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Fundraising Tribute to Live Music Champion Pat Piper
In aid of Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK and Admiral Nurses.
Musicians from across Swindon are planning an evening of live music at the MECA to raise money for Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses and the Alzheimer’s Society, in memory Pat Piper who died in 2021. Pat had Alzheimer’s for many years. Pat, and her husband Chris, are well known across Swindon as the music championing couple who ran the Swiss Chalet and the King’s Arms Hotel. Both venues were loved by musicians as great places to gig.
The fundraiser, which will take place on 18 August at the Meca, is being organised by Chris and daughters Nicola Newell and Samantha Piper. This will be the second time the family and musicians have joined forces to raise money for these charities. Nicola and her sister organised the first gig in 2020, while Pat was still alive, to celebrate their parent’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Nicola says: “Mom was such a fan of live music, so this is a fitting tribute to her memory and a celebration of her life and work. She was at the first fundraiser and enjoyed it greatly, I’m sure she’ll be there this time in spirit. It’s been amazing to have so many people want to be involved and to donate their time and energies so freely to make this happen. It’s going to be a great night.”
The night will include sets from the Ludwig Beatles and friends including: Locomotion, Cartoon Heroes, Concrete Prairie, and The Steve Degutis Allstars.
Lynn of Locomotion, says: “Being invited to pay tribute to Pat who supported so many local musicians across the years is a great honour. It is also a for a cause that is close to my own heart as my mother had dementia. We know and understand the challenges these conditions bring, and how important the work of these charities is in supporting families, and finding a potential cure.”
Alzheimer's Society Community Fundraiser Amy Tattersall welcomed Chris’ decision to help raise money for the charity. She said: “It’s wonderful that Chris and the musicians are giving their time to support Alzheimer’s Society and the other wonderful charities that will benefit. A third of us will develop dementia in our lifetimes, making it the biggest health and social care challenge we face.
“Alzheimer’s Society is a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can turn to them for expert support through practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step. There are over 2,100 people living with dementia in Swindon. But we simply can’t reach everyone without the continued support of our incredible fundraisers like Chris, Nicola and Samantha.”
Rob Beckinsale, of the Cartoon Heroes, says: “Having played in the first fundraiser, we’re delighted to take part again in this year. Pat and Chris’s passion for live music meant that so many local bands could play and enjoy their support. It is an honour to celebrate Pat’s contribution to the local music scene.”
Joe from Concrete Prairie: “As a band we have endured grief and bereavement of loved ones and our music reflects this. As such we’re honoured to be playing this event and raising money for wonderful charities. This is sure to be a great night - for an even greater cause.”
From Admiral Nurses in Swindon: “We represent Dementia UK and Great Western Hospital. Working alongside families, loved ones and carers facing dementia is a privilege and remains at the centre of everything we do. Our work enables us to hold a unique insight into the challenges of caring for an individual with dementia and we endeavour always to advocate for, and support, all those with whom we meet.”
Chris Piper says: “Music meant so much to us and it was such a huge part of why we ran the pubs, being able to put on live music for our customers was just great. So many of the musicians that played at the pubs became our lifelong friends. The support we’ve had from everyone during the time that Pat was ill and in putting on this fundraiser has been humbling. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone on the evening and I know, with the line-up of band we have, it’s going to be a night of fantastic music.”
Tickets are on sale now: £10.00 plus booking fee, full details can be found:
https://www.mecaswindon.co.uk/events-tickets/an-evening-with-the-ludwig-beatles/
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