Shoebox appeal

Staff at Busby library organised a special coffee morning yesterday to kick start their shoe box appeal.

Over 50 people were in attendance where employees handed out the shoe boxes that contains information on what items can be put in the boxes.

June Lamont, library supervisor, said: "The reason behind this appeal is that village's Duff Memorial Hall, which is attached to the library, was built in 1921/22 by the Duff family as a memorial to their two sons William and John who both sadly lost their lives in World War One.

The building was gifted to the community in honour of the young men.

"We are going to start a group called the Friends of Duff Memorial Hall and are hoping to meet once a month in the building from 11.30am till 1pm.

"So the shoe box appeal will start us off then we will meet and have our first sit down meeting in April when we hope to come up with ideas on what the group will do and who we can help.

"One idea is to make picture postcards of the village for the injured army soldiers at Erskine Hospital.

Any money we make will be for the Busby community to buy something for village such as a tree, a plaque, or something that the village may need or can use. So the money we make will stay in Busby".

Inside the lid of each box handed out is information about the Duff family.

Boxes can be collected from the library during opening hours and should be returned before March 27.

Representatives from the armed forces will then visit to collect the boxes which will be sent to the men and women serving overseas.

Local businesses are behind the campaign including Clarks and Rogersons footwear shops who have provided the empty shoe boxes.

The Wine Cellar in Busby have donated cases of dried noodles and the village's Cartvale Bar has been publicising the campaign, asking regulars to make donations to the cause.