crediton. 

Director of the QE Jazz Band, Lucy Welsman said: "Age Concern provides a vital service to many members of our local community and we are happy that we can help to support it in this small way.

“Thank you to Andrew Vaccari and the Moon Jazz and Blues Club for hosting the event and providing Crediton with a fantastic live music scene."

The QE Jazz Band will next be performing at the Family Fun Day in Newcombes Meadow, on Saturday, June 24, so please go along and support them.

Age Concern Crediton is an independent registered charity which has existed since 1994 to serve the needs of the elderly residents of Crediton and the surrounding districts.

Its activities include a day care service at the Lady Mills Centre in Deep Lane, Crediton; a home support service, podiatry, a fitness group, and an art group.

Currently more than 50 guests attend the day care centre each week, (with transport and a good home cooked lunch provided, and activities tailored to their needs and ability); and more than 20 receive home support from either befriending sessions or light domestic tasks (such as cleaning or shopping).

It is funded by subscription, profits from a High Street charity shop in the town, donations and local authority grants.

It also provides advisory and consultancy services. It has a staff of nine paid members, and approximately 40 volunteers (but always needs more as the demands for its service increase).

As a local community resource, Age Concern Crediton relies for its operation on the generosity of volunteers in a wide number of roles and donations in many different guises, and it is hoped that these will continue so that it may thrive and grow.

Alan Quick