BB grateful for ‘Smarties’ cash

Dec 15 2010 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

OFFICERS of the Boys Brigade had ‘Smarties’ to thank after their bank balance was given a welcome boost.

The Paisley and District Battalion were handed a cheque for £200 from Jim Napier, the Right Worshipful Master of Paisley’s Masonic Lodge, at the organisation’s annual charity night.

During his speech to members of the Brigade, and representatives from other charities, Mr Napier revealed that throughout the year, Lodge brethren had been saving 20p pieces in Smarties tubes for their chosen charities!

Past Master Tom Nixon then gave a short talk on Freemasonry and explained that members come from all walks of life and religions.

In addition to the Boys’ Brigade, £200 was also handed over to representatives of the Girl Guides (Blythswood District, Renfrew Division), the Scout Association (Paisley and District) and Alzheimers Association.

Macmillan Cancer Care were also on the receiving end of a cheque for a staggering £1,250, with the money being raised through a Lodge Sportsman’s Dinner, which was held in a St Mirren function suite earlier this year.

A spokesman for the Boys Brigade said: “We would just like to say a big thank you to all Lodge members for their kindness and generosity.

“It was a fantastic gesture, but particularly so at the moment when the Brigade is under the same financial pressure currently being experienced by all other charities.”

Over the past five years, the Paisley Lodge has handed out a whopping £34,000 to various charities.

For more information on the Boys’ Brigade, log on to www.paisley.boys-brigade.org.ukuk