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Cabaret night for Linda Clarke and Veronica Philpott, Dover, for Motor Neurone Disease Association

A fundraising cabaret night will be held in memory of two leading Dover women.

And one singer will be a granddaughter of one of them, Linda Clarke.

The special evening, for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, is in tribute to amateur actress Mrs Clarke and former mayor Veronica Philpott.

Sophia Lyons - onstage in tribute to her grandmother. Picture courtesy of JIGintheBOX Entertainment Group
Sophia Lyons - onstage in tribute to her grandmother. Picture courtesy of JIGintheBOX Entertainment Group

Both in the last year died from the illness.

The evening, on Friday, October 20, is six days after the first anniversary or Mrs Clarke’s death and is being supported by both women’s families.

Cllr Philpott’s son Shaun said: “I would like to thank the organisers and all the performers and artists who have kindly given up their time to be involved in this tribute to two wonderful women.

“Both Ronnie and Linda were good friends and both had a great zest and love for life, which made it even harder for us when their diagnosis of MND was announced.

“Not only were they big parts of the community they were both massive parts of our lives.

“I hope on the tribute night that we can all celebrate the lives of these beautiful women but most importantly raise awareness about MND and the effects that it has on the individuals and their families and friends.”

From left Linda's daughter, Emma Lyons, Ronnie's husband Christopher, Linda's daughter Sara Atkinson and Ronnie's son Shaun. Picture courtesy of JIGintheBOX Entertainment.
From left Linda's daughter, Emma Lyons, Ronnie's husband Christopher, Linda's daughter Sara Atkinson and Ronnie's son Shaun. Picture courtesy of JIGintheBOX Entertainment.

Mrs Clarke’s daughters Emma Lyons and Sara Atkinson say that MND can strike at anytime and is hard to diagnose so research is essential.

The show is at Dover Town Hall from 7pm.

Mrs Clarke’s granddaughter Sophia Lyons has performed in various shows such as for Blackfish Academy , DODS (Dover Operatic and Dramatic Society) and Temple Ewell Players with Mrs Clarke.

Others onstage will include bands The Ratzkins, Scott and the Explorers and Rags 2 Riches and solo singers Scott Cain, and Scott Cozens.

Ronnie Philpott as Dover mayor in 2011
Ronnie Philpott as Dover mayor in 2011

Cllr Philpott, who died on May 26 in her 73rd year, became a Dover town councillor in 2006, representing Labour in Tower Hamlets.

She was mayor in 2011/12 and 2013/14 and deputy mayor in 2013/12.

Linda Clarke in the Temple Ewell Player's 2002 pantomime
Linda Clarke in the Temple Ewell Player's 2002 pantomime

Mrs Clarke, who died aged 74, was best known as a leading figure in the Temple Ewell Players.

The evening is being organised by Dover’s JIGinthBOX Entertainment Group.

It had turned over the profits from a pre-arranged Dean Martin tribute night in June to the MNDA in memory of the two women.

Tickets for this show cost £12 and can be bought by calling or texting 07920 255493.

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