The recent Chilli and Quiz Night organised by members of John Knox Parish Church raising funds for the 2011 Malawi Bike Ride set out to raise £250 and in the event reached £433.

Fifty-five adults and around 10 children attended the event, held in the Church hall on Friday 16 April, and some generous donations on top of the ticket price meant that the total raised exceeded expectations.

Supporters of the event enjoyed great food and friendly competition with entertaining quiz rounds including "I Used To Know That!" and "Mr. Men". The winning team at the end of the evening was "Swing Your Pants."

John Knox Parish Church has been raising funds for EMMS, a Scottish medical charity that supports hospitals in Malawi for the past five years and over that time have raised an impressive £35k.

The current project aims to raise £10,000 before May next year when 5 or 6 Stewarton Cyclists will join 35 other bike riders from all over the country to cycle through Malawi.

To date approximately £1,500 has been raised towards this target. Look out for future events including:

* "Men can't bake"

* Choir evening in John Knox Church

* Garden party

* Pancake breakfast

* and Safari Supper.