AN OPEN MIC-style fundraiser went ahead over the weekend, raising money for two local good causes.

The mayor's charities fundraiser took place at the Bridport Arts Centre on Sunday, June 27 to raise funds for Burrough Harmony Mental Health Drop In Centre and Cupboard Love, the Bridport food bank.

The Barking Mad Fundraiser, named after Bridport mayor Ian Bark, featured a number of musical performances, poetry readings, speeches and even a magician with Cllr Bark acting as the event's MC. Refreshments and homemade cakes courtesy of Moore than Tea.

The event raised a total of £380 for the two causes.

Cllr Bark said: "I was really pleased with the event. It is always a worry when you put something like this on that nobody will turn up but we had a pretty full house in the end.

"I think we managed to get the balance between some talking about some serious issues and lighter moments provided by music and a magician who still has my head spinning as to how he did what he did."

Cllr Bark, Barry Irvine, Caroline Gamble and Jo Millar all spoke about the importance of the two charities they were supporting, whilst Rob Jayne performed some magic under his stage name 'the Big Foolini' and Geraldine Baker, landlady of the Ropemakers, gave a musical performance.

The event was rounded off with a performance from musical trio, The Confessions.

Roz Copson, co-founder of Harmony and organiser of the event, said: “I want to say a very big thank you to everyone who supported and participated in any way in the Barking Mad Fundraiser.

“Particular thanks go to Dee from the arts centre, Will Austin and the town council, and any friends and colleagues who supported the event.

“As of yet we don’t know the final total but the most important thing is that both charities were well publicised and their purpose in supporting people with mental health issues and those who need their food supplies improved – the importance of the values of these two groups were made aware to everyone.

“Everyone has been telling me it was a great day and everyone was really joining in and enjoying themselves."

She added: “A lot of people also had their eyes opened to the some of the issues raised. Mental health doesn’t go away and affects so many people day to day."