Nairn entertainer hopes to add a new string to her bow by learning to dance
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Kim Brown has entered the “Come Dancing with Poppy Scotland in partnership with Toe 2 Toe Dance” event.
A well-known singer on the local club and pub circuit and a performer with the Nairn Drama Club she has taken the plunge for the event to be held at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness on March 17 and 18 next year – in aid of funds for Poppy Scotland. Her participation is supported by Highland Industrial Supplies who are her corporate sponsor.
“I never thought twice about it once I discovered Poppy Scotland held this event,” said Kim, “ because Poppy Scotland is a charity which is so close to my heart. My father served in the Falklands War as part of combined ops while serving in the Royal Navy as a submarine radio operator. His experiences from that still impact him today”.
“And my husband Allen’s brother, Drummer Paul Brown of the Scots Guards, was killed serving in Northern Ireland when he was just 21 and I have a brother-in-law who also served in the tank regiment in Northern Ireland and did two active tours in Iraq.
“I also have friends who are veterans or still serving in the armed forces.”
Kim said she is hoping to raise as much as she can before the event.
“The sky’s the limit. I am nervous because although I’m used to performing, I don’t have much dance experience apart from a little in panto with the Drama Club.
“I’ve been paired with a lady, Elaine McCabe and I’m doing the male part in our waltz and the female part in our Jive – so that should be fun and a challenge. I’m hoping my experience of learning songs and the scripts of plays and panto will help with me learning the choreography and that I can pick up the dance steps quickly.
“Tristian and Jennifer Hill run Toe2Toe Dance at the Mercury House in Merkinch and they are fantastic teachers and keep supporting and reassuring us all the time.”
Kim has been busy already organising events between now and next February which she hopes will raise thousands of pounds for Poppy Scotland.
“I have about two or three things each month and a Justgiving page.”
Her programme kicks off with a Race Nite on October 21 at the Seaforth Club in Gordon Street.
“I’ve already got sponsors for the horses and races. The people of Nairn are very generous and I know I’ll be well supported.”
The Royal British Legion is the venue for a 40s-themed coffee morning on Saturday, October 29 and Cobbs Bakery is donating all the baking for the event.
On Sunday, November 6 there is a “Mission Poppy Hunt” day for teams of four, with crocheted poppies made by Nairn yarnbomber Caroline Mackay, which will be distributed to various locations around the town.
The teams will find a clue at each Poppy Station to the location of the next. The team that finds them all fastest will get a cash prize.
Nairn St Ninian JFC has donated a hospitality day for six, and Kim is holding a lucky draw for this prize.
“I got goosebumps when told my partner was called Eileen because my late mother-in-law’s name was Eileen. She was the best mum-in-law I could have asked for and I miss her dearly.”
