Support Our Dementia Appeal

Did you hear the one about the circus lion who ate a clown? He said never again because the clown tasted funny. You thought that was a bit cheesy, did you? Personally, I thought it was grate.

There's nothing like high class comedy: And that was nothing like high class comedy. However, I'll let you into a secret: I know where you can find high class comedy in Thanet. It's a secret I'm sharing with you but keep it to yourself because places will be limited. The place is Bernie's Chocolate Bar, 12-14 High Street, Margate, CT9 1AT; the date: Friday, 30 June 2017; the time 7.30 pm.

You can be sure that  in this place (Bernie's Chocolate Bar), on this day (Friday 30 June 2017) at this time (7.30) there is a stand up comedy night where the quality of the jokes will be far superior to what is on offer in this article. But this event is more than just a showcase for some of the regions comedic talent. It is also an event that will raise money for East Kent Hospital's Dementia Appeal.

Dementia is an evil, hideous, horrible condition. Dementia is not itself a disease. It is an umbrella term that refers to symptoms caused by a number of illnesses, of which Alzheimer's disease is, perhaps, the most widely known. There are probably, however, a hundred or more illnesses that can cause dementia.

The shadow of dementia will touch many of us. It is estimated that in Thanet there are over 2000 dementia patients and this figure will rise to approximately 3000 by 2026. In Kent the figures are over 22 000 current patients rising to over 30 000 by 2026.

To raise money for East Kent Hospital's Dementia Appeal, Caremark Thanet has teamed up with Bernie's Chocolate Bar to bring you a a charity comedy night. Caremark Thanet will match the sum of money raised on the night up to a maximum of £500. We have requested that the money raised goes specifically to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

Come along and join us. The price of entry is just £5 on the door. We have a wide range of performers. Our youngest performer is 23 years old; our oldest is 86. Some of our comics are very experienced; some are not; one or two are first timers. Old or young; experienced or novice; all our performers want your support. And in supporting our comics you will also be supporting the most worthwhile of charitable appeals.

Alternatively, you could stay at home and wait for my next article on the subject of comedy. Did you hear the one about... .

Garry Costain is the Managing Director of Caremark Thanet, a domiciliary care provider with offices in Margate, Kent. Caremark Thanet provides home care services throughout the Isle of Thanet. Garry can be contacted on 01843 235910 or email garry.costain@caremark.co.uk. You can also visit Caremark Thanet's website at www.caremark.co.uk/thanet.