10th January 2007
A close shave as St Albans Symphony Orchestra members, including conductor James Ross (left), threaten Simon Healy’s beard with the chop. Simon insists it must stay until he can raise at least £1,000 for local hospice charities.
Simon Healy’s beard is agreed to be by far the most luxuriant and impressive example among members of the St Albans Symphony Orchestra. But the principal viola player and former chair of the orchestra has made a New Year resolution to abandon almost ten years of careful cultivation to raise money for Grove House Hospice in St Albans and Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice, near Luton. “I’m extremely fond if my beard, so I am not prepared to part with it unless I receive at least £1,000 in sponsorship,” said 41-year old Simon. “Provided the pledges roll in, I shall shave it off in public at one of the orchestra’s rehearsals. Moreover, if anyone would like to take pair of scissors to it in person, the price I shall be charging is an extra £5 donation per snip.” Simon, who works as a senior researcher for the History of Parliament Trust, anticipates it will take him around nine months to restore his facial hair to its former glory once it has been removed. He said: “Several people have already told me that I ought to grow it back again and I am entirely happy to accept sponsorship to do that, too. However, my mother has been begging me for the past ten years to get rid of the beard, so we could get into a bidding war!”
Would-be sponsors can pledge donations by contacting Simon Healy on 01727 852768 or e-mailing him at: vealy65@hotmail.com.
Read other News articles:
20th January 2008 – St. Albans Symphony Orchestra raises more than £1000 for charity
20th December 2007 – For Auld Langs Syne – St Albans Symphony Orchestra plan a New Years day Scots celebration 14th October
2007 – St Albans Symphony Orchestra starts its new season with Sax appeal!
23rd June 2007 – Tea at Three! – St Albans Symphony Orchestra raises money for The Pasque Charity
22nd June 2007 – St. Albans St Albans New Music Day 2007 renews the search for ëundiscovered’ composers
28th May 2007 – St. Albans Symphony Orchestra Celebrates its 75th Anniversary
1st March 2007 – spring concert promises virtuosity, drama and passion
28th January 2007 – St Albans Symphony Orchestra raises more than £1,000 for charity