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Dancer at the World Performing Arts Festival 2006
Photo © Waheed Khalid
Street entertainer (identity unknown).
Photo © Juliet
The conductor Jesko in performance.
Photo © Jana Hettler
Singer Tina Marsh in performance.
Photo © Michael Fuentes
Yumiko Fukuda dancing at the Prix de Lausanne international competition for young dancers.
Photo © Thierry Jayet
Mark Thistlewood plays double bass with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He and his bassoonist friend Simon Chiswell raised £1000 in aid of BAPAM and Cancer Research UK in July 2007 by doing a sponsored cycle ride from Thonon, Lake Geneva to Antibes on on the Côte d'Azur.
This famous cycling challenge through the French and Italian Alps (a sister ride to the Raid Pyrénéan) is promoted as a ride of 712km (445 miles), climbing 31 cols, totalling 17485m of ascent. The route takes in many notorious climbs, including the Col d'Izoard (2360m) and the two highest road points in Europe – the Col de l'Iseran (2764m) and the Col de la Bonette (2802m).
‘It was a stunning journey through the French Alps, often following the 'Routes des Grandes Alpes' – great views of snow-capped Mont Blanc, rugged mountain scenery on the high climbs, deep gorges and an increasing Mediterranean feel as you head south. We has a day on the beach as a reward at the end. And we only had two punctures!’
Needless to say, they didn't take their instruments on the ride. Here's a picture of them wearing outfits they wouldn't wear on the concert platform.
If you'd like to organise an event or do something adventurous in aid of BAPAM, do let us know and we can provide leaflets and posters to help you. And if you'd like us to tell your story on these pages, contact dan@bapam.org.uk or call 020 7404 5888.