A FIRE at a Leatherhead wildlife sanctuary 17 years ago led music teacher Cheryl Beasley to start fundraising to save the centre.
The Fetcham resident advertised for a group of musicians and her band, The Badger Set, was started.
It raised enough money to help Wildlife Aid at the time, and now, 17 years later, what began as a simple idea to raise money for the Randalls Road centre has "snowballed".
So far £8,500 has been raised by the group and the money has been donated to Wildlife Aid as well as a host of other good causes including the Surrey Air Ambulance and Motor Neurone Research.
Simon Cowell, from Wildlife Aid, said: "Cheryl and the Badger Set have been quietly and tirelessly raising money to support our wildlife work for many years.
"This money which has helped us save the lives of sick or wounded wild animals and to give them a second chance at life."
The Badger Set currently has a line-up of around 20 members, featuring electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, clarinet, flute, saxophone and piano accordion.
Boasting a repertoire of some 150 pieces, from show songs and easy-listening jazz to rugby songs and the James Bond theme tune, the band is much in demand at village fairs, dinner dances and fundraising events.
Rehearsals take place on Friday evenings from 8 to 9.45pm at the church hall behind the Holy Spirit Church, in Bell Lane, Fetcham.
Subscription is £3 per session with beginners always welcome.
The Badger Set will next play at the Bramley Village fair on May 18.
For more information about the band visit www.badgersetband.com.
The Fetcham resident advertised for a group of musicians and her band, The Badger Set, was started.
It raised enough money to help Wildlife Aid at the time, and now, 17 years later, what began as a simple idea to raise money for the Randalls Road centre has "snowballed".
So far £8,500 has been raised by the group and the money has been donated to Wildlife Aid as well as a host of other good causes including the Surrey Air Ambulance and Motor Neurone Research.
Simon Cowell, from Wildlife Aid, said: "Cheryl and the Badger Set have been quietly and tirelessly raising money to support our wildlife work for many years.
"This money which has helped us save the lives of sick or wounded wild animals and to give them a second chance at life."
The Badger Set currently has a line-up of around 20 members, featuring electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, clarinet, flute, saxophone and piano accordion.
Boasting a repertoire of some 150 pieces, from show songs and easy-listening jazz to rugby songs and the James Bond theme tune, the band is much in demand at village fairs, dinner dances and fundraising events.
Rehearsals take place on Friday evenings from 8 to 9.45pm at the church hall behind the Holy Spirit Church, in Bell Lane, Fetcham.
Subscription is £3 per session with beginners always welcome.
The Badger Set will next play at the Bramley Village fair on May 18.
For more information about the band visit www.badgersetband.com.
