Freebies 'wonderful'

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday July 2, 2008

Last week I was delighted to gain much pleasure from two freebies.

The first being the Illawarra Mercury's CD featuring 100 wonderful photos with the magnificent music composition of John Spence's Overture, being played by our own Wollongong Symphony Orchestra. Thank you Illawarra Mercury.

Then on Sunday, a concert in the Wollongong Town Hall, before it is closed for renovations, listening to the sounds on the fabulous Ronald Sharp pipe organ being played by Sydney City Organist, Robert Ampt, and also Lorraine Jones. There were supporting performances by the Illawarra Choral Society and the wonderful soprano voice of Karen Cummings, accompanied by David Vance.

If you have not yet enjoyed the thrilling sound of the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra you have the opportunity to hear its magic on Saturday, July 5 at Anita's Theatre at Thirroul.

Come and enjoy the talents of our own young performers. You won't be disappointed.

It would be wonderful if, first and foremost, Wollongong was recognised as a centre of excellence in the arts.

With such a weekend as we have enjoyed, we are on the way. Let's make it happen by showing our support and appreciation.

Margaret Wolfe, Thirroul.

Music to our ears

What a triumph! I went to the concert held in our Wollongong Town Hall and what an experience.

The hall was full to capacity and I had the privilege to be seated near the builder. This was a real testimony of the people winning against all odds.

Our choral group were in fine voice and the organ was played so well. The program was well supported by other generous artists and this was a real celebration that words do not suffice.

Hopefully we will get more use of the organ once the fire problems are solved and we can look forward to more entertainment of the lighter strain.

Thanks to the administrators, who had the good sense to stop the demolition.

Pamela de Hosson, Kanahooka.

More sensational shots

The Mercury photographers' 100 DVD photos are sensational.

We would like another 100, thanks.

Perhaps the sensational "readers photos".

Marcia Neilson, Corrimal.

Cuppa tea raises funds

On behalf of the Cancer Council NSW, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people of the Illawarra who hosted or participated in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea in May.

I am thrilled to announce that, to date, we have raised almost $365,000 in Southern Regional NSW and are hoping to reach over $4 million statewide.

This amazing result would not have been achieved without the support and participation of members of the Wollongong community.

More than 500 morning tea hosts and over 20,000 participants from across the Illawarra joined over one million Australians in having a cuppa for cancer.

Funds raised will be used to assist The Cancer Council NSW improve the lives of cancer patients through research programs, support and information services, clinical trials, health education campaigns and advocacy programs.

Since Australia's Biggest Morning Tea started 14 years ago, cancer mortality rates have significantly decreased, with more than 60 per cent of all cancer cases in NSW now successfully treated.

Tehla Bower, Community Relations Co-ordinator, The Cancer Council NSW, Southern Region.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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