On 10th September a glittering event was held to celebrate the life and music of Lynsey de Paul, award-winning singer-songwriter who died last year.
The PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund, of which Lynsey was a valued trustee, joined forces with the PRS for Music Foundation. The event launched a prize honouring Lynsey which will help young female singer songwriters to develop their careers. The first prizewinner was 15 year old Emma McGrath, who performed two of her songs to a very attentive audience. Runners up Niomi Eve and Emma McGann also attended. The prize will run initially for another two years.
Friends, family and fans of Lynsey enjoyed a champagne reception kindly sponsored by Cherry Red Records and accompanied musically by Mike Lindup who played a selection of Lynsey’s songs, followed by a dinner. The host for the evening was Dame Esther Rantzen, TV presenter and founder of ChildLine and The Silver Line. She was one of Lynsey’s close friends and was a great help in organising the event.
An auction was hosted by PRS Chairman Guy Fletcher, and raised over £3,500 for the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund.
Lynsey was an award-winning musician, writing 12 top twenty hits such as ‘Dancing on A Saturday Night’ and ‘Sugar Me’, singing six of them, and winning two Ivors and a BASCA Gold Badge among many others. Her TV themes included Hearts of Gold.
The event took place at PRS headquarters at 2 Pancras Square.
All photos by Sylvan Mason.
 Niomi Eve, Emma McGrath and Emma McGann |
 Mitch Murray, Kiki Dee and Christopher Gunning (chair of Event Committee) |
 Dame Esther Ranzen, host of the evening |
 Jessica Morgan (Fund Communication Officer) assisting Guy Fletcher (PRS Chair) at the auction |
 Eddie Levy (Fund Committee Member) and John Logan (Fund General Secretary) browsing the event programme |
 Mike Lindup (Fund Committee Member) |
 John Logan (Fund General Secretary) interviewed by Vintage TV |
 Guy Fletcher (PRS Chair) addressing the room |
 Auction prizes |
 Christine Keeley (Fund Administrator) and Jessica Morgan (Fund Communication Officer) |
 Lynsey de Paul in a montage of her songs |
 Guy Fletcher (PRS Chair) and Emma McGrath (prizewinner) |
