A MUCH-LOVED Greenock charity is getting ready for an evening of entertainment and enjoyment as its popular fundraising ball returns for the first time since the Covid pandemic.

Greenock Town Hall is set to host a fantastic fundraiser on September 28 in aid of Greenock Medical Aid Society (GMAS), a longstanding local charity which runs Glenfield and Bagatelle Care Homes.

Money raised from the event will go towards buying a much-needed wheelchair-accessible minibus for GMAS residents, which charity chiefs say will ‘change the lives’ of their charges.

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The event will mark the grand return of the organisation’s annual ball and promises to be an exciting evening for those who come along.

(Image: George Munro)

GMAS fundraising officer June McDermid told the Tele the cash raised from the event would help improve the lives of Bagatelle and Glenfield residents.

She said: “Every year pre-Covid there was always an annual ball and when covid hit it put paid to us having a ball that year and the year after, so this is us getting back into doing them.

“They’ve been running for well over 10 years and they’ve always been really successful and have been supported by the community and lots of local business.

“I think we’ve sold about 70 tickets so far and we’re continuing to engage with local businesses to get some sponsorship in place.

“The whole point of the ball this year is to raise money to buy a wheelchair accessible minibus and that’s for the residents in both Bagatelle and Glenfield.

“We’ve got a total of 79 residents currently and we struggle with local transport, even with accessible taxis.

“Since Covid there aren’t as many on the road any more and we’re just finding it harder and harder to access transport that’s suitable for the needs of residents.

“We’ve spoken to families and staff, and we agree it would be a great idea.

“It means we can plan trips but also be spontaneous since we won’t need to book so far in advance with local transport groups. It puts it in our control.

“We’re really looking forward to the ball and we hope it’ll be well supported.”

Proceedings will get underway at 6:30pm with a sparkling drinks reception where guests will be welcomed by host Gerry McDade.

This will then be followed by a three-course dinner and the ever-popular Capitol Big Band will take centre stage to provide the evening’s entertainment.

Guests will also have the chance to win prizes throughout the evening through a fundraising raffle and online auction.

Tickets for the ball cost £55 per person and can be purchased at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/greenockmedicalaidsociety, in person at Bagatelle or Glenfield’s admin offices or by phone on 01475 729424.