Foul weather drives Sean Batty

Jul 6 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

POPULAR weatherman Sean Batty helped launch STV’s charity tea party initiative – but couldn’t secure a little sunshine for the event.

The Paisley man was joined at the launch by John MacKay, STV News At Six anchor, and actress and musician Heather Peace.

The Lip Service and Waterloo Road star was at STV HQ, in Pacific Quay, to have a cuppa and slice of cake – but heavy rain threatened to leave her with soggy grub.

However, the two lads rode to her rescue with giant-sized umbrellas – and were rewarded with a piping-hot cuppa.

Sean, a former pupil at Castlehead High School, told the Paisley Daily Express: “We didn’t let a little bit of rain ruin our fun.

“Heather came to visit us at STV to have a tea party on the Clyde but the heavens opened, so John and I came to the rescue with the big brollies we use for outside broadcasts – we didn’t want any soggy cakes at this tea party!

“We had a great time and it is all for a fantastic cause.

“Now I’m urging all my Buddies to throw their own tea parties and join in the fun.”

John, who lives in Erskine, added: “It was great to meet Heather, especially as she brought lots of cakes with her – and we always welcome cakes in the STV news room.

“In August, I’ll be holding my own tea party underwater with the sharks and sports correspondent Raman Bhardwaj in aid of the STV Appeal, which I’m a bit nervous about.

“But this one was positively relaxing compared with what’s in store for Raman and I.”

Heather insisted she had a great time launching STV’s Biggest Tea Party on the banks of the River Clyde, despite the rain.

The actress, who has just released her debut album Fairytales in between her busy filming schedule for BBC’s Waterloo Road, said: “What a lovely way to raise money for a good cause.

“Why not get some friends together and have a party, bake lots of cakes, drink tea and have a laugh?

“While you’re at it, please donate a few pounds and send it off to the STV Appeal – every penny helps.”

Heather added: “I love filming in Scotland. There’s a great spirit about the place and it’s starting to feel like my second home.

“I’m delighted to get involved with the STV Appeal while I’m here, which helps the thousands of children living in poverty in Scotland.

“So, whether you’re at home, in the office, at school, having a picnic or even out on a building site – get the kettle on and help make a difference.”

The proceeds from Scotland’s Biggest Tea Party will help Scotland’s children and young people living in poverty.

Elizabeth Partyka, Deputy Director of Channels at STV, said: “There are tea parties taking place across the whole of Scotland and, if everyone who has a cuppa donates even just a pound, this will have a huge impact.

“Just £5 will buy a child breakfast for a week; £10 can buy a duvet to help keep a child warm at night.

“It doesn’t take much to make a difference – so, please, throw a tea party, have some fun and know that you are helping the thousands of vulnerable children living in Scotland today.”

Last year, the inaugural Big Tea party raised £1.3million.

More information and Tea Party Packs can be found at www.stv.tv/appeal