JONATHAN Jones treated local residents to a sparking evening of drama and poetry when he performed a one-man Kipling show at St Mark’s Church, Upper Hale, to raise money for the ‘Emily the Organ’ appeal.

One of the parishioners, Kathy Robertson, with her team, provided props and the refreshments and the church was transformed into Kipling’s living room for the evening.

Rev Lesley Crawley said: “Jonathan told us Kipling’s life story in the first person. We travelled with him through his difficult childhood and the appalling grief when he lost first his daughter and then his son during the Great War. There was also humour and deep wisdom in the poetry. The evening was spellbinding.”

The evening raised £380 towards refurbishing the pipe organ. Currently, £6000 has been raised towards the £23,000 target. If anyone would like to help get the pipe organ playing again they are asked to contact Lesley Crawley on 01252 820537 or [email protected]