Renfrew Ferry rocked to the tune of £12,000      

By Gary Moug ASK THE  man on the street what he thinks about lawyers and it’s unlikely the word “generous” will pass his lips. But a team of solicitors from Glasgow may just force a re-evaluation of the profession. A concert organised by staff from law firm The PRG Partnership has raised an incredible £12,000 for our appeal. The concert earlier this year, on the Renfrew Ferry which is permanently moored on the Clyde, featured performances from legendary Scottish pop band Marmalade and Counselled Out — a soul group featuring one of the solicitors from the firm.

Rocking lawyers John Mackie (on sax)  and Arthur McKay.

Arthur McKay, a partner in PRG Partnership, said, “I attended a function on the Renfrew Ferry. I was talking to Barbara Wilson from the Royal Bank of Scotland and we mentioned what a great venue it was. It makes a nice change from a hotel. Friends “I’ve done stuff for CHAS in the past so I got to thinking how great it would be if the firm could organise a fund-raising event for clients and friends on the ferry. “We spoke to sponsors and the people at CHAS and decided we could do it. We asked Marmalade to perform and ex-Rangers and Scotland striker Derek Johnstone offered his services as compere free. I don’t know if he’d done anything like that before, but he did a wonderful job. “One of my colleagues, John Mackie, plays saxophone for Counselled Out so they also performed.” The gala evening was attended by more than 350 people and also featured an auction, in which lots included signed Celtic and Rangers shirts and weekend breaks to Scottish hotels. Tickets were £20 a head and once the money was gathered, the grand total came to a whopping £12,000 — and donations are still pouring in. Arthur added, “It was a tremendous night and everyone enjoyed themselves. It took a lot of organising, but it was well worth it and I wouldn’t rule out doing something similar in the future. “I’ve had a long association with CHAS as I’ve attended quite a few classical music evenings held in their honour.” (Since 1996 CHAS has had a programme called Music For CHAS where classical musicians have given their time to perform in Glasgow for the charity.) “I attended the first of these evenings in 1997,” Arthur continued. “Prior to that, it had never occurred to me that a child might require hospice care. “At these evenings someone from the charity gives a talk and I’m always very impressed by the way they do things. “CHAS is not an ‘in-your-face’ type of charity. There’s never anyone rattling cans at the door or anything like that. Genuine love  “The fund-raisers project such a positive image and it’s obvious they are very dedicated and have a genuine love of their charity. “Some of the stories they tell of the children who attend Rachel House are heart-rending. I have two daughters of my own so it really hits home. “I know how important it is that Scotland has a second hospice. It’s very disappointing though that the new hospice is relying so heavily on private funding.  “That’s why CHAS is a vital charity and The Sunday Post should be commended for highlighting such a worthwhile cause.” Marmalade took top billing at the concert. The band scored their first hit in the UK charts in 1968 with Loving Things and became the first UK chart toppers of the 1970s with Reflections Of My Life. Counselled Out are one of Scotland’s most successful live soul acts and have performed with the likes of Deacon Blue, T-Rex and Jim Diamond. “We’d like to thank everyone who gave their time and talent,” Arthur added. “We’ve handed over a cheque for £12,000 to CHAS, but bits and pieces are still coming in so we don’t yet have a final total.”

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