Lochgelly event raises more than £1,000

Save the Cage is the campaign being spearheaded by Cowdenbeath man, Iain Chalmers, to bring historic mining artefacts from Leven to Lochore Meadows Country Park and he was delighted with the success of the event at Lochgelly's Old Ship, in High Street, which realised over £1,000 towards the £15,000 needed to bring the former Frances Colliery cage, which transported miners up and down the pit; and a coalcutting machine along with a coal buggy to the park.

Said Iain: "They were all outstanding so a big thank-you to all of them for their services. "A very special thanks to George Mackie, who plays in the excellent band Sairbanes, who organised the event and the performers.

"A big thank you to our secretary Ann who supplied us with Stovies, made to her secret recipe, they were delicious and thank-you to Bob Paxton, the proprietor of the Old Ship, who kindly donated a few bottles to the raffle, and who explained why the establishment was called the Old Ship when it’s an inland pub, very interesting indeed!

"Many thanks to those who put quality prizes into the raffle, with a special thanks to Morrison’s Store, in Cowdenbeath, who donated vouchers which we raffled.

"An auction was held for four mining related prints which depicted lines from a Joe Corrie poem, that raised interest and a few pounds. "The Save the Cage group greatly appreciate and thank the people who came to the event, you guys made it a great day thank you all for being a great audience".

Added Iain: "I’m very pleased to say that between the ticket sales, the raffle, stovies, auction and donations, we raised the terrific amount of £1,264.10. We thank you all so much for raising this fantastic amount".

The Save the Cage Group's ultimate aim would be to see a mining heritage site at the Meedies and the artefacts currently stored at Leven would augment the Mary Pit had gear and pug engine already at the park.