I got the impression that the Olivers were pressured by Water Aid into doing it again this year, against their own better judgement.

I was certainly very pleased to be part of it last year, both as a ceilidh organiser and band member, and we were proud to have raised over £1000 for Water Aid. However, as Mo points out, the bands effectively donated their fees, and the ceilidhs their profits, and to be honest we thought it was a bit much to be asked to do the same again so soon. Also, we thought turning it into an annual event rather removes the impact of the original idea.

It is possible that at some future date we might put on another charity ceilidh, possibly for Water Aid, possibly for a different cause, but we did not feel able to support it this year.

Howard Jones
Poynton Ceilidhs
www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk

PS the 2009-10 season of Poynton Ceilidhs starts on Saturday 24 October with Albireo and Gordon Potts