Music nights held in aid of Blantyre charity

Aug 19 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A ROCK night in aid of a local charity is due to held this weekend in Blantyre.

The gig night will be held at Blantyre Miners’ Welfare Club on Saturday night, and will be in aid of Blantyre’s Haven centre.

The three bands set to perform are You Two Downies, Toy Tin Soldiers and the ‘Tyre Walk ‘n’ Rollers.

Co-organiser Kenny McInally, 29, often walks around Blantyre each weekend with a large group of men from the town, and all have become well-known in the area.

Now four of the walkers have clubbed together to start a covers band especially for Saturday’s gig.

The band are Kenny on bass, Joe Gallagher on guitar, John Tierney on drums and local actor Scott Fletcher on guitar and vocals.

Three of the band have also been involved with other bands, with Kenny in local rock group Eryka, John performing with Central and Joe singing for Mr Kil.

Scott recently starred in the BBC sitcom, Gary Tank Commander.

Kenny said: “Over the last three years my father Willie McInally, father-in-law-Andi Downie, myself and a few of my friends have put on a live music night in the Blantyre Miners’ Welfare in aid of the Haven.

“On the previous two events we’ve raised almost £3000.

“Basically the night has consisted of a few local bands playing a set each and then a DJ.

“My band Eryka have played the two previous events, but this year a few of the members can’t make it due to work commitments.”

Following the development, Kenny and his walking friends decided to put on a show together.

Their band, the Tyre Walk ’n’ Rollers, will now perform rock covers from the ‘70s right through to the present day.

They will be supported by acoustic covers duo You Two Downies and Toy Tin Soldier, who will perform their own material.

Kenny explained: “Almost everyone involved is from the town.

“A few years ago, Andi Downie decided that it would be great to get a charity night set up in aid of the Haven.

“He was involved with the centre back at the start, and it obviously has a place in his heart.

“We all decided to help out. It is a great place that is right on our doorstep, and to put on charity concerts for it is ideal.”

The rock concert at Blantyre Miners’ Welfare is one of two events this weekend in aid of the Haven centre.

On Friday, Gary Bennett and the Cosmopolitan Big Band will entertain people at the Miners’ Welfare Club.

Tickets for each night cost £5 and are available either from the Haven or from the club itself, with the doors opening at 7.30pm. Over-18s only.

The Haven is an award winning charity which provides over 30 free support and information services to families and carers affected by illness.