Gala dinner boosts Malawi Project

It also brought awareness of the Provost’s Malawi Project to help disabled children and Provost Jim Robertson was delighted with the support given to the event and it exceeding his target of £20,000.

He said: “When I set a target of raising £20,000 some people thought it was perhaps a little over-ambitious.

“But I had every faith in our supporters and am delighted we topped it by several hundred pounds.”

Guests at the dinner were met at the door by bagpipe music provided by a group from North Lanarkshire School Pipe Band.

The Provost set the scene by explaining why he set up the Malawi Project in North Lanarkshire.

Charles Fawcett of Aiming Higher in Malawi Project, and Lauren Strain who is a pupil of St Margaret’s High School, spoke of visits they have made to Malawi and how they have become involved in supporting projects there, adding ardent appeals to dig deep to boost the fund.

There was a great response to the appeals after dinner through raffles and an auction.

The evening was rounded off with dancing to the music of Abba tribute band Scottish Super Troupers who kept the evening lively.

Provost Robertson said: “I am very grateful to everyone who took a table for the event, provided raffle prizes and auction lots, the organising committee and everyone who helped with the arrangements.

“ I have been overwhelmed by the support shown and I can assure everyone that the money will be put to good use.

“The next task, and it is a very happy one, will be to decide where the money will be spent. I am anxious we provide something long-term and sustainable.”