Paisley pub regulars raise £400 for veterans at Erskine

Dec 29 2011 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

Buddies only sing when they’re raising

A CARING pub boss has said a big thank-you to ‘sweet-sounding’ regulars after they helped to raise almost £400 for veterans.

Helen McGrory, who runs The Tartan Rose bar in the West End of Paisley, decided to stage a series of fundraisers to coin in cash for ex-servicemen and women at Erskine.

Pub regulars donated prizes for a raffle which was held during the bar’s bi-weekly karaoke sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays, throughout November and December.

While amateur crooners were belting out hits by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Gloria Gaynor, Helen and her team were beavering away in the background, selling raffle tickets.

And the hard-working staff managed to raise £380 through their endeavours.

Helen told the Paisley Daily Express: “I’ve always been a big supporter of the Armed Forces and decided to do something to help out the ex-servicemen and women at Erskine.

“Every penny the charity takes in is vital. It is a fantastic cause, but they rely heavily on donations, so every little helps.”

Helen added: “Our regulars donated some fantastic prizes for the raffle, including a champagne dinner for four at the Alea Casino in Glasgow and some nice boxed whisky sets.

“I just want to say a big thank-you to everyone who either donated prizes or bought raffle tickets.

“All of their efforts are very much appreciated.

“Many of our customers have had family and friends who have been looked after by Erskine and they were only too happy to contribute.

“I used to help run a radio station that sent out messages to the troops and received messages back for their loved ones in this country.

“I will always do everything I can to help raise awareness of charities such as Erskine.”

For further information about Erskine and how you can help the charity, log on to the website at www.erskine.org.uk