Jig for good cause

UPWEY came alive to the sounds of Celtic music with hundreds of people doing an Irish jig at a benefit concert for cancer-sticken RSL member, Maitland Swallow, last week.
And although it rained, more than 500 people from the Hills and further afield travelled to wish Mr Swallow well on Sunday, 2 July.
An Upwey-Belgrave RSL member, Mr Swallow is battling cancer and has been too sick to work for more than half this year, and is currently being looked after by family in Wonthaggi.
However, Mr Swallow managed to make an appearance half-way through the benefit concert, as his struggle with cancer wasn’t going to stop him from catching up with his old mates.
A member of the hugely popular Cobbers Bush Band in the 1970s and early 1980s, Mr Swallow has played regular sessions at the RSL over recent years to help the club boost its profile and membership.
Close friend Lou Hesterman said it was amazing to see so many musicians come together for a friend who was suffering with cancer.
“The atmosphere was electric, and the musicians played for nothing. It was a memorable occasion that will be remembered forever,” he said.
Mr Hesterman said a special release CD of Mr Swallow’s recordings was a popular hit with the crowd, selling more than 80 CDs.
He said there are now only a limited amount of CDs which have been signed by Mr Swallow. Phone Jill on 9754 3665.
Mr Hesterman said $12,000 was raised from the benefit with the entry cost, a mini auction and the CD sales all going towards the total amount raised.
He said the money raised from the benefit would aid Mr Swallow in his fight against cancer, and go towards the purchase of a small button accordion.
Mr Hesterman said with the help of many of the Upwey-Belgrave RSL members and volunteers, the benefit was a raving success.
But he said without the support of the community, the benefit wouldn’t have been such a success, and Mr Swallow wouldn’t have had the chance to celebrate his life and music.
Mr Hesterman said the organisers of the benefit would like to thank The Cobbers Bush Band for reforming for the benefit, and local community newspapers, Yarra Valley Sound, and Hugh McDonald who produced the CD of Mr Swallow’s work.