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Chris’ method is deceptively simple but extremely effective. He regularly organises trips to the Bristol Hippodrome for local theatregoers, including in their fee a small donation to the Red Cross. The more people attend, the more money is raised – and it seems that more people than ever are joining up.
Fundraising theatre
Chris said: “When I first decided to see if people from Somerset would be interested in a coach trip to see an opera at Bristol I had no idea that – five years and 48 coach trips later – I would be taking 120 people to an ice show to celebrate raising £10,000 for the British Red Cross.”
He added: “I’ve found a gap in the market and – with over 400 people on the books – we now go to most of the Hippodrome's operas, ballets and musicals. Organising the trips takes a lot of time and concentration, and it is always a relief when the correct people turn up at the coach pick-up points!”
Theatre buff Chris works tirelessly both to arrange and attend each outing and recently organised four trips to see Mamma Mia: the Musical four times in a single fortnight. He remembered: “I love seeing the shows so I sat through the first three performances – but even I couldn’t face a fourth time!”
Good relationship
Over the years, Chris has understandably built a great relationship with the Hippodrome. He said: “The theatre staff are so helpful and their generous discounts mean our theatregoers usually spend less than they would arranging a trip themselves. Also, many of our regulars would be unable to make the 50 mile drive to Bristol independently, so we give them an enjoyable evening out they otherwise wouldn’t have had.”
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