2009-10 Season

April 15th 2010

Thieves target Music-in-the-Village

During the early part of the concert, two (possibly more) thieves distracted stewards and organisers for long enough to enable them to make off with the cash box, which had been near the Church entrance.  We understand they had bought tickets to gain admission.

The cash box contained all of Music-in-the-Village's very limited reserves (used to cover advertising, refreshments and payment for the Church) as well as the entire evening's door takings - certainly in excess of eight hundred pounds.

Police were called, and scoured the area for the culprits without success.

Naturally, this left a gaping hole in the finances of Music-in-the-Village, which operates on a not-for-profit basis.  There is no insurance policy which could cover this loss, nor any form of guarantee, so it seemed the loss would have to be borne personally by the organisers - Peter and Gail - if the series was to survive.  Naturally they were deeply upset by this pre-meditated criminal act.

A number of supporters quickly pledged contributions to help cover this terrible loss.  Every contribution was greatly appreciated, and they will help to preserve this wonderful series of concerts into future seasons. Overwhelmingly, contributors asked not to be acknowledged here, as had been our intention.

The local paper covered the story here.

Update

A message to supporters from Peter McCarthy:

There has been a generous and overwhelming response to the news that Music in the Village was robbed of it's box office takings on the 15th April. In fact, the donations have now exceeded the sum that was lost. Those who I have spoken to so far have asked for anything in excess of that sum to go forward to support the next seasons concerts.

It gives me enormous pleasure that the concert series I started seven years ago has been so popular in Walthamstow. It is quite hard work to keep it going, and cost a bit along the way. The keen appetite for the concerts to continue, and many words of appreciation, have been ample reward. The great kindness shown since April 15th has been very moving indeed, and I promise you an interesting series for 2010-11!

Best wishes and many thanks

Peter McCarthy

May 19th