As chairman of the RICS matrics, Frank Malcolm of CRGP is having a busy time this year. His role requires him to help organise new members’ nights, seminars, workshops and team building and networking events. If this all sounds a bit too much like work, there is another side to his position that inclines itself towards fun and pleasure. And for the past few months, Frank has been helping to organise a charity ceilidh.

It took place on October 26 at Glasgow Thistle Hotel and 200 people closely connected to the surveying profession attended it. There was a departure from the normal this year with two legal companies, MacRoberts and Tods Murray taking tables and three contractors were also represented.

The evening was a huge success and the money raised considerably increased from last year’s £5000 with Yorkhill Children’s Foundation benefiting significantly with a donation of £10,000 from the proceeds and Lionheart, the RICS benevolent fund receiving in the region of £1,000. With the RICS matrix comprising of chartered surveyors under the age of 35, there is a UK-wide objective by them to present the Lionheart fund with £35,000.

The money was raised at the ceilidh through a charity auction and raffle. Contractors and clients donated prizes and Frank is most grateful for their generosity: “We were absolutely delighted with the money raised on the evening. Our main sponsors were Elite Interior Contracts Ltd and they matched the auction total, which was £3000 and Textura UK Ltd who matched the raffle, which was £1500.

“Phil McGinlay and Steven Duncan of Textura also donated three signed football jerseys. The Rangers and Celtic shirts made £350 and £400. Sir Arnold Clark donated tickets for two on his yacht Drum, which made £600 in the auction and a new corporate events company, Ayrshire Country Events donated a corporate day for six people and this went for £650.”

Cases of wine, shopping vouchers, meals for two, golf clubs, whisky and DVD players were among many other raffle prizes that were donated for the evening. There was a great deal of banter between the tables as rival companies won prizes.

After the meal and raffle there followed three hours of intensive dancing with the well-known group Haud Yer Lugs (booked for next year), providing the music for the eightsome reel, gay Gordon and strip the willow.

No-one would deny Frank and his team a short, well-earned rest, alas this is not possible as he has already started on his next mission, the RICS Burns Supper. It will take place on Thursday, January 24 at the Trades Hall in Glasgow.