Mayor’s Charity Ball Proceeds Top £9,000

THE Civic Mayor of Tameside’s charity ball provided a Bollywood bonanza for her charity appeal, raising more than £9,000.

Cllr Tafheen Sharif departed from convention for the annual Dukinfield Town Hall event, giving Tameside its first Bollywood-themed ball in terms of food and entertainment, all of which was rapturously received by the many people in attendance.

Pioneer of UK Bhangra music Joga Singh was joined by dhol drummers and Ri Ri’s Dance Academy as guests enjoyed authentic Indian food. Many of them further embraced the Bollywood vibe by taking part in a dance workshop and dressing on an Asian theme.

The Mayor said: “I promised people a one-off, amazing night, one to remember, and that’s exactly what we got. The room was packed with diversity, with various communities and cultures represented. It was truly beautiful and is something that means a great deal to me and will stay with me forever.”

“I would also like to offer a special thanks to Robertson, Brother and Ivy Business Centre for their generous sponsorship.

“Thank you also to Joga Singh, Ri Ri's Dance Academy, Zinc, Rumours and Tameside College students fore their help on the night and all their generous donations towards the raffle and auction prizes.

“They have all helped three very good causes that are so special to me.”

The Civic Mayor’s charity appeal fund comprises Home-Start (HOST), which offers expert support to families with young children that are going through difficult times; West African Development, which helps ethnic minority communities in Tameside, and Pauline Town’s We Shall Overcome, which provides assistance for the homeless.