Heacham man John Harris hosts piano party for his 81st birthday at Methodist Chapel raising hundreds for Diabetes UK and Alzheimer’s Society

A Heacham man’s music-themed 81st birthday party has helped raise hundreds for two good causes.

John Harris hosted his second consecutive piano party at Heacham Methodist Chapel on Saturday – which gathered £600 to be divided equally between Diabetes UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Around 70 people attended – including guest of honour West Norfolk mayor Margaret Wilkinson – over the six hours of the event, some of whom played instruments, sang and recited poetry.

“I was not only amazed but really truly very grateful and touched by people’s generosity,” John said.

“It was a superb birthday. That’s two consecutive birthdays that I’ve done this as I also did it last year when I was 80.

“Hopefully I’ll do it again and again.”

John thanked all of those who attended and took part in the piano party, which also featured music quizzes and games with prizes.

These included Reverend Richman Ncube who opened the event with a prayer for the success of the day.

His wife Sikha sang some songs in one of the Zimbabwean languages.

Meanwhile, West Norfolk Singers also took part led by conductor and music director Jean Hornbuckle – who also recited a humourous take on the 12 Days of Christmas.

John also gave his thanks to Ann McKimm, Keith Rieger, Mark Fielding, Sylvia Paler of Singing Your Heart Out, Andrew Wordsworth and Peter Ebbs who gave performances.

“Most importantly, I’d like to thanks so many members of my family who are living in or near Lynn who brought their children with them,” he said.

One of them, Ella Starling, 6, played some piano duets with John, which was a “huge success”.

“So many people were delighted to see her,” he added.

Along with his piano parties, John also hosted a Coronation gala in Hunstanton Town Hall in May, in collaboration with the Hunstanton and District Festival of Arts, West Norfolk Council and Hunstanton Town Council.

Proceeds from the concert went to the Royal Collection Trust and the East Anglian Air Ambulance