Event celebrates talented women

An open mic concert to celebrate International Women’s Day raised more than £300 for the Rosa Simon Music Fund.

The Hadleigh-based charity uses donations to fund musical experiences for children in memory of three-year-old Rosa Simon, who was killed in an accident outside her home last year.

Her 10-year-old sister, Millie, introduced the Girls Unlimited Open Mic Night at The George in Hadleigh on Sunday before performing with her violin.

“It was an amazing experience to gather the talents of women of all ages,” she said.

“I’m delighted that so much money was raised for Rosa’s fund, which aims to help all local children learn musical instruments and singing.”

One of the organisers, Val Haines, said they hope to repeat the event next year.

“We wanted to celebrate women in some way, and music seemed the obvious choice as I am a musician myself,” she said.

“Raising money for the Rosa Simon Music Fund made the event more worthwhile.”

Since its inception, the music fund has provided instruments for local schools and funded tuition costs for disadvantaged youngsters.

The charity aims to remember Rosa’s legacy and love of music for many years to come.

Last year, the fund accepted all of the applications made by local schools and organisations, totalling £900.

Jane Basham, who also helped organise the event, said: “We wanted to mark the talents of local women in the lead up to International Women’s Day – a time for celebration and reflection.

“The turnout and the response from the audience showed just how many talented and confident women there are in Hadleigh and the surrounding villages.”