Nailsea poet raises thousands for charity

A POETRY book has helped a Nailsea man to raise �10,000 for North Somerset charities.

George Dobson began selling his book Observational Odes three years ago and was hoping to sell 250 copies to raise �1,000 for Clic Sargent and the Multiple Sceloris Therapy Centre.

But, Mr Dobson has exceeded all of his expectations and sold more than 1,600 books raising just short of �10,000 for charity. He has now decided to donate some of the extra cash to the Rainbow Centre for Children in Bristol.

He has organised a gala concert on April 30 to celebrate the end of the project and to see if he can finish on a high note by raising an extra �2,000 towards the total.

He said: “I started the project to raise a small amount of money for charity. Then I discovered that a lot of people wanted to hear more and I’ve been talking to groups all over North Somerset.

“People have been clamouring to buy a copy of the book and it has taken me completely by surprise.”

The concert will be held in Nailsea School’s auditorium and will feature a performance from George with his wife Cynthia, a well-known singer, and accompanist Nigel Nash.

New material has been written for the occasion and there will also be bar facilities before and after the concert.

Tickets and a programme are �10 and allocated on a first come first served basis. To book call 01275 855572.