Crieff Community Initiative raises over £4,500 from Christmas ball

Dec 11 2009 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

OVER 70 revellers gathered at the Royal British Legion Scotland Clubrooms in Crieff on Saturday for the annual Christmas lights ball - and oh, what an occasion it was.

Organised by the Crieff Community Initiative, the committee who look after Crieff’s festive lighting displays, the event was a glittering affair and also proved to be a lucrative fundraiser for the cause.

Following a delicious buffet, the party began with dancing continuing throughout the night to music from Rumours.

As well as being an opportunity to have some fun, the dance was also arranged as a means to raise money for the lighting fund and there were plenty of opportunities for the party goers to put their hands in their pockets.

The special draw, with a top prize of a voucher for £500 proved a popular attraction, as did the bountiful raffle with multiple prizes donated from individuals and businesses throughout the town and further afield. One lucky winner even won two pens from 10 Downing Street!

Then there was the auction, with 12 tempting lots - including a bottle of Scottish Parliament whisky signed by the First Minister himself and a replica flag of the 18th Green at St Andrew’s signed by local golfing legend Colin Montgomerie.

All in all the event raised well over £4,500 towards the running costs of the lights and Initiative members have expressed their thanks to all who supported the event in any way.

Speaking to the Herald this week, CCI chairman Stevie Rodger said: “We are really grateful to everyone who came along on Saturday and supported the dance. It was a great night and we are delighted by the amount of money that was raised.

“Thanks also to all of the businesses, organisations and individuals who gave their support in any way.

“I would like to say a few special thanks firstly to Tom Guthrie of Guthrie and Roberston, who this year sponsored the James Square Tree and also made for the town the safety skirt around the tree. His sponsorship amounted to £1,000.

“Secondly to Hugh Tracy from William Tracy and Sons Slaters who helped us put the new decorations above Arcus House in East High Street.

“And thirdly to Imran’s Tandoori who were the sponsors of the music at the Christmas Ball.”

Next year’s Christmas Ball will be held on December 4. Half of the tickets are already sold - so if you would like to be at this fun social night pop in and see Bob Ferguson at Burgess and Gibson, East High Street, Crieff or Stevie Rodger at the Pretoria Bar as soon as possible.