A country music band led by a Meander couple is quietly raising thousands of dollars for charities and bringing joy to the people they entertain.

Helen and Garry Smith organise a monthly event that packs out Deloraine RSL on Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 5pm.

Those attending pay $5 entry and buy raffle tickets for prizes donated by Deloraine businesses like Mumma Buzz and the British Hotel.

Funds raised benefit charities from cystic fibrosis to epilepsy, breast cancer and the Deloraine Hospital auxiliary. A young couple burnt out of their house got a hand up from the band’s RSL performance. 

But this is a concert with a difference.

Yes, musicians Garry Smith, Graeme Best from Kimberley, Tony Oates from Bagdad, Roly Richardson from Longford and Gary King from Devonport play their hearts out for four hours.

Local people also get their chance to sing with the band.

At the August event, an outstanding 29 people signed up to perform, backed by the band. According to Garry, sometimes only 15 to 20 put their hands up.

As they come through the door, Helen adds each performer’s name to a whiteboard and over the afternoon they get their turn to show their talents.

‘We’ve had people aged 19 to 84 sing here,’ Garry said. ‘It’s just a walk-up and they’re not Elvis Presley but they really enjoy entertaining people.’

Around 75 people rolled up to the RSL in August, more than the usual 40 or 50 who usually attend. Usually a few people come from Devonport and even some Hobartians turn up.

Started 30 years ago by Reedy Marsh resident Vera Wadley, the concerts have been run by Garry and Helen for about three years.

‘It’s mainly the over fifties age group,’ Garry said. ‘They enjoy old and new country music. We don’t have afternoon tea since COVID but you can make your own tea or coffee in the kitchen.’

Truly a community event, volunteers work the door and Sue Badcock drives all the way from Relbia to volunteer her skills with sound and mixing.

Even so, there are times Garry said, when things don’t work well and that’s where the suggestion box comes in handy.

‘Many people who come have hearing aids and some get annoyed when the sound isn’t right. They put a note in the suggestion box and we try to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’