The Child Growth Foundation

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

Bupa Great North Run Logo
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.

Child Growth Foundation Logo
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