COMBINING a barn dance, a live auction and a raffle ‘The Bash in the Barn’ promises to be an exciting evening for all on Saturday, June 21.

Organisers are hoping to raise around £4,000 for charity Women V Cancer from the evening which kicks off at 6pm at Longmans Barn Farm, Avening.

However, behind the music and dancing is the wonderful story of Gill James, whose bravery and courage in fighting cancer twice was the inspiration for the bash.

“We want as many people to come to the bash as possible” said Gill, who has recently returned from a 400km cycle ride across Cuba, which also raised money for Women V Cancer.

“I’ve previously held charity benefit nights, but this will be a much bigger event- and although it’s been hard work organising I am excited about it” added Gill, who said she would definitely be having a dance.

Women V Cancer is an umbrella of three cancer charities very close to the heart of Gill, who was diagnosed with right side breast cancer in 2006 at the age of 46 and successfully underwent chemo and radiotherapy. However in 2011 she developed left sided breast cancer and was left fighting for her life once more.

“Cancer can be frightening for families as well as the person, and I’m hoping this event will raise awareness as well as money” she said.

On sale will be drinks served by Greg and Caroline Saturley, owners of the Hog in Horsley, who will also offer a vegetarian meal as an alternative to a centrepiece hog roast, courtesy of chef Lance Robinson.

With a top prize of a mountain bike the raffle is expected to be a popular draw, as well as the auction containing many items kindly contributed by local companies. The dance will be to the Blues music of Stealhead and classic rock from Hang Tough.

Gill expressed her thanks to Mrs Jeanne Pargeter for allowing her barn to be taken over for the event, and friends Sarah Purkis and Sheila Hackney for their help in organising the bash.

Tickets cost £12 and should preferably be purchased in advance. For inquires and directions call Sarah Purkis on 07721536536 or Sheila Hackney on 07966093676.