Firefighters' ball - hot stuff

Getting ready to have a ball at Elgin Fire Station.

FIREFIGHTERS in Elgin hope to blaze a trail for a children's charity appeal.

And they will let their feet do the talking when they stage their annual firefighters' ball in the Elgin station.

The appliances will make way for party-goers on Saturday, December 10.

Most of the profits from the evening will go to the Moray Friends of ARCHIE children's ward appeal at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin, with a donation also to the Firefighters' Charity.

Senior firefighter Ian Alexander, from Elgin, is behind the event which has raised thousands of pounds for good causes in the past.

"It is for a good cause, and we want people to have a good time and support the appeal," he said.

The main station area, which is normally home to the fire engines, will be transformed into a dance floor for the evening.

The fire engines will be parked nearby on standby for any emergency shouts. Off-duty firefighters will act as barmen for the evening.

The ball has been held in the station before and Mr Alexander is hoping people will be keen to experience the unique atmosphere of a fun evening in such an unusual venue.

He stressed the ball is open to all members of the public, not just firefighters' and their partners, and is keen to make it a community event.

The Moray Friends of ARCHIE have launched a £100,000 appeal to provide a range of equipment and facilities in the children's ward at Dr Gray's, which will make the hospital experience for youngsters and their families less traumatic than it might otherwise be. The ward is set to undergo a major redevelopment by NHS Grampian.

The firefighters have been strong supporters of the children's ward over the years. They are also fund-raising at present to create a memorial garden in the grounds of the fire station in memory of former colleague, Alan Kynoch, who died last year.

"It is nice to do something for children at Christmas," added Mr Alexander.

Two local bands, Tour-Bus-Fortune and Cachd-Ach-Cruaidh – Ian plays drums for the latter – will perform, and there will also be a disco.

He has received support from many people in organising the ball, but among the key sponsors are Graham Coull at Glen Moray Distillery, Ross Murray from the Mansefield Hotel in Elgin, and Alan Elder of Moray Office Supplies.

There is room for 250 people and tickets, priced £15, are on sale now at Elgin Fire Station and J's Hair and Beauty in Fochabers. There will be a raffle and stovies on the evening.