Roch Band Status Quo play for autistic Oxfordshire children

Rock band Status Quo has played a Christmas song to kindly cash for autistic Oxfordshire childre. It will get a premiere at Oxford United’s home game against Shrewsbury Town tomorrow about 700 children in it have autism.

Rock guitarist Ian Bramble performed a song, is available to download iTunes and Amazon.

John Coghlan said: “I am always delighted to help such a marvellous cause – and I wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

Teacher Eddie Quinn said: “Working with children and young people with autism has been a big motivation behind the song. Music can be such a great way for everyone to express themselves but maybe especially so for children and young people living with autism. I urge everyone to remember why it’s Christmas and please download the song if you can.”

At Chinnor based Children In Touch, offers education and development support for children with autism.

Spokesman Gita Loba said, “Oxfordshire children and young people who are affected by autism struggle to access the help they desperately need, leaving many feeling isolated and desperate. We are so grateful to Eddie and the community of Oxfordshire for continuing to support our work and hope to have a good reason to be jolly this year by generating some much needed funds.”

Status Quo, Army hit for charity

Rock band Status Quo are releasing a new version of their hit In The Army Now to raise funds for armed forces charities.

The song, in 1986 a number two hit, has been lyrically reworked and has backing vocals from the Corps of Army Music.

Francis Rossi band said, "We want people to celebrate what they do, say thank you and also support these vital charities".

In current weeks the track re-recorded is due to be released on 26 September.

The song will be donated to all procceeds to the Help For Heroes and British Forces Foundation charities.

Rossi added, "It seemed like the right time to do this. This release is intended to show our support for the Allied Forces around the world, but in particular, of course, the British Armed Forces".

A new video to accompany the song, which was filmed partly on location at the Kiwi Barracks in Wiltshire, sees the band being put through their paces in the drill square and getting to grips with some military hardware.

At the London Collage of Music the reworked song was recorded and produced by Pip Williams, who was responsible for the original version.