Three men in boat are fools for charity

Bishop Laurie is one of the patrons of Annie Mawson's Sunbeams Music Trust and that sparked a bright idea for an away day with a difference.

He was happy to make a fool of himself but needed help to do it; so along with two other champions of the Trust, he set sail on the choppywaves of Lake Windermere – even though he can hardly swim.

Bishop Laurie says: “Many will know Annie and her Celtic harp from her singing in Bradwell chapel and in our cathedral at special events.

“But did you know that she set up and runs one of the most wonderful music charities in the world? Musical miracles happen almost every day at the Trust, where children and adults too find themselves released from their disabilities by their experience of hearing and making music.”

They called the escapade 'Three Men in a Boat'. A judge, David Lawson, Bishop Laurie and a 'pirate', Michael Lawson-Johnson to sail on Windermere for 24 hours.

All bottles of rum were removed from the vessel to the dismay of the crew! But they lived to tell the tale.

Bishop Laurie expressed his thanks to all those individuals and parishes who sent donations to make it all worthwhile.

Donations can still be made to the Sunbeams charity - just send your donation to Bishop Laurie at Bishop's House, Orsett Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, SS17 8NS. Find out more about the Sunbeams on www.sunbeamsmusic.org/index.htm.

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