When it comes to raising money for elderly residents of a care home, nothing is too big a challenge for their carers, finds SALLY KING

Ross Farmer is a man with big ideas. And when it comes to fundraising, very big ideas.

Ross is the general manager of Raymond House, a residential home in Southend. He wanted to raise a bit of extra cash to make life a little jollier for his residents so, with recreation officer Hilary Garrard, he thought of ways to raise money.

So far, so good. At this point most residential homes would have arranged a quiz night, maybe a marathon bingo perhaps even a race night - not Ross and Hilary. They decided to book the Cliffs Pavilion and stage a variety show.

Of course to fill the 1,600-seat Cliffs you need a big name, or even two and that's exactly what they have.

Ross and Hilary have booked THE Three Degrees who are flying in from Los Angeles for Variety Show 2000 on February 27, TV star Jeremy Beadle and three other acts that are well-known on the professional circuit.

They've also invited youngsters from south Essex's Starlight Dance Works, whose routine to the evocative music, Bohemian Rhapsody, received a standing ovation when they appeared at Her Majesty's Theatre, London in May.

Ross has a philosophy about the elderly people in his care: "I want to give them the best quality of life, physically and socially," he says. "I want them to have great memories, to laugh, feel good with themselves and be able to contribute."

Ross has arranged for some of the residents to help out in local schools, hearing children read and bringing history to life with first-hand experiences. Others work as volunteers in charity shops and in a shop in a local day centre.

"We raise money to afford the best we can for them," he says. Right now "the best" means taking all 39 of them, average age 92, on a trip to Jersey. "There is always something, " he says. "We also hope to buy a mini bus..."

In 1998 Hilary and Ross organised a musical night at the Palace Theatre. It was a huge success. They then set their sights on the Cliffs.

Chatting to the residents it came clear that one 102-year-old woman might be able to help them.

Her grandson-in-law is Scottish singing star Allan Stewart. Allan might not be a household name in England, but he is well-known north of the border and in the West End.

He was happy to help and agreed to bring in some of his colleagues. They are the Simmons Brothers, a comedy duo who have accolades from Roy Hudd and Norman Wisdom, and Mike Batt, the musician whose work has been performed all over the world and hit the top of the charts with his Womble records in the '70s.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Beadle had visited Southend and popped in to see the residents.

He was happy to appear as compere for the good cause. This left Hilary and Ross with only one more act to find.

Why not the Three Degrees, they thought. If they're Prince Charles' favourite group, then they're good enough for Raymond House. They are the only act that had to be paid for .

"We invited Prince Charles too, but he was unable to attend," explained Ross.

The production team from the new Empire Theatre is coming across to the Cliffs for the night and Southend Borough Council has given a grant of £1,400.

"People have been very supportive," says Hilary. "The project has really got a good community spirit and goodwill from the celebrities."

The pair have been delighted by the support they have received from families of residents and from Southend and District Aid Society, who are promoting the show.

Now they need the people to pour through the door to enjoy a good night out being entertained by some top drawer acts.

That isn't all. Everyone who turns up to enjoy the evening's entertainment also stands to win a pair of tickets for another night out at the Cliffs - this time to see a new musical, Stand By Your Man.

The show portrays the life story of one of country and western's greatest stars - Tammy Wynette. As well as the show tickets, the lucky winner will receive a bottle of champagne presented by Jeremy Beadle.

Tickets are available from the box office at the Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff. Phone 01702 351135 to book.

Success by degrees - The Three Degrees are to headline Variety 2000 at the Cliffs Pavilion on February 27.

Show compere will be Jeremy Beadle, right. Also on stage will be comic duo the Simmons Brothers, Mike Batt, and Scottish entertainer Allan Stewart

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.