Thatch hits the roof for good causes

There’s no question about it! When it comes to fundraising big money for good causes, the fortnightly quizzes at The Thatch Inn, Broughshane, have all the answers.

So successful are they that a staggering £9,500 was amounted by them for various charities from mid-September, 2012, to May of this year and a further £2,900 has been raised for a variety of charities through the five quiz nights held since this September.

Thatch barman Boyd Douglas, who has been organising the nights for some 20 years, said it’s hard to say how much has been raised in that time but that the quizzes, which are held every other Wednesday, each currently raise around £500-£600.

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“It’s good lifting for a Wednesday night and it’s really unbelieveable with the current climate and the credit crunch but when it comes to charities people are willing to dip in and at the quizzes they also get a good night out. There’s a good bit of craic!,” said Boyd who paid tribute to quiz masters, Caroline Speirs and Lisa Davison, for the vital role they play in the fundraising success.

“It wouldn’t work either without the regular teams and patrons who turn up, so a big thank-you to them,” said Boyd.

A devoted and long-standing supporter of good causes, Boyd recently single-handedly raised £540 for the Royal British Legion, of which he is a Broughshane branch member, by selling enamel poppy badges at the bar.

And the fundraising at The Thatch doesn’t stop there.

Boyd pointed out that this year’s annual Thatch Golf Society’s Golf Classic, giving players a day’s golf at Raceview and a meal back in the Thatch afterwards, raised a fabulous £1,555.60 for Kids with Cancer (Belfast).

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Thousands more have been raised for MacMillan Cancer via the ‘Duck Do’s’ which were set up and organised by fellow Thatch staff member Sam Turtle and Rosemary Calderwood.

Sam and Rosemary established the ‘Do’s’ in 2011 in memory of well known and much loved Thatch bar man Uel ‘Ducky’ Stirling who passed away in December of that year.

The fun evenings, which feature a raffle, auction and much more, have raised a staggering £6105 in just two years.

However, Sam said that, when it comes to fundraising, Boyd is an inspiration.

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“He really deserves recognition for organising the quizzes which have raised thousands and thousands over the years for so many good causes.”

The next to benefit will be Broughshane RBL branch this Wednesday, November 20. The fundraising quizzing starts at 8pm and admission is just £3 per person. Everyone welcome!

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