Music, dance ,and song along 10K route of Thames
Supporters of the Irish Centre in Hammersmith, have been asked to back the fundraising effort on September 24th as the Centre fights a threatened closure next year.
The organisers need at least 500 participants to raise £50 each to raise a total of £25,000, by walking, running, dancing or singing their way around the 10 kilometre route by the Thames, using leading pubs as markers on the way.
A day of ‘ craic’ and camaraderie is promised for all.
The Centre may have to close unless it can raise £1.5 million to buy the freehold before the building is put up for sale by Hammersmith and Fulham Council next March. The organisers say it’s a race against time to save the Centre.
A traditional ceili at The Blue Anchor at 1.30pm will get walkers warmed up before participants wind their way around the river using local hostelries - The Bull’s Head, The Black Lion, The Old Ship, The Dove and Rutland Arms - as route markers.
The Old Ship will be the venue for a half-way gathering of Irish music, song and dance, before the 10k culminates in an evening of traditional Irish entertainment in a celebratory return to The Blue Anchor.
“This is our biggest ever fundraiser and it will kick-start a few months of intense efforts to save the Irish Cultural Centre,” explained the centre’s General Manager Catherina Casey .
" As well as raising much needed money, it will also give us an opportunity to showcase our best musicians, singers and dancers in what will ultimately be a great day out in the capital.”
And while 10k will be a challenge for some, participants are encouraged to pick their own pace.
“People can run, walk, stroll, hop or even moonwalk,” adds Casey, “we’re not looking for future Olympians here! The important thing is to get as many people as possible to take part in London’s first ever 10k session and help us save the Irish Cultural Centre.”
Sponsorship forms are available directly from the Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith on info@irishculturalcentre.co.uk or call 020 8563 8232.
September 15, 2011