Christian singer to raise North Norfolk roof

Renowned entertainer Jonathan Viera is taking part in a special weekend later this month to help raise funds for essential roof repairs to the Pleasaunce Christian Holiday Centre in Overstrand, and tickets are available for all the events.

Raising the Roof is the project to repair the crumbling roof of the centre, and the fund-raising will be inaugurated by a special weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June with a highly acclaimed singer and entertainer, Jonathan Veira.
 
In 1888, Lord and Lady Battersea (née de Rothschild) were looking for a home in Norfolk and purchased 3 acres of land containing two villas in the quiet coastal village of Overstrand, just east of Cromer on the north Norfolk coast. In 1897, they commissioned their architect friend, Edwin Lutyens to join the two properties together to make one large house which became known as ‘The Pleasaunce’ – a medieval word meaning a “garden with open walkways where ladies and gentlemen may take the airs.”
 
In 1936 The Pleasaunce, right, was sold to the Federation of Christian Endeavour Homes Ltd, and the grade II* listed house still retains the well-preserved features and individuality of one of the best Arts and Crafts Houses in existence.
 
The roof is now in urgent need of replacement, which will inevitably require compliance with the restrictions of its listed status. It is therefore the aim of the holiday centre to raise money through different ventures over the next few years so that this house can continue to be of use to the immediate neighbourhood and the wider church community.
 
On the Friday 27 June there will be a Gala Dinner held at the Pleasaunce when Jonathan will be guest speaker: he has enjoyed a career on European stages as a fine baritone opera singer and now tours this country with his unique blend of humour and story-telling, punctuating musicianship with voice and keyboard which encompasses everything from high opera to Boogie-woogie, jazz, folk and hymns.
 
On the following evening, Saturday 28 June, at 7.30pm His concert entitled “Not Dead Yet!” will take place at Cromer Parish Church as part of his live nationwide tour. This will be preceded by a barbecue at The Pleasaunce.
 
Pleasaunce manager Jillian Orme said, “Jonathan Veira is gifted and humorous. His presence fills a room, yet he is someone who has amazing sensitivity and compassion. He is a superb story-teller, comedian and his talent musically is quite breath-taking, from playing boogie-woogie, jazz or blues to giving renditions of a hymn that move you closer to God. He’s a complete one-off and it’s a privilege to have him with us this weekend in Overstrand. There is no doubting that with the capacity and volume of his voice that he will indeed ‘raise the roof’ in every sense.”
 
Tickets for the Gala Dinner (£55.00), the barbecue (£16.00), and the concert (10.00, under16’s free) are limited, and available from The Pleasaunce at thepleasaunce@cehc.org.uk or on 01263 579212. Tickets for the concert will also be available on the door.
 
Cromer Parish Church is on Church Street in Cromer, NR27 9HH
The Pleasaunce is on Harbord Road in Overstrand, Cromer, NR27 0PN
 
The top photo is courtesy of Jonathan Viera.
The photo of the holiday centre in Overstrand is courtesy of the Pleasaunce.

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If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.