Update...

At this time of year, as soon as we let a week go by, there are too many gigs to report back on! So, since the last post, Tom has sung up at Alnwick Garden, The Old Storehouse, The Boat Inn (twice), and as far afield as York and Northampton!

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Congratulations to Mr & Mrs David Lavarack, in York who recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary! They saw Tom performing at Alnwick Garden in May, and asked if he would come and perform at their celebrations at Swallow Hall Golf Club. It just fitted in nicely as Tom was performing the next night in Northampton. They are a wonderful couple, and had many of their friends and family there to help mark what is an amazing milestone. We all wish them all the best for the next 50 years!

The next night, Tom was at The Hilton Northampton, for The Child Growth Foundation's Annual Convention. The charity is very important to Tom and his family - many of you will be aware of Ruth, Tom's Mum, and her recent participation in The Great North Run. Some of you kindly sponsored her, helping to raise a magnificent £1,235 for The CGF. Tom sang at the evening dinner, and when he wasn't singing, provided the music for the dance floor. He made full use of all of his lights, including a a brand new one, and, for the first time had full DMX control of the lights from the sound desk! The room looked superb.

One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Tom, gather all the children on the dance floor, as they provided the choral backing to him singing "Any Dream Will Do". The convention was a huge success - so helpful for so many people. In fact such a success, that it has outgrown the venue and next year will be held at The Hilton, Warwick. Tom has been asked to return and provide the entertainment again!

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Finally, Tom has had to cancel two gigs - this Friday at Marabini's, when Pete Brown has agreed to step in, and on Saturday at The Old Storehouse. Tom is having some minor knee surgery this Friday, but he will be back bouncing about again soon! His next public gigs are on Friday 3rd October at Marabini's, Morpeth, and Saturday 4th October at The Old Storehouse. See you there!

What a weekend!

Ruth GNR Tyne Bridge
That was another busy weekend! On Friday night Tom was at old favourite, Marabini's. It has to be said, with Giovanni and Miguel now gone, the atmosphere, and numbers are not what they were. Still, Tom set about injecting that atmosphere and entertained diners with his unique mix of popular classical through swing, to pop and was well received. Thanks to all those who were there - bring your friends next time! Tom is back there on Friday 3rd October.

Ruth GNR Finish
On Saturday, Tom was back at La Torre in Bedlington. The renovations are nearing completion, but this week, only the upstairs restaurant was open. It was full, and made for a more intimate atmosphere. It was a very good night, and Tom even finished off the night by playing a few George Formby classics on the Uke! He will be back there on Saturday 11th October, by which time the new restaurant will be open downstairs!

Ruth GNR Medal
Yesterday, was The Great North Run. By now, readers will know how important it was for the Wyllie family. Ruth, Tom's Mum - who is celebrating a milestone birthday this year, wanted to complete the run - before it is too late. Having said that, there was a 93 year old war veteran running, so there is time for us all! It was a fantastic day, and Ruth performed superbly well and has raised over £1,100 for The Child Growth Foundation. It's an absolutely superb effort, and our thanks to everyone who donated so generously. We are all extremely proud of her and are looking forward to The Child Growth Convention next weekend! It isn't too late to donate! Ruth put so much effort into her challenge - she would be very, very grateful for any donations! You can donate by visiting her JustGiving page here.

Tom's next public gig is
tomorrow night at The Boat Inn, Leaplish, Kielder, and he will be at Alnwick Garden Cafe on Wednesday from 12 Noon until around 2pm. Hope to see you there!

Thick, Fast and The Great North Run

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It's a couple of weeks since we have posted here, but Tom has been busy with gigs and holidaying in the Lake District. In that short time he has performed at Marabini's in Morpeth, La Torre in Bedlington (where they are busy putting the final touches to what will be a fabulous re-fit) and The Boat Inn, up at Kielder. He has been back to Kielder no fewer than four times since our last post, and is there again this coming Tuesday.

September looks like being even busier, as he brings his Summer season up at Kielder to a close, and has gigs, at Marabini's, La Torre, Alnwick Garden and The Old Storehouse, as well as a number of private gigs, as far afield as York and Northampton.

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The gig in Northampton, a week on Sunday, is for The Child Growth Foundation, a charity which ha been very supportive of Tom and his family over the years. This Sunday, Tom's Mum is running in The Great North Run, for the first (and possibly only!) time, and helping to raise much needed funds for this important charity. Yesterday, Anna Foster of Magic Radio Newcastle 1152 interviewed Ruth on air, as Anna highlights some of the less well known charities that hope to benefit from the Great North Run.

We missed the very start when Anna asked Ruth -
"This is the first time you have run the Great North Run, but do you think it will be the last?!" you can listen to what followed towards the top of the right hand sidebar on the homepage.

If you feel able and would like to support Ruth in her run, please visit her
sponsorship page here. Anything you can donate will be really, really appreciated! Thank you!

Meanwhile, you see Tom performing next at
Marabini's tomorrow night - Friday 5th September, and at La Torre on Saturday night - 6th September