CULTURE vulture Chris Tarpey is turning his love of a good night out into a fundraising effort to support Barnard Castle's cash-strapped arts centre.
Mr Tarpey has come up with “Chris’s Kick Up The Arts” – a sponsored attempt to attend 50 events at The Witham before Christmas.
As well as raising money for the complex, he also hopes his efforts will highlight the wide range of activities it hosts.
“I have always supported The Witham when I can, but like most people, life gets in the way and you don’t get round to doing things as you would like to,” he said.
But when The Witham’s £30k in 30 days appeal was launched in August, he decided it was time to act.
He said it was a “bit ambitious” to try to attend everything in the centre's autumn programme.
“But I thought I could probably do 50 and thought it would be interesting to experience all that The Witham provides,” said Mr Tarpey, from Baldersdale.
“It’s very tight, with other commitments, but I think I can do it.
“I have been to the comedy quite a few times and my daughter Grace is into drama, so we have been to quite a lot of theatre events along with the occasional music night.
“However, I had never seen ballet or opera before – I have now seen screenings of both.”
Mr Tarpey has even taking part in an adult dance class – which he describes as “an interesting experience”.
He is paying for all his own tickets, so any money raised during his Kick Up The Arts initiative will go to The Witham. He has set a target of £500 and is off to an encouraging start having raised almost £130 to date.
“We are very lucky to have somewhere like The Witham on our doorsteps. It’s a great way to experience bands, comedians and other genres,” he added. “I think the success of the appeal shows people in the area appreciate having The Witham here and that it’s worth supporting.”
Anyone wishing to support Mr Tarpey’s efforts can do so online. Go to https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/kickupthearts
