Rounding off last year, The Welding Institute’s North Western Branch hosted its Annual Dinner in Burnley whilst also raising thousands for the GEM Appeal, a charity dedicated to finding a cure for genetic disorders in children.

Hosted by the North Western Branch and Branch Secretary Ian Fraser AWeldI, the Annual Dinner also celebrated apprentices by awarding certificates and trophies to worthy winners who demonstrated their excellence throughout the past year.

Welding Institute President and BAE Systems Manufacturing Director, Dave Holmes FWeldI was also in attendance, delivering a speech and presenting the awards to the apprentice winners.

Graham Engineering Ltd Sales Manager, Ian Fraser AWeldI offered the following statement to our Branch management team; speaking on the success of the event:

“The event raised £8,000 on the evening and, with gift aid, it has increased the donation to a massive £10,000 on the night, which exceeded anything we`ve ever done before. We would like to firstly thank yourself for your continued support and help, which is invaluable, but also to TWI, which continues to support and help us reach the goals in which we strive to achieve. The Burnley Express article reported at the time that we have raised about £30,000 for the Gem Appeal, but the figure is now more in the region of £60,000 which, without your help, would be nearly impossible.”

We are delighted to hear that the event was a success and, additionally, about the funds raised, and would like to thank Ian Fraser along with all those involved in organising and attending the Branch Annual Dinner Awards evening and making it a success!