What A Cracker

The 2008 Erskine Christmas Cracker fair was a resounding success raising £25,000. The event was held, for the first time, in the fantastic Ingliston Country Club and Equestrian Centre in Bishopton.

The official opening, on Thursday 20th November, by Councillor Derek Mackay, pictured with Paul Fraser, owner of Ingliston, and Colonel Martin Gibson, Chief Executive of Erskine, heralded the arrival of 1,300 visitors over the two day event. More than 2000 people in total attended the surrounding Ingliston 4 day Christmas Extravaganza event.

With over 100 unique stalls to choose from, visitors both old and new had plenty of opportunity to make a positive start on their Christmas shopping. Regular visitors Jill Thomson and Anne MacLean, who travelled from Balloch, said of the new venue "We come along every year to Cracker and this year's location is just fantastic; well laid out with a lovely ambience." Frankie Pearson and Irene Rose from Langbank agreed saying: "What an excellent venue Ingliston is! Much improved, with a spacious and lovely atmosphere".

The Extravaganza package built around Cracker also included a Ceilidh, held on the Friday evening, a Barn Dance on Saturday and a full range of accompanying events, including Kilbarchan Pipe Band, a falconry display, highland dancing and entertainment by the Bishopton Male Voice Choir.

On Sunday, visitors relaxed and enjoyed the authentic taste of real ale as Ingliston played host to its very own beer festival, in association with the Houston Brewing Company and were treated to a wonderful display by the Strathclyde Mounted Police.

 

Remembrance at Erskine

Remembrance, always an emotional and poignant time at Erskine, was marked by three moving events at The Erskine Home, Bishopton, Erskine Glasgow and Erskine Edinburgh.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FC CLUB CAPTAIN MEETS VETERANS AND SERVING SOLDERS AT ERSKINE EDINBURGH HOME

Hearts captain, Christophe Berra joined serving solders of the Royal Scots Borderers and ex-Service men and women of Erskine to remember the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day. Hearts lost some of its most talented players in the Great War - now current players and soldiers take time out to show their respect and remember those who died serving their country during a two-minute silence.

Hearts captain Christophe Berra said, "As a club we know the ultimate sacrifice that our predecessors gave for this country's freedom. We remember every year. We know the significance. We always make sure new players know it too. Those players are our inspiration, because what they did was genuinely heroic."

Hearts captain, members of The Royal Scots Borderers Battalion and Erskine Veterans remembered those who lost their lives in a two minute silence on the site of the new Erskine home extension. After a bugler from The Royal Scots Borderers Battalion played the last post, Berra presented a Hearts football strip to Erskine. The framed shirt - with an embroidered poppy and the word "Remember" underneath - was worn by the captain during their win over St Mirren at Love Street last Saturday.

Jim Scott, Erskine's Chairman, said: "Hearts football club went almost en masse to fight in the Great War. It's been fantastic for us to have Christophe here showing his support. He's a great role model and knows very well what this is all about."

OVER 200 ERSKINE VETERANS IN BISHOPTON MARK REMEMBRANCE

At The Erskine Home, Bishopton over 200 Erskine veterans marked the act of remembrance with a service to remember fallen comrades and all of the men and women who bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. During the poignant and emotional service, WWII veteran Joe McGoran laid the wreath on behalf of the charity aided by Falkland's veteran Bill McDowall. Former Cameron Highlander Joe, aged 92, lost an arm and a leg during a fierce battle at Monte Cassino in 1944.

Joe said "I was wounded pretty badly by a rifle grenade. It blew my right arm and leg off. Although it was unfortunate that I was wounded I was very lucky to still be alive." Commenting on the younger generation Joe said I would urge them all to fight as hard as they can for peace and freedom."

ERSKINE GLASGOW'S FIRST WREATH

Erskine Glasgow held its first Remembrance Service since opening in 2007. On a cold but sunny morning on Friday 7th November Residents, families, friends and staff gathered around the memorial stone within the gardens for the Service of Remembrance.

A wreath was laid by veteran Bill Thomson, RAF, aged 90, along with Norman Yorke, RN, aged 87. A moving reading by Ian Turnbull, Recreation Assistant and haunting music by the Piper made the inaugural Erskine Glasgow service a very special and memorable occasion.

Brickwork Appeal

Regular visitors to the Annie Miller's Public House in Glasgow's City Centre have been generously contributing to the "Brickwork Appeal" organised by the pub's owner Steph. The Appeal has so far raised £600.00 which Steph and his friends very kindly popped into The Erskine Home, Bishopton to hand over.

Pictured are Grant, Dennis, Steph, Eddie & William with their donation.

Erskine Glasgow Home's 1st Birthday Celebrations

The 1st Birthday of Erskine Glasgow was celebrated in style.

An afternoon of dancing, lovely food, speeches and a wonderful cake ensured that it was a day to be remembered.

Peter Chalmers provided the music for dancing and singing, Resident Jack Alexander, R Sigs, gave moving speech and toast to Erskine Glasgow.

Pictured are residents, families, staff and guests enjoying the afternoon.

Royal Opening

On 30th September Kirkintilloch's new Marina welcomed a very special guest to open the new Seagull Cruises boathouse, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The Princess Royal was joined by six residents of the Erskine Glasgow Home, who had been invited along to celebrate the memorable day. Our residents were passengers on the boat used by the Princess Royal to cut the ribbon of the new boathouse. Having met with her they then enjoyed refreshments before being taken on a short trip along the canal.

Pictured with Princess Royal are Jim McKay, CSR and Mary Cathcart, AATS