The little idea
that's making a
big difference

For the past twelve years Don has been heavily involved with a local charity called the University of Withywood. This was started by a neighbour, Anton Bantock, in his small bungalow on the outskirts of Bristol which has been used almost continuously since 1987 for events, lectures and exhibitions.

Don and Thelma have thrown themselves into the charity with great enthusiasm and the University of Withywood has grown into a team effort. In 1995 it became a registered charity and now all monies raised have been channelled into the Sponsorship Fund which currently raises over £15,000 a year to help educate young people in third world countries.

Under Dons leadership a group has been formed calling themselves the University of Withywood Performing Arts Group, they travel all over the Bristol area presenting their musical entertainment to old peoples clubs and other similar groups.

Speaking about their performances Don said :-
‘We may not be the most professional when we’re on stage, but the audience loves it and we try our best to give them some fun. Often we end up with the old ladies and gentlemen dancing in the aisles’.

You can find out more about the University of Withywood at: www.universityofwithywood.org.uk

As well as marching bands, jazz, singers, a licensed bar, pig roast the two best items that did it for me - Don The Whistler and of course the wonderful Wurzels. Below you will see two small(ish) video clips of Don (doing the Birdy Song no less) and the Wurzels - their new version of "Combine Harvester" had the crowds up on the floor as you will see. The clips are in Windows Media Player format.

To view a short clip of Don the Whistler performing at Frankie Howerd's Open Day 2007 (click here)