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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Charity group seeks donations for insurance

 

The Bells entertainment group is seeking donations to help cover its public liability insurance premium.

The Bells is a group of 13 volunteers who visit nursing homes, retirement villages and hostels most Wednesdays, performing more than 40 variety concerts a year.

In eight years, the group's public liability insurance premium has risen from $280 to $1000.

Group members said they were reluctant to ask for money.

"The group has donated services willingly, never seeking payment at any time," said Joy Coleman.

She said the group was "rewarded by the fact that we were giving a little bit back to the community, especially those a little less fortunate than ourselves".

Although the group had decided not to charge for its concerts, it was now in a position of having to seek donations to cover insurance costs.

"Although we will never ask payment for our concerts, any help tendered towards our public liability insurance will be accepted with gratitude," Joy said.

The Bells was established in 1980 by Mary Hickson, Margorie McKenzie, and piano player Dorothy Harvey.

Dorothy, who now resides at Woy Woy Community Aged Care hostel, turned 100 years old on September 16 after playing in the group for 20 years.

"It is quite a big commitment being one of the Bells, because as well as Wednesdays and an occasional Monday and Thursday, we practice at the CWA hall every Tuesday," Joy said.

Letter, October 8