Perth charities are benefitting to the tune of £2800 following a comeback gig by a local musician.

Singer Gary Merralls packed out Perth’s Ex Servicemen’s Club on Friday 31 May to raise money for Horsecross Arts and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.  

Along with Perth fundraiser June Craig (BEM) and Rab Dunn and Andy Murray from Perth Ex Servicemen’s Club, Gary handed a cheque for £1400 to Lauren Oakes, head of creative learning at Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation and charity behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.

Lauren Oakes said:

“Thanks to Gary and June for this very generous donation. As a charity, we are reliant on funding for much of what we do, particularly when it comes to our community arts activities. With support from individuals such as this, and our partners, trusts and foundations, we can deliver a far-reaching programme that allows young people and adults, who may not otherwise get involved, to take part in and benefit from the arts. We plan to use this fantastic contribution to enhance our Join In Glee programme over the next year. We are hoping to buy new resources for our tutors to create in depth musical arrangements, and we also hope to offer Masterclasses for our Join In members, allowing for greater learning and development.”

Gary Merralls, who hung up his mic two and a half years ago following many years spent performing with bands and solo said:

“It’s been a while since I performed on stage, and although I have no plans to perform regularly again, I decided to perform a one-night comeback gig to benefit two charities that are close to my heart. It was a great night, the atmosphere in the club was fantastic, and, as always, I had great help and support from the amazing June Craig and the Perth Ex Servicemen’s Club. We are delighted to have raised so much money for these two great local causes.”

27 June 2019