Firs Wolverhampton Charity August Bank Holiday Monday 2004
Another year has passed us by and true to form August Bank Holiday Monday at the Firs in Castlecroft was Charity Bank Holiday Monday. There is a saying in cricket that rain stopped play, at The Firs that saying is unacceptable, the hearts of the Friend of The Firs are too great. The rain appeared at 11.30am just as the pub opened and Licensee Mick William’s hopes of a great day seemed dashed. But a poor start to the day was too be outwayed by the hearts of the patrons of the Firs, call it what you will but as they appeared armed with prams and babies in arms the weather was forced to give way and the sun broke through.
The traditional barbeque was not to be but Jayne Perks and her Line Dancing Brigade, a kiddy packed bouncy castle, tombola and bowls of chips by the tray load were surely here to ensure the day went well.
As 3.30pm approached patio, lounge and bar were packed and the most important people, the patrons who had donated and worked hard throughout the year, were all here to see a staggering £7,000 donated to their chosen charities. This colossal amount had been raised through raffles and collections throughout the year, with the main bulk being raised through the Annual Bridgnorth Raft Regatta.
The time was upon us and an array of larger than life cheques were assembled on the patio to be presented to representatives from the afore mentioned charities. The Happy Society’s representative Michelle collected a cheque for £2,000, Compton Hospice received £1,000, Children with Leukaemia £1,000, Children with Diabetes £1,000, Bridnorth Lions £100, Guide Dogs for The Blind £500, local division of the RSNC £100 and Dr Bernardos £100. The outstanding sums went to our own personal causes of the Firs AFC £1,000 and Castlecroft Cobras £200. When seeing such a staggering amount given out without no other reason than goodwill it proves that charity does indeed begin at home, if your home local is the Firs!
With business matters complete the fun was surely to continue as Gareth (I don't pour drinks!) Law , the assistant manager of the Firs was put in the Wet Sponge Stall for patrons to reward him for outstanding service! Strange the staff weren't allowed five minutes off duty! With Ken and his karaoke and a raffle for a bike ready to finish the night off another charity day was over, and once more people more deserving than ourselves were the true winners of the day.