The expression, "Let Us Now Praise Good Men" couldn't be more apt as I had the pleasure today of introducing two of Eccles finest, Glenn Kennedy and Paul Quinn. Glenn as you may know is the premier genealogist in the area, he did my family tree and traced it as far back to 1740, Cork in Ireland, he is also a generous spirit and helped us out with our Winter Warmer party in November by helping out on the day and with a magnificent cash donation he raised from family tree research which will go towards our Easter and Christmas, OAP's parties we have planned. Along with his wife Lisa he has been making Christmas hampers filled with goodies and has so far donated five of them to local charities including, Loaves and Fishes, The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford's Charity and others, when he heard that Paul was doing a charity Christmas Party for children and a raffle with proceeds being split 50/50 between Christies and the McMillan charity he stepped into help with a hamper. "Lisa and I just want to help, there is a lot of people who rely on these charity's and events in these difficult times and the work the charities do all year and especially this time of year is outstanding so we have to do our bit" When we called in The Station Bar, Paul was in the kitchen with Jo his daughter were they serving up the last of 110 free Christmas dinners to his locals which he had spread over the last two days no scrimping either, Turkey Crown or Ribeye Steak with vegetables. Paul told us that he had been treated for cancer earlier this year and true to form kept it a family secret until he got the all clear, and he wishes to raise funds for the people who saved his life. and what better way then a Christmas Charity Fun Day! This promises to be a party to remember with a Christmas buffet, raffles, a DJ, free selection boxes for each child who attends and every good Christmas party wouldn't be complete without a Father Christmas, so there will be one in attendance were they can get a free photo taken with him, and lots more surprises on the day. Paul has even purchased several dozen Polaroid cameras so that the children and no doubt the adults can be snapping away and taking home instant memories of the day, what a marvellous gesture. I can't praise Paul highly enough, he really is an unsung community hero who does so much charity work behind the scenes and helping local people out, one of the nicest men in Eccles and a great family man, I doff my oversized cap to him. As we were leaving, Paul shouted us over and said he had a few prizes for our Easter party, he so kindly donated both cash and bottles of sprits for our last Winter Warmer bash, and gave me 12 assorted bottles of wine and spirits... I was gobsmacked. The Christmas Charity Party is on Sunday 17th December from 2pm until 7pm, so why not call in take the kids, buy raffle tickets and help raise much needed funds for these two most worthwhile of charities....you'll enjoy it I promise, might even call in myself. Finally if any local business would like to donate money or raffle prizes call in the Station Bar, Church Street, Eccles and they will do the rest.
