“Not all heroes wear capes – some wear uniforms, and some wear cowboy boots,”.

A night that supported Alzheimer’s Society, Mesothelioma UK, and Kelly’s Heroes through a charity barn dance at Hawthorn Grove Outdoor Venue in Great Doddington.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with energy, creativity, and laughter. Attendees embraced the theme wholeheartedly, arriving in cowboy boots, uniforms, and even superhero costumes, bringing the spirit of the night to life. After all, heroes come in all forms, and this event beautifully celebrated that belief.

The evening began with a line dance class, giving everyone—whether experienced or not—the opportunity to learn a few steps and feel confident on the dance floor. By the end of the lesson, guests swayed and moved together, ready to dance the night away.

Community collaboration

The organisers—a committed group of volunteers—alongside supportive local businesses poured their hearts into making the event a success. Every detail, from food to entertainment, was thoughtfully planned and sourced locally:

• A local butcher supplied the meat for a hog roast, ensuring everyone was well-fuelled for a night of dancing
• Glass House Living and many others generously donated raffle prizes, with an impressive 40 prizes up for grabs
• The talented Night Shift Band UK delivered a brilliant live performance, keeping the barn buzzing with energy until the very end
• Local artists added their creative flair with stunning graffiti artwork, adding a vibrant touch to the venue. Special thanks go to Dan Shoots Weddings for capturing the evening
• Everything from toilets and generators to lighting and a free photobooth were locally provided to ensure the night ran smoothly

It was clear that Hawthorn Grove’s strong sense of community shone brightly throughout the event.

Why these charities?

Each charity holds profound meaning for the organisers, and their stories added an emotional, heartfelt layer to the event. Raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society, Mesothelioma UK, and Kelly’s Heroes served as a powerful reminder of why supporting these causes matters.

The outcome

By the close of the evening, the community had raised a fantastic £6,650.29, which was equally divided between the three charities.

Scott Bader’s contribution

At Scott Bader, we were proud to contribute to the success of the event with 3D-printed superhero models—including Batman, Superman, and Ironman—made from our 3D printing resins and featured as special prizes in the raffles and auctions.

Our colleagues who attended the event were also proud to contribute, helping to raise money and add to the grand total collected.

Looking to the future

This was the second year the event has taken place, following its successful debut in 2023. With the enthusiasm and support seen this year, there’s every reason to believe this event will continue to grow, becoming a cherished annual tradition for our local Northamptonshire community.

On behalf of Scott Bader, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Michelle, Tom, the volunteers, local businesses, and everyone who contributed.