A MUSICAL duo rocked Amblecote’s British Legion on as part of a recent fundraising event for Action Heart and Gallagher O’Connor Irish Dance Academy.

Jon Allen & Fleur were joined by youngsters from the dance academy at the event on Saturday, September 3, which raised £200 for the two local organisations.

Dolores Thompson, a member of Action Heart and organiser of the event, reported on the exciting event.

The British Legion Amblecote was rocked by the duettists Jon Allen & Fleur.

Their guests were the Gallagher O’Connor Irish Dance Academy under the directorship of Sue Hollick A raffle with seven superb prizes raised funds for both Action Heart Russells Hall and the Irish Dance Academy.

Jon opened the show with an upbeat version of Born Free, from the very first note we knew that Jon Allen is back!!!

Fleur charmed us with a soft and tender take of Make You Feel My Love, then a full on up front and personal rendition of the massive hit by Ike and Tina Turner River Deep Mountain High, together with Jon they pulled out all the stops.

The Boy from Nowhere gave Jon the chance to show every light and shade of his own fabulous interpretation of this Tom Jones classic, holding the audience captive he took them through every emotion that the words delivered.

This was Jon Allen at his best, breath-taking and heart stopping.

Jon gave it his all – accepted willingly by the very appreciative audience.

They were very ably assisted by a very experienced sounds specialist, as well-known local DJ, who made the sound system respond to every control movement, giving the singer full support.

The appearance of the Irish Dance Academy enchanted everyone – the junior members of this troop giving a delightful performance of Irish Dance, receiving very enthusiastic applause from the audience.

1,000 raffle tickets were sold during the evening, winners receiving a selection of prizes – which surprised the audience.

The first prize – a three course meal for four people and wine – was very generously donated by The Whittington Manor, to the management a very sincere thank you from Jon and Fleur and all concerned with the planning of the raffle.

Sainsbury’s Amblecote gave a £25 voucher to be redeemed at their store, very grateful thanks to Julie Bate, the store’s PR ambassador.

Websters in Wollaston, courtesy of ‘Marion’ donated a £25 voucher to be exchanged for pants, flowers or veg. Thank you so much Marion for your kindness.

The Butchery Kinver gave a prize of Christmas turkey breast. Hopefully the winner will be reminded of an enjoyable evening in December.

Dan Hartland in the name of his five-month-old twin girls Gracie and Willow, who were there on September 3, donated a good bottle of champagne. Dan is the grandson of Bryan Hartland of The Butchers Kinver and together with mum Sarah they receive our very grateful thanks for both donated prizes.

Nickolls and Perks gave a good Bordeaux, thank you Callum for your courtesy and kindness on behalf of your company.

Grants Whiskey and Thorntons Continental Chocs, another reminder of the approaching season, was donated by The Thompsons – thank you to all concerned.

The proce3eds of the raffle was shared equally between Action Heart Russells Hall and the Academy of Irish Dance.

Jon and Fleur wish to thanks Sue Hollick for her efforts and time bringing her dancers along to entertain us all.

Thank you so much for the pleasure given.

Jon and Fleur continued to keep the audience at the pitch of how do you follow that? They followed and they delivered.

Jon had not performed American Trilogy for some time, but from the opening guitar noted, you knew it was going to be something extraordinary – the feeling and emotion it was all there – the audience were on their feet either dancing or clapping to the beat of the music.

Jon held them all – then that power house of sound as Jon gave us that final note – absolutely sensational!!!

Calls for more gave us Burning Love – Jon closed the show with It’s Not Unusual with a promise to do it all again soon.

Welcome back Jon Allen and Fleur – your just say when and we will all be there.