MORE than £30,000 has been given to good causes over the past year by an Inverclyde organisation.

The amount was revealed at the Innerkip Society’s 217th anniversary dinner and annual general meeting in Greenock.

The society was founded in 1798 to provide financial assistance to local individuals in need, in response to widespread poverty at the time.

Since then it has been making annuity and ‘comfort payments’ to people throughout Inverclyde.

A spokesman said: “The society was able to report another successful year in 2014, having made charitable payments during the year of over £30,000.

“Members also heard that, during that same year, the society assumed the assets and annuitants of the Greenock Charitable Society, which added £55,000 to the invested funds. As a result, the society’s invested assets now stood at over £880,000.” The principal toast was given by retired journalist Neal Ascherson, who spoke of his career with The Guardian and other newspapers, as well as his recollections of Greenock during the war after his family had moved here in 1941.

Retired solicitor Ken MacMillan proposed the toast to new members, and the reply was delivered by Northern Irishman Steven Watson, who runs several local organisations. Grace was delivered by Rev David Burt, and Dr Brian Thompson gave the vote of thanks.

The society spokesman added: “Top class musical entertainment was provided by tenor Christian Schneeberger, accompanied by pianist Ian McCrorie. John MacLeod was piper for the evening.

“In keeping with the ancient rules of the society, a series of ‘fines’ were imposed on members by Preses Bill Mitchell, which, along with a raffle and donations, raised nearly £2,600 on the night.

“Fines were collected from doctors, sailors, curlers and various other groups, with substantial individual fines extracted from some prominent local businessmen.

“A fine on anyone who had not painted their house yellow went down well with the audience.” Tom Ward was elected as Preses for the incoming year, with Alistair Dunnet being appointed to the position of Vice Preses.

Past Preses Gordon McTavish retired, and David Glancy was elected as a director in his place.

Honorary secretary Robbie Henderson, treasurer Tom Neill and auditor Eric Marshall were all re-appointed.

The Innerkip Society raised funds from curling, bowling and golf events and it also receives income from its substantial portfolio of investments.