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Antiques boffin Eric gives boost in Pals’ memory

7/ 2/2008

TV ANTIQUES expert Eric Knowles has given a massive boost to our appeal to save the Accrington Pals Memorial Chapel.

The star of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, who had previously pledged his support to the appeal, has now agreed to host a fund-raising event on 30 April after talking to Helen Barrett, PCC secretary at the beautiful and historic St John’s Church in which the chapel is based.

Meanwhile, all is set for a great night tonight (Friday) when the Fireside Fusiliers present a bonanza of music and comedy at Park View Working Men’s Club, Bayley Street, Clayton-le-Moors, from 8pm.

It will include folk songs, rock songs, poetry and comedy sketches.

Tickets are available in advance from Park View or can be bought on the door for £3.

Also, don’t forget to buy your tickets for a Valentine’s rock night at the Brooks Club, Accrington, next Saturday.

It is being organised by Accrington Motorcycle Club and will feature live music by Freebird and a prize-packed raffle.

Tickets costing £5 can be bought in advance from the Hope and Anchor pub on Whalley Road, Accrington, or by ringing club chairman Mick Priestley on 0786 672 4083.

The fund, with a target of £50,000, now stands at £22,621 with the addition this week of a £200 donation from Mr and Mrs Ron Smith of New South Wales, Australia, £20 with love to Bill from Ruth and £5 from the sale of keyrings.

Cheques, made payable to St John’s Pals Fund, or cash can be handed in at the Observer offices at 103 Blackburn Road, Accrington. Unless requested otherwise, we will acknowledge all donations in the paper.

If you are planning a fund-raising event let us know by ringing 871444 and we will publicise it and arrange a photograph.

Details of how to help the church and chapel by talking out a standing order are available on the website http://www.stjohns-accrington.org.uk/index.html, along with a wealth of information on the history of the church, why it had to close, the Pals, how the campaign is going, merchandise and a who’s who page to help put faces to the names.