Christmas cracker raises serious cash for veterans

Dec 20 2011 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

HUNDREDS of people attended a ‘cracker’ of a fundraising event to coin in cash for a much-loved Renfrewshire charity.

The annual Erskine Christmas Cracker proved to be a massive festive hit, attracting a record numbers of visitors.

There were bargains galore to be had at the popular fundraising craft fair, which was staged at the Ingliston Country Club and Equestrian Centre, in Bishopton.

An impressive total of £11,500 was raised for Erskine, which cares for ex-servicemen and women.

Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark declared the fair open and shoppers were given the chance to browse through more than 50 boutique stalls, offering everything from designer clothing to gourmet foods.

Throughout the two-day extravaganza, visitors also enjoyed music from the Paisley-based Gleniffer High School Pipe and Accordion Band, as well as Christmas carols sung beautifully by Pauline Melville.

Steven McManus, Erskine’s events officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted that so many of our supporters turned out to back the Christmas Cracker.

“This was by far our most successful craft fair to date, thanks to the superb range of high-quality products on offer, as well as the support of everyone at the Ingliston Country Club.

“I can’t thank Kirsty Wark enough for helping us to raise such an incredible amount of money for the veterans in our care.”

For further information about Erskine, log on to www. erskine.org.uk