MEMBERS of Minehead-based shanty band Hugill’s Crew have presented a £1,500 cheque to the Childrens Hospice South West. 

The hospice was the latest good cause to be supported by the band, which was formed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hugill’s Crew comprises four men older than 75 years and one younger member, Chris Webb, who have dedicated hours of rehearsal and performance time to raise funds for charitable causes.

They travelled to Little Bridge House, the children’s hospice headquarters in Fremington, North Devon, to present a cheque to area fund-raiser Mary Grey.

The hospice has two other dedicated units for extremely sick children based in Clevedon, North Somerset, and Little Harbour, in St Austell, Cornwall.

During their visit, the crew were taken to Toad Hall, a dedicated music room, where they sang four sea shanties to an audience made up mainly of staff and volunteers as well as parents of children currently being cared for by the team.

The crew’s founder Keith Woolgar, said: “I never knew giving away money could be so rewarding.”

Mr Woolgar said the crew would like to thank everybody in the Minehead area who had given money at the various venues in which they had performed.

He also announced this year’s adopted charity was Elliot’s Touch, based in Watchet, which raises money to help fund research and raise awareness for cardiomyopathy and mitochondria dise in children.

Three venues have already been booked for performances by Hugill’s Crew:

• The Bandstand, in Blenheim Gardens, Minehead, on August 26, from 2 pm to 4 pm

• The Driftwood Café, in Blue Anchor, on September 16, from 12 noon to 2 pm

• Watchet Bowls Club, on November 25, times to be confirmed