Chesney’s Christmas Cracker is back!

This year YOU get to choose Chesney’s Challenge

5^th October, 2007. Chart-topper Chesney Hawkes is bravely throwing open suggestions for his challenge in this year’s ‘Chesney’s Christmas Cracker’ which will be held at Club 1 in Ascot High St on Sunday 9^th December. Tickets on sale now through White Lodge Centre!

Last Christmas saw Chesney shave off his infamous mullet for £1000 to raise much needed funds for the White Lodge Centre for disabled children and adults. Anyone who would like to suggest a realistic (it needs to happen on stage) but not sensible, challenge should visit: http://www.whitelodgecentre.co.uk/chesneyschallenge.htm

The best 10 challenge ideas will be posted on the White Lodge website where visitors can vote for their favourite challenge for Chesney.

Speaking of his decision to throw suggestions for the challenge open to the public Chesney said: “To say I’m worried is an understatement. It wasn’t my idea, I think it’s my pal Maddy’s way of getting back at me for roping her into organising my Christmas Cracker every year for me! I can’t argue as last year’s challenge raised so much.”

Last year’s cracker went with a hearty bang as Shane Richie, Kevin Simm, Brandon Block, Nik Kershaw and Bernard Cribbins joined Chesney in his home-coming gig in his native town of Ascot.

Nation’s favourite Shane Richie compèred the night of festive fun. He was aided by none other than Bernard Cribbins. The almighty ‘Cribmeister’ took to the stage to perform a duet with Nik Kershaw. The unlikely coupling saw the pair perform a one-off rendition of Bernard’s hit ‘The Hole In The Ground.’

Chesney was joined on stage by fellow ‘The Games’ contestant and Liberty X band-member Kevin Simm to sing some Christmas corkers including Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody.’ Lucky revellers beheld a world exclusive as Chesney’s dad, Chip Hawkes reformed his band the Tremeloes.

Tickets sold out in six days last year. Tickets for this year’s bigger and even better cracker are on sale now through the White lodge Centre on 01932 567131.

For further information, images or interviews please contact

Maddy Irvine on 07957 390087 or maddyirvine@googlemail.com

Notes to editors:

White Lodge provides a range of flexible, creative and integrated services that include:

Children and Young People's Service:

• A specialist children’s centre offers daily therapy services (physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy) and nursery education to young children with cerebral palsy or a similar disability.

• Family support services are provided for children and young people who have a wide range of physical and learning disabilities. Opportunities include Play and Youth Schemes, a Family Link Scheme, and day and overnight activity breaks at Treetops or in the family home (domiciliary care).

Adult and Community Support Service:

• Supporting physically disabled adults in developing interests and achieving individual goals by offering services within a variety of locations. These include therapy services, creative arts, leisure and life skills, information technology in the Karten Computer Suite, supported volunteering, support in finding employment and in accessing other local facilities, the Community Stroke Service and Back Care Advice for Carers.