In 2008 when they joined the FfMS committee Denise & Peter Smith wanted to something extra to help raise funds and so they set themselves a challenge; to learn to play an instrument and to perform on stage at the concert one year later.
Denise opted to learn the violin, which I am sure many people are aware is a really difficult instrument for a beginner. On the night of the concert Denise was visibly nervous but bravely took to the stage and gave a triumphant performance. She had completed her challenge and had raised a fantastic £500 in sponsorship!
Peter chose the Appalachian dulcimer and found the idea of making the left hand do something different to the right hand, all at the same time, was just too great a challenge! He did take to the stage and managed to admit defeat with some style!!  

Following Denise’s success Roger Watson through down the gauntlet to any member of the audience to undertake a similar challenge to do the same by the 2010 concert. This challenge was, somewhat foolhardily,  accepted by HAZEL BYRNE.
Aged 80, Hazel had never played any musical instrument, but she pledged to learn to play and then perform a tune on the melodeon. Despite undergoing hand surgery which put paid to her practising for a while she continued to wrestle with her instrument and bravely took to the stage at FfMS 2010. Her rendition (and unique interpretation) of Winster Gallop was warmly received by an appreciative audience. Hazel’s magnificent effort raised over £550 in sponsorship - well done and thank you!!