Band raise notes to send teens on Malawi mission

A TALENTED grandfather paved the way for teenage twins to go on a life-changing trip to Malawi.

The Houston Folk Club, which Bob Beattie, 81, plays for, provided free musical entertainment at a fundraising ceilidh that raised cash for the 16-year-olds’ charity trip.

He and friend Ian McLaren regularly play music for free at pensioners’ clubs, nursing homes and charity events - and Bob’s granddaughters, Judith and Katie, are in Africa this week with charity Habitat for Humanity thanks to Houston Folk Club’s efforts.

Bob’s daughter-in-law Fiona Beattie told the Gazette: “My two daughters are part of a team going to Malawi to help build houses. They’ve been fundraising for a year and their grandpa along with his band provided the music at their fundraising ceilidh.”

She added that a friend of the twins had already been out to several African countries and told the girls all about her experiences.

Before embarking on their trip, Judith, 16, said: “I’m very excited. When my best friend came back, it sounded amazing. It changed her attitude to a lot of things. To raise money, we’ve had a few ceilidhs and coffee mornings.”

Katie, 16, said: “The thing I’m most looking forward to is meeting the people. I’ve never been before and I’ve always wanted to go. I think the group will get on well - there’s only two people going I haven’t met before.”

Local councillor Carol Puthucheary said: “It’s wonderful that the Houston Folk Club helped out in this way and were so generous with their time and talent. I wish the girls all the best on their trip to Malawi - I’m sure it will be a life-changing experience for them and also for the people they meet.”

Houston Folk Club meets every Thursday at the Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston from 8pm to 11pm. Most club nights are open stage nights, which means if you want to sing or play you can. Their members come from all over Renfrewshire and play a wide range of music, folk, country and sea-shanties.