Charity cash is split down the middle

Blantyre Congregational Church hand over £1200

Members of Blantyre Congregational Church split £1200 between two charities recently.

The money – which was donated to Help for Heroes and Erskine – was raised when congregation members hosted a Festival of Remembrance for the community of Blantyre in November last year.

On the evening, those in attendance were entertained by the Dykehead Amateur Flute Band, who enthralled everyone with their repertoire of music.

Adding to the occasion were local artists Anne Campbell, Ross Mcgregor and Nicole Dickie, with everyone joining in for some congregational singing.

During the second half of the event, Rev Malcolm J Anderson led the congregation in a solemn act of remembrance and was joined by Ged Killen MP, Monica Lennon MSP, James Kelly MSP, Claire Haughey MSP, Councillor Mo Razaqq and Councillor Maureen Chalmers.

Rev Anderson said: “We were delighted that a total of £1200 was raised on the evening, with the church members nominating two charities to receive £600 each, namely Help for Heroes and Erskine.

“Thank you to everyone who was involved.”

Help for Heroes provide lifelong support to service personnel and military veterans with injuries, illnesses and wounds sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces.

The Erskine charity offers unrivalled nursing, residential, respite and dementia care in four homes throughout Scotland for UK veterans and their spouses.

Pictured is Deacon Ann Barr, church president Les Jessiman and Rev Anderson along with the regional co-ordinator Aisla Alcock for Help for Heroes.

And pictured at Erskine are Deacon Ann Barr and Rev Anderson with Colin Mcphail, fundraising manager for Erskine.