Conservative club's Halloween party raises money for local support group

A Halloween fancy dress party at an Ashton-under-Lyne social club raised £180 for a local group supporting people living with pulmonary fibrosis.

Waterloo and Taunton Conservative Club hosted the themed evening, bringing members and guests together for a night of Halloween entertainment, costumes, and fundraising in aid of Tameside Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group.

The money was raised through a raffle, with a Halloween hamper up for grabs. Danny Andrews was named the lucky winner, taking home the prize after helping the club raise £180 for the cause.

The fundraising effort has a particularly personal connection to the club, with its own President, William Garside, among those who benefit from the support group's work.

Based at the 4C Community Centre on Taunton Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group provides a welcoming environment for people affected by the condition, as well as their families and carers.

Founded in April 2018 by Clive and Sue Green, the group has grown to more than 500 members. It offers regular opportunities for people to meet, share experiences, and access information about living with pulmonary fibrosis, with monthly face-to-face meetings complemented by online sessions and guest speakers.

Waterloo and Taunton Conservative Club Chairman Leon Tamcken said the decision to support the group was particularly close to home for many members:

"Pulmonary fibrosis most commonly affects middle-aged and older adults and is more frequently diagnosed in men. A number of our club members, particularly those who have worked in heavy industry, suffer from lung conditions, so it was our pleasure to be able to raise funds for this support group."

Alongside the fundraising, there was plenty of Halloween fun, with members dressing up for the occasion and competing for the evening's fancy dress prizes.

Lucy Connolly and Sophie Bedford were named winners of the best-dressed costume awards, rounding off an evening which combined entertainment, community spirit, and support for a worthwhile local cause.

The donation is another example of Waterloo and Taunton Conservative Club's commitment to supporting good causes and giving something back to the local community.

Established in 1891, the club has a long history as a social hub in the Waterloo area of Ashton-under-Lyne. Its fundraising efforts have previously been recognised nationally, with the club receiving the Charity Club of the Year accolade at the 2023 Club Mirror Awards.