MEMBERS of two historic Portishead families will come together at a fundraising event on Saturday.

Organised by the Blacknore Lighthouse Trust, it will raise funds for the maintenance of the lighthouse, which it bought in 2011 to preserve as part of the town’s heritage.

A number of people from the Ashford family will attend the Winter Warmer evening, sharing mementos and photographs of their past.

The Ashford family were the first lighthouse keepers at Blacknore Lighthouse. From 1894, for four generations, they kept the light burning and the clockwork mechanism running until modern technology took over. During the evening there will be an illustrated talk on their contribution to the community.

The event will also celebrate 100 years of the English ballad Danny Boy, written by lyricist Fred Weatherly, who grew up in Woodhill Road.

Members of the Weatherly family will be in attendance on Saturday and Fred’s great nephew Phil will give a short presentation. This will be followed by dancing from the McClennan School of Irish Dancing and a rendition of Danny Boy.

Portishead writer George Yeaman, who has written a book about Fred Weatherly. is expected to be signing copies of his book during the evening, which will also include raffles and an auction.

Tickets for the event, which takes place at Portishead Bowling Pavilion in Rodmoor Road from 7-9.30pm, cost £7.50 for trust members or £10 for non-members, to include mulled wine and a buffet supper. They are available from Morgan Westley in High Street and Summit Outdoor Leisure in Wyndham Way car park.