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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Shirley Bartynek

Lanarkshire big band raises roof at Glasgow fundraiser

A fundraiser for Glasgow’s last surviving bus garage went with a swing, as guests enjoyed the sound of a popular Lanarkshire big band.

A record turnout of more than 1300 people supported the event at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust - their first family day for three years due to the pandemic.

The Michael Brawley Big Band raised the roof as crowds checked out 130 classic buses, trucks and fire engines.

Steven Booth Chair of GWT told Lanarkshire Live: "It goes without saying that it was great to be back. We're delighted to report that it was so very nearly the busiest day ever at Bridgeton Bus Garage with well over 1300 visitors.

Jack Skeldon, six months, of Uddingston, the youngest visitor to Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust family day (on Sunday August 7) pictured with his two grans Elsie Skeldon (L) and Maggie Barrie (R) (Lanarkshire Big Band)

"We also smashed the total number of visitors for our last family day pre Covid, in August 2019. The atmosphere and hubbub in the garage was fantastic. We can't thank people enough for coming out to support us and look forward to welcoming them back again soon."

Sunday's event, at GVVT's Bridgeton HQ, was officially opened by honorary guest and equality campaigner Dilawer Singh MBE, a former Glasgow Corporation bus driver who became Scotland’s first Asian police officer.

Darth Vader and his Star Wars troopers wowed the crowds, there was a fleet of American cars, exhibits by the police and fire service, and free vintage bus rides to and from George Square.

Storm Trooper checks that baritone player Sarah-Jane McLaughlin of the Michael Brawley Big Band is playing the right notes at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust family day (Freelance)

The money raised will go towards GVVT funds to help maintain the former Bridgeton Bus Garage in the city’s east end.

Trumpet player Gary Mitchell, of the band, which was set up by Hamilton musician Michael Brawley in 1995, said: “We had great fun playing for the crowds.

Honorary guest Dilawer Singh MBE arrives at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust and is welcomed by one of the Trustees, Donald Booth. (Freelance)

“It was a joy to be back after such a long absence due to Covid. The big band sound filled the huge bus garage. We were delighted to be a part of their day.”

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