The 'Captain Tom Moore 100 Challenge' 

Bill Perkins, my accordion partner in “Two in Accord” died at the end of 2019 suddenly, so I would like to join others doing Captain Tom Moore’s 100 Challenge in memory of Bill to play solo 100 pieces of music, mainly from memory and 2 sheets of A4 size music at least and raise money for the NSPCC. Also to honour Tom Moore's great effort and success at raising the high figure of money for the NHS; and to send sympathy to his family and also Bill's.   

I will also play in remembrance of Bill and our duet music, quoting from one of many compliments over 26 years – “You and Bill brought so much happiness and joy to the world with your wonderful playing” quoted in writing by The English Martyrs Church, and also  “We hope you can continue to play solo and bring people pleasure.” So I will try to do that from now on because we all need to music to soothe our disturbed lives.

 After my studies of music theory and playing I set up gradually an Accordion Band of fourteen accordionists, calling ourselves a name chosen by the members – “Shirley's Accordionists” and we played for the opening of the Remembrance Concert for the Royal British Legion at The Pier Pavilion, Worthing and gave many more local concerts to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Hospital. Bill and I also played for a Flag Day at Croydon Shopping Centre for three hours raising over £2,300 for the RMH. We also auditioned to play for all WI’s in all local counties - Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent and playing too every year for the Royal Navy's Annual Celebration of Robert Burns’ Birthday.

So please support my efforts after many years of playing the accordion and teaching accordion music to raise much-needed funds for the NSPCC!!

Thank you and best wishes for everyone's future happiness –

Shirley Verenne

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