A DEPUTY manager on the fast track at a city bar is celebrating her graduation after organising a fundraiser for cancer research.

Abbie Connolly, deputy manager of the Music Hall Tap, on Music Hall Passage in Chester, is celebrating her graduation from the Accelerator Programme, a training course run by Stonegate Pub Company.

The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, July 10, saw Abbie present the culmination of her work over the last four months to members of the Stonegate Learning and Development Team and HR director Tim Painter before being presented with a certificate.

Abbie is one of this year’s group of employees to take part in the course, designed as a fast track to managerial positions. The programme included a practical component, organising and producing a fundraiser for a chosen charity, for which Abbie raised nearly £350 for Cancer Research UK.

Held at the end of April, Abbie’s ‘Bev and Bingo Night’ included three rounds of wildly entertaining bingo, with the Music Hall Tap team filling in as bingo host and bingo caller. Local DJ, El-B then took over the decks, entertaining customers late into the night. There was also a raffle running throughout the evening with lots of prizes up for grabs, generously donated by local businesses.

Customers walked away with the likes of Blue Planet Aquarium and Chester Zoo tickets and a hamper full of Top Rope Brewery vegan-friendly artisan beer.

Chester and District Standard:

Abbie with HR director Tim Painter.

Abbie said: “I chose to fundraise for Cancer Research UK, because cancer is an issue that touches so many people one way or another. Organising the event was so much fun – I really enjoyed working with my team to come up with ideas for it, and knowing our efforts are for a good cause makes it all the more rewarding.

“I can’t believe the course is over! Although I am delighted to begin the next phase in my career, I’m going to really miss the camaraderie that came with the sessions I shared with such amazing group of people. But it’s nice to know we all have a network of colleagues across the country, who all support each other and who we can share our successes, or our concerns with.”

HR director, Tim Painter, added: “A massive congratulations to Abbie and everyone who graduated from the Accelerator Programme this week! We are immensely proud of our graduates, whose drive and commitment over the last four months has really shown them to be exceptional employees. We look forward to seeing them thrive in our business and wish them every success in the future.”