Wirral Autistic Society to benefit from Tombstone Country Music Festival fun

Jul 29 2009 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

Wirral Autistic Society to benefit from Tombstone Country Music Festival fun

MONEY raised at next weekend’s Tombstone Country Music Festival will be going to a very good cause, and one close to home.

Now in its 15th year, the weekend extravaganza donates all cash generated to Wirral Autistic Society (WAS) and, specifically, their £1.3m drive to build a six-bed respite centre on land at its main centre, Raby Hall.

Work on the centre is due to start in late August and should be completed by the end of May 2010.

The centre will compliment the transformation of Bromborough Pool Village, now used to house 27 people with autism.

WAS spokesman, Rick Myers said: “There can’t possibly be any other community like this in the country.

“Adults with autism have a particular problem.

“During school years there are elements of support for them but once a child leaves the education system they enter a form of no-man’s land, and are faced with an uphill battle for help and support.

“This is why the society was formed in the 1960s.”

WAS has just celebrated its 40th anniversary and plays a significant role in Wirral’s economy, employing 400 people and turning over around £7.5m a year.

l Tombstone Country Music Festival takes place at Clatterbridge Rugby and Cricket Club, this weekend July 31 to August 2. For more visit tombstonecmc.co.uk