Blog

The idea for the Henley Living Advent was born after a trip to Sweden, and 6 years later Henley had Sweden to thank again for it’s newest venue to the Living Advent Schedule, Handelsbanken.

The offices in the corner of Greys Road car park enabled a traditional advent performance, with the opening of the a first floor window revealing the surprise act inside to the large audience who had assembled below. After some introductions from Richard Rodway, the night’s surprise act was revealed. “Our first performer’s twitter bio describes her as a vocalist, songwriter, musician, author, ex radio presenter, yodeller, voiceover artist & general nutter. Sounds very Living Advent to me” said Mr Rodway, before introducing Lynne Butler and her son George Campbell.

Brandishing their trusty ukuleles, kazoo, and a Peruvian instrument, the pair entertained the audience with some reworkings of Steve Harley’s “Make Me Smile” as well as some festive classics, and treating the audience to some German yodelling.

The truly international theme to festivities was rounded off by the fabulous authentic Mexcian cuisine provided by partners for the night, and Handelsbanken’s neighbours, Pachangas.

Councillor Dave Eggleton again provided some more festive cheer and sense of occasion, in full period Policeman dress, rather apt with the Thames Valley Police station next door.

The audience gave generously to the night’s charity, Camp Mohawk, and fittingly given the feel and spirit of the event, prizes included tickets to the Kenton’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, which opens next week.

Next stop for the Living Advent takes us indoors to the Town Hall, where Kench & Co will be partnering and where fundraising will be for Parkinsons UK Henley.