THE Healeys – Lord Denis and Lady Edna – will take the stage at Newnham church next Saturday, providing a unique evening's entertainment to help raise funds for the church tower.
The distinguished guests are something of a coup for the fund organisers, and the Healeys will be talking about their lives, reciting poetry and hosting a line-up of talented musical performers.
"The idea for the evening grew from a Radio Four programme I used to enjoy called 'With Great Pleasure'," said Andy Vivian, who is leading the battle to save St Peter's tower from falling down.
"I knew that Edna Healey grew up in the Forest of Dean, but when neighbours told me that Denis had a connection too, being the grandson of a former Newnham stationmaster, it seemed to me they might make a perfect celebrity couple to host the evening.
"I was absolutely flabbergasted when they immediately agreed."
The evening (Saturday, August 26) starts at 7.45pm and tickets at £7.50 can be booked at Cottonwood in Newnham High Street or through the vicarage on 01594 516648.
The evening with the Healeys is part of a Bank Holiday Weekend Summer Festival taking place at Newnham, Blakeney and Awre, all part of the same benefice. There is an art show at Newnham Church (Saturday-Monday, 10.30am-5.30pm and for an hour prior to Saturday's concert).
Blakeney Church is holding a flower festival (Saturday-Monday, 11am-6pm) on the theme "This is our Earth", and there is a lunchtime organ recital by Nigel Singleterry at Awre Church on Bank Holiday Monday at 12.30pm. Tickets at £3.50 include a salmon lunch.
The weekend is rounded off with a "Concert for all" at Blakeney Church at 7pm with a retiring collection.
Vicar of the benefice John Seaman said there would be a warm welcome at all the venues for locals and visitors alike.