Karl Hart, from Men Only, shares this latest news about the recent fundraiser, which saw Cllr Michael Lilley’s transformation into the legendary, Danny La Rue. Ed
Last Monday evening (5th December), the Monkton Arts Lounge was turned into a packed music hall for a one-night-only ‘Good Old Days’ evening to raise funds for Ryde’s third sector group, Men Only IOW.
The packed house was entertained with fabulous renditions of ‘Down at the Old Bull and Bush’ and a whole lineup of incredible acts, including a special guest appearance by Soprano, Jackie Maw.
Hosted by Jon Thorne
Mr Jim Thorn was delivering musical accompaniment. The evening was hosted by Jon Thorne, whose elaborate, sesquipedalian introductions of the performers were reminiscent of the late, great Leonard Sachs.
The last act was Ryde’s mayor, Cllr Michael Lilley‘s transformation into the legendary female impersonator, Danny La Rue.
Michael pledged to perform the late Mr La Rue’s hits, ‘On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep and ‘I Am What I Am if £500 was raised before he went on stage.
Lilley: I thank Men Only for the work they do
Once again, the generosity and kindness of Ryde’s community ensured this was met and exceeded. In the runup to the event, Cllr Lilley said,
“I have supported Men Only from the beginning as men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women and four times less likely to talk about it. Male suicides are the highest number of suicides in the UK and on the Isle of Wight, with Ryde being the highest (as the most populated Town on the Island) area of suicides and suicide attempts.
“I have not put on a dress before, well at least not in public, and only doing this to raise awareness as IW council champion for mental health and as Mayor of Ryde. Please support me and donate. I thank Men Only for the work they do.
“So, my costume, wig, shoes, corset, and make-up are booked; I have rehearsed my songs ‘I am what I am’ and ‘Mother Kelly’s doorstep’, learnt a few gags, and although very nervous, I am ready to go and shake a leg! Although, I will not go on off if the minimum of £500 is not raised!”
How the £700 will be used
Needless to say, the £500 target was exceeded, with a grand total of £703.42 raised.
The money is being used in part to fund and support Men Only’s drop-in facility based in the Ryde Depository and will be used to ensure they can keep the building warm, especially for their Christmas Day Drop in.
Peer-led initiative
Men Only is a peer-led initiative to support men and raise awareness of men’s mental health issues, and they are based in Ryde. Men only have a mission to support men, whether they need some advice or just the space to talk.
We intend to create a peer group to help men prevent mental health problems proactively rather than reactively and having a safe space for men to talk openly, seek advice or offer support is essential to the community of Ryde.
Men Only would like to give thanks to Dawn and Jenna at Monkton Arts for working exceptionally hard to organise and host the evening.
