Two days before the Grand Charity Concert took place recently at the Follies Theatre, Folly Farm, The Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club were presented with a major crisis.

Sadly one of the supporting Acts - The Lost Voice Guy, developed a chest infection which potentially would lead to pneumonia so his doctored ordered some bed rest and cancellation of several weeks engagements.

Lee Ridley is an English stand-up comedian. Disabled since early life, and unable to speak, he is the first stand-up comedian in Britain to use a communication aid in his routines. His physical condition unavoidably forced him reluctantly to cancel his appearance at Folly Farm.

This was devasting news for The Grand Charity organiser, Rotarian John Hughes.

He swiftly contacted his fellow members in the Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club but the matter took two days to resolve after frantic telephone calls to various theatrical agents around the country.

Fortunately Swansea-based comedian Bob Webb was able to stand-in for the missing stand-up.

The substitution was announced by John on Facebook. His Club secretary Sue Pridmore and Rotarian John Sleigh rallied around by producing hundreds of copies of an informative flyer which was handed to all theatre-goers so they were aware of the dilemma and the change in circumstances for the charity concert.

Bob is a comedian with many years of experience working top class hotels and night spots both at home and abroad.

He moved to Wales in 1977 from London where his career began, and has emerged as one of the leading comedians in the UK.

Bob’s unique, relaxed comedy style, along with some very funny original material was suitable for the occasion and he had the audience in raptures.

Thankfully the other supporting act, Pembrokeshire local band, The Curveballs, acquitted themselves superbly and provided a great range of 50’s and 60’s boogie Woogie vocals with great musical accompaniment which was a great build up for the headline act of the night, The Brotherhood of Man.

The four person line up of the original stars was fronted by Nicky Stevens the Carmarthenshire-born singer. She informed the audience that they had been playing together since 1970.

Their rendition of their musical hits culminating in the Eurovision winner ‘Save all your Kisses for me’ in the grand finale was a tribute to their professional expertise and longevity.

During the evening Mr Phil Thomson OBE compered the show and Rotary President Tony Ensom gave a speech outlining Lee Ridley’s understandable cancellation.

He announced that Lee had sent his apologies and Tony confirmed that all of the Rotary members wish him a speedy recovery. He was sure the audience would do the same. The president also praised the considerable efforts of John Hughes to make sure that the audience were still treated to an excellent show.

Tony also introduced Ana-Marie Jones from Cancer research Wales to take to the stage. Anna explained that as just one example, Cancer Research Wales continues to support the development, at Swansea University, of a blood test for the early detection of bowel cancer.

The charity receives no government funding and so relies on the generosity of supporters to enable the continued funding of quality cancer research across the nation. She thanked the Rotary club and the audience for being willing to support the charity.

Representatives from the charity will be attending the Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club’s 53rd Charter Anniversary Dinner to be held at The Plas in Narberth on April 17.

At that time a cheque will be presented to further the good work of Cancer Research Wales.

Pics. Powerpix Photography