MORE than £700 was raised at a charity event in the Vale, hosted by TV personality and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen.
At an evening reception at the Wood Norton Hotel, Dame Esther talked about her varied career covering the popular TV show ‘That’s Life’, to founding the children’s charity, Childline.
She then explained the current work she was doing with her latest charity, the Silverline, a free telephone helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.
The hotel was especially appropriate as Dame Esther informed Jeremy Wrigley, the proprietor of the hotel, that her father worked at the venue during the Second World War when working for the BBC who then owned it.
Dame Esther was invited by Nigel Huddleston, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Mid Worcestershire, after the two became friends when they both stood as candidates in the 2010 general election.
She told the audience that she was a typical floating voter but was fascinated by politics and very much enjoyed her experience fighting the election, and reminisced about the fun she and Mr Huddleston had at hustings events.
Mr Huddleston said: “It was great to catch up with Esther, she entertained everyone at the event with her hilarious anecdotes and then pulled at our heartstrings telling us about her charity work.
“The energy and enthusiasm she is putting into the Silverline is incredible, and many people stopped us in the streets as
Esther was charming and gracious as always, having her photo taken and chatting with people of all ages.”
For more information on the Silverline visit www.thesilverline.org.uk or contact 0800 4 70 80 90.
Dame Esther Rantzen and Nigel Huddleston in Broadway. (s)
