Maureen Smith and Jean Summers, Parkhead Housing Association’s Sheltered Wardens, recently brought variety back to the East End of Glasgow at the congregational Church on Westmuir Street on 30^th November. It may have been a dark and dreary winter night outside but inside the church was buzzing as over 100 local residents enjoyed a fantastic evening’s entertainment. There were stellar performances from singers Bradley Paul and Sharon Day, a vocal group from the Cuthelton sheltered complex, Maureen’s daughter Carleen (pictured) and even a “tipsy” Jim Strang doing a rendition of ‘I belong to Glasgow’!

The whole evening was compered by Springburn’s answer to Dermot O’Leary, Mr. Tom Barclay of Clyde Valley Housing Association. Tom got the crowd whipped into a frenzy as Elvis entered the building for the grand finale singing some classics from Presley’s repertoire including Suspicious Minds and Burning Love. All the acts were then called to the stage for a rousing rendition of Loch Lomond.

The event was in aid of Playbusters and their Helping Hands Scheme which looks after members of the local community during the harsh weather of the winter months. A fantastic £872 was raised for what is a very worthy cause. Susan McKeown, Chair of Parkhead Housing Association, said “The evening has been a fantastic success and we hope it will be the first of many. We are delighted to have raised some much needed funds for the Helping Hands Scheme but even more delighted to put a smile on the face of our local residents’.