THE mayors of Didcot, Wallingford, Thame and Henley — who are all women — have teamed up to put on a charity concert.

The quartet will even take to the stage themselves with a song and dance act in An Evening of Talent at Didcot’s Cornerstone, to raise money for their chosen charities.

It is the first time such an event has been organised in south Oxfordshire.

Mayor of Didcot Margaret Turner said: “When we were lunching together, we realised it was the first time we have had four female mayors in south Oxfordshire, and thought we should put on a joint event for our charities.

“We will have an act from each town to show the best that the whole district has to offer.”

Didcot Community Gospel Choir is making its debut public appearance, while a group of actors and musicians have developed a 20-minute show called The Wallingford Experience, set in 1646 and revealing stories from the town’s past.

The programme will be completed by performances from Henley Choral Society and Thame Youth Theatre, while the four mayors will cap off the evening with a performance of We did it our Way.

Mrs Turner said: “I’m looking forward to it tremendously, and ticket sales are going really well — although I am extremely nervous about performing.

“The mayors of Henley and Thame are members of choirs, and so a little bit more experienced, but I’ve never done anything like this before.

“I keep telling myself that, at the end of the day, it is for charity.

“The rehearsals have gone extremely well, and we’ve got each other to support us.”

Wallingford mayor Dee Cripps added: “It will be a great fundraiser, and I’m delighted to be able to support the other mayors by taking part.”

* Tickets for An Evening Of Talent, on Saturday at 7.30pm, are available from the box office on 01235 515144, priced £12 and £10.50 for concessions.

THE CHARITIES: * Didcot Community Hospital — Margaret Turner, mayor of Didcot. The hospital acts as a bridge between hospital and home, particularly for elderly patients needing rehabilitation. It has 28 beds, plus outpatient clinics, therapy services, and a podiatry service.

* Helen and Douglas House — Margaret Turner, mayor of Didcot and Jeannette Matelot Green, mayor of Thame. The Oxford hospice provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions.

* Style Acre — Dee Cripps, mayor of Wallingford.

The Crowmarsh Gifford-based charity provides supported living services to adults with learning disabilities across south Oxfordshire and runs Didcot’s Turnstyle day centre.

* Thame Young Carers — Jeannette Matelot Green, mayor of Thame.

The charity provides support to children and young people who have to care for another person, usually a family member, to a level usually expected of an adult.

* Charles ‘Berti’ Bertioli Staying Alive Foundation — Elizabeth Hodgkin, mayor of Henley.

The Nettlebed-based charity has raised £100,000 for a renal unit for the Royal Berkshire Hospital and is now raising money for an ultrasound machine.lsloan@oxfordmail.co.uk