SO TODAY is Black Friday, when normal, everyday shoppers turn into steely-eyed Ninja assassins, ready to kill and maim for that bargain 52” plasma foot massager and Bluetooth spoon sharpener they never really wanted.

But spare a thought for that crumpled heap of cold, wet and dirty clothes in the shop doorway you’ve just trodden on, that’s someone’s son or daughter, that’s where they live, that’s what passes for their home.

It can be heart-breaking to walk through Weymouth town centre on a Saturday afternoon to see the number of homeless and vulnerable living on the street, and not just at this time of year, goodwill to all men and all that.

The homeless aren’t there by choice and there could be a number of factors why they end up on the street: Family break-up, unemployment, mental health issues, drink or drug problems, every person is different and it can happen to anyone.

But it’s not just in our little seaside resort, it’s a problem in many towns across the country and while several people may stop to chat and offer food and drink and compassion, many more just tut, look the other way and think: Someone should do something.

Well, somebody is trying to do something with the all-day Gimme Shelter event on Saturday, December 17 at the Wyke Smugglers in Weymouth.

As always, a huge number of local artists are giving their time and talent for free to help raise money for the YOUTrust charity which helps vulnerable people across the south.

On the bill for the event are Paisley, Edd Bleach, Surfin’ Birds, Side Door Project and Laura and George and a jam session from the top-notch Belvedere House Band.

On the acoustic stage, they’ll be turns from 19 Crimes, Kipper, Jukebox Junkies and James Baker while DJs including Jetpack Assassin and Precinct of Sound will be on the wheels of steel.

Donations to a food and clothing bank will be more than welcome and it’s just £3 on the door from 1pm with all proceeds going to YOUTrust, which helps people who have complex and multiple needs facing homelessness.

The charity’s head of health and homelessness department Michelle Lock tells me: “It’s truly remarkable to see the community come together to help people who are needing support around homelessness. We massively appreciate their support.”

An absolute top job all round, I’d say.

Moving on, and the delightful hamlet that is Bere Regis is braced for an evening of western swing, whoop-ass country blues and a frenzy of washboard-bashing with the visit of Screaming Miss Jackson and the Slap Ya Mama Big Band.

As you can see from the picture on this page, there’s quite a few of them so it will a bit of tight squeeze in the Drax Arms next Friday, December 2, for this marvellous ensemble who have delighted festival crowds at Glastonbury, Bearded Theory, Boomtown and many more.

Next up, and metal fans will be putting on their moshing pants for the visit to Finns in Weymouth of Southampton metalcorers Our Hollow Our Home on Saturday, December 3.

They’re headlining another Uprising Management night of Very Loud Noises with local heroes As Flames Rise supporting, along with Bloodsworn and Glimpse of Misfortune.

Tickets are just £3 and doors open at 7.30pm.

And finally, singer Garry Collins has asked me to pass on his and the band’s gratitude to all friends and fans who came along to the recent series of Blind Harvest reunion gigs.

I was lucky enough to be at their final show at the Wyke Smugglers a couple of Saturdays ago and it was a very special and very emotional evening.

As Garry tells me: “We started back in 1972 and got back together this year for three gigs to mark the end of an era which spanned 44 years, albeit with a 37-year gap in between.

“We’re all still firm friends and have really enjoyed putting on these last three shows.

“Brian, Tim, Steve, Simon and myself would like to extend a huge thanks to all those supporters from back in the day who made a great effort to attend the gigs and the more recent much younger ones who have enjoyed our music,” he adds.

Thank you Wembley and good night.

Till next time..

GIG GUIDE

TONIGHT (25)

The Skones (Finns, Weymouth)

Mike Walker (Weymouth Working Mens Club)

The Shakespearos (Kings Arms, Weymouth)

Ricky Solo (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Barry Paul as Elvis (Wyke Regis Working Mens Club, Weymouth)

Freezer (Park, Weymouth)

Andy Grant Trio (Royal Portland Arms, Portland)

Billy Solo (Wellington, Weymouth)

Stacey Lou (Gloucester, Weymouth)

Craig Alexander and the Zephyrs (Boat That Rocks, Portland Marina)

4 Go Mad in Dorset (Wyke Smugglers, Weymouth)

Dirtbox (Belvedere, Weymouth)

Nick Parker and the False Alarms (Ropemakers, Bridport)

Peacock Suit (Royal Oak, Weymouth)

Shooter (Punchbowl, Portland)

Tripod (Golden Lion, Weymouth)

SATURDAY (26)

Slade (Weymouth Pavilion)

Hot Bacon (Sailors Return, Weymouth)

Blue Quay (Weymouth Working Mens Club)

Old Dogz New Trix (Wyke Regis Working Mens Club, Weymouth)

Barry Hobson (Conservative Club, Weymouth)

The Relics (Bull’s Head, Dorchester)

Freezer (Tom Browns, Dorchester)

Replay (RBL Club, Portland)

Elvis 56 (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Million Dollar Bash (Star, Weymouth)

David Bowie, Elton John, Cher, Dusty Springfield (Kimberlin Club, Portland) Quite possibly a tribute act, although…

Skinful (Golden Lion, Weymouth)

Johnny King as Elvis (Gloucester, Weymouth)

Andy Kennett (Centenary Club, Weymouth)

Mad Hatters (Wyke Smugglers, Weymouth)

Minor Fret (Belvedere, Weymouth)

Mercy Lounge with Billy Boy Miskimmin (Boat That Rocks, Portland Marina)

Lauren Bannon (New Star, Portland)

The Silhouettes (RBL, Marnhull)

Craic On (Bridge Inn, Preston, Weymouth)

Quinn’s Quinney (Ropemakers, Bridport)

SUNDAY (27)

Slim Semora (Royal Portland Arms, Portland)

Finn (King’s Arms, Weymouth) 6pm.

Replay (Wyke Smugglers, Weymouth) 2-5pm.

Georgie Broad (Wyke Smugglers, Weymouth) 5-7pm.

Ricky Solo (Sailor’s Return, Weymouth) From 3pm.

Sheryl Lee’s Sunday Club (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth) 7pm.

Farrago (Globe, Weymouth) 4.30pm.

Roger’s Singalong (Gloucester, Weymouth)

MONDAY (28)

Acoustic session (Belvedere, Weymouth)

TUESDAY (29)

Ricky Solo (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Replay (Lions Show, Weymouth Pavilion)

Logan Carter (Boot, Weymouth)

WEDNESDAY (30)

Wessex Folk Night (Sailors Return, Weymouth)

Open Mic Night (Royal Exchange, Portland)

Open Mic (Bull, Fordington, Dorchester)

Jam Night (Belvedere, Weymouth)

THURSDAY (1)

The Stylistics (Weymouth Pavilion)

From The Jam (Electric Palace, Bridport)

Leggomen (George, Weymouth)

Ricky Solo (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Open Mic (George, Dorchester)

Traditional Tune Session (Cove House Inn, Portland)

Ukulele Sessions (Sailors Return, Weymouth)

SoapBox Night (Belvedere, Weymouth)

FRIDAY (2)

The Damned (Weymouth Pavilion)

Nine Below Zero (Electric Palace, Bridport)

Bad Intention (Finns, Weymouth)

Phil Hammond (Royal Portland Arms, Portland)

Screamin’ Miss Jackson and the Slap Ya Mama Big Band (Drax Arms, Bere Regis)

Billy Solo (Wellington, Weymouth)

Keith (Weymouth Working Mens Club)

Morgan Lily (Park, Weymouth)

Sheryl Lee (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)