The Defence and Emergency Services Charity Ball on August 8 will raise money for the Black Dog Institute and will also be the venue for the national launch of James Blundell’s film clip Riding Into Town at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.

The clip and accompanying song pays tribute to those who rode in the Charge of Beersheba on October 23, 1917.

James will also emcee the night and other entertainment will be from the Australian Army Rock Band from Brisbane.

The song came about after Captain Shane Green of the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers approached the country music artist and asked him if he could write a song in dedication to the men of the 4th and 12th Australian Light Horse (ALH) who rode in the charge.

The 12/16 HRL trace their history directly from the 12th ALH.

Captain Francois Nozaic of the 12/16 HRL came up with the idea to hold the ball and the event will include charity auctions, historical photos and for corporate and VIP ticket holders, a pre-dinner function involving the equipment of the 12/16 HRL and other activities and the chance to meet and chat with James Blundell.

James said he was proud to be able to write and record the song in tribute to the men and horses who rode in the charge and said Tamworth was the logical place to launch the clip, that was filmed in the region in June.

He said he was also keen to support any fundraising for organisations that helped those with depression.

“I’ve had first hand experience with family and rural depression so it’s a very relevant issue,” he said.

“The Random Act of Kindness I did the other day (on NBN) was for a man who was acutely depressed and is now helping others with depressions so I am supportive of any attempt to get it into any public forum.”

There are 500 seats available for the ball with tickets on sale through Tourism Tamworth, at www.visittamworth.com or by calling 6767 5300.

Tickets are $120 for the general public or $99 for defence or emergency services members and family and friends or $2000 for corporate tables of 10

people.