TWO major events last weekend raised nearly £600 for our Aspire appeal to save the Accrington Pals Memorial Chapel housed in St John’s Church, Accrington.
A Valentine’s rock night at the Brooks Club, Accrington, on Saturday attracted 250 people, who enjoyed listening to live band Freebird, which played favourites by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles.
Mick Priestley, chairman of Accrington Motorcycle Club which organised the event, said: "We raised the cash through ticket sales and a raffle. One man gave a giant anniversary bouquet to his wife as a present so romance was definitely in the air as well as rock and roll."
The previous night racing enthusiasts had raised £290 with a race night at Sydney Street Working Men’s Club, Accrington.
Punters could bet on televised races and there was an auction for Accrington Stanley hospitality tickets which raised £120.
Club secretary Brian McGeown said: "We had people come in who hadn’t heard about the fund-raiser but they all got into it. We had about 50 people in total and everyone enjoyed themselves."
* The two events and donations have taken the fund’s total almost to the halfway point at £24,990.
This week’s donations are: Margaret Haworth £200; Rishton Social Services £25; Ronnie and Mildred in memory of Pal Fred Bibby £250; Mrs R Haworth £10; and in memory of Anne £100.
Another £4.50 came from the sale of Pals pens and pencils which are now on sale at our offices.
