The Macmillan B Chris Jones The Macmillan Ball is a new event on the Lochaber social scene that organisers plan to make an annual celebration and thank you for the work of the local Macmillan Cancer Support charity. The lion’s share of the work to create the event was carried out by Jeanette Lane, following a suggestion put forward by a friend, to celebrate the life of her late husband, retired senior army officer Kevin Lane of Stronaba. Kevin was nursed by Macmillan Cancer Support staff during his illness last year so his family and friends wanted to show their appreciation for the exceptional care he was given. Kevin’s two sons, David from London and Michael who flew in from Western Australia, joined their mother at the ball and helped with the decorations to transform Caol Community Centre into display of green and white Macmillan colours,
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including inflating enough balloons to make two spectacular arches. Musical entertainment on the night was fronted by the bloomin’ marvellous Great Glen Swing Band, led by another evergreen John Whyte on his smooth trombone. This was the band’s first full-on two-set gig since before lockdown, but the listener would hardly have know it. The band treated everyone
to a selection of up-beat swing music, with singers Brian Hepburn and Sheena Coull out front for classics including ‘I Feel Good’ and ‘Minnie The Moocher’. We’re blessed to have such an excellent big band in our area – a rarity these days. Raffle tickets sold like hot cakes, as did bids on the silent auction. The organisers thank everyone who generously donated prizes, cash and items for auction. The
| may 2022
Lochaber Life May 2022.indd 22
25/04/2022 15:39:41
