Councillors to take part in bake-off challenge

Councillors to take part in bake-off challenge

22 March 2017

ROWALLANE councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews have outlined plans for three more charity fundraising events over the coming months.

The duo — who have already raised thousands of pounds for worthy causes — are planning to take part in a baking challenge, golf tournament and boat race on Strangford Lough.

Previous fundraisers have included a boxing match, cycle race and eating challenge and the success of a previous golf tournament and skiff race have encouraged them to organise similar events in the near future.

The local politicians have to date raised funds for Children and Parents and Autism, the RNLI, the Down Lisburn branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, Killyleagh Youth -in project, East Down Amateur Boxing Club and Mulholland After Care Services which provides a range of services, including housing, mentoring and floating support projects for vulnerable young people.

The first charity fundraiser of 2017 will see the intrepid duo donning their aprons for a baking challenge which is being held at the Bridge Community Centre in Killyleagh. While no firm date has been agreed, it will take place towards the end of April or in early May to raise more funds for the town’s Youth -In.

The success of last year’s golf tournament at Bright has persuaded Billy and Terry to make this an annual event with this year’s teeing off on June 10 to raise money for HomeStart and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust which helps families bring home loved ones who have died overseas.

A formal launch of this year’s golf tournament has been organised for next week with the councillors hoping local people will once again support their efforts to raise money for worthy causes.

Towards the end of the summer, the politicians will be taking to the water again to take part in a rowing challenge to raise money for the recently launched Killyleagh Community Association.

“When we started out to raise funds for local charities and organisations we never imagined for a moment how successful they would be,” said councillor Walker. “While the emphasis is very much on having fun, the events are raising lots of money for good causes and we can’t thank people enough for their generosity and support.

“The baking challenge promises to be something very different and while Terry and I are fond of our food, it remains to be seen if we will end up eating what we have baked.”

Councillor Andrews also praised local people for their support and for taking part in the golf tournament and rowing races on Strangford Lough in particular.

He added: “The golf tournament raised over £2,000 last year and because it was so successful we have decided to make it an annual event. We are grateful for Bright Golf Club’s support and Billy and I are looking forward to getting out clubs out once again.

“We are taking part in three fundraising events over the coming months and we can’t wait to get started. I’m no whizz in the kitchen, but am confident my baking skills are much better than Billy’s. Time will tell.”