15 minute read
Charities
Support for heart charity
CHILDRENat St Julian’s School in Wellow have raised £130 to support the Heart Heroes charity which supports children living with a heart condition.
Their cake sale allowed parents and staff to purchase some tasty delights! Children at the school are encouraged and supported to get involved with a number of fundraising events throughout the year.
Details: 01225 833143 or visit www.churchvalleyschoolsfederation.co.uk
Happy 66th birthday
AFTER being closed for nearly two years due to pandemic restrictions, the League of Friends of Weston General Hospital have reopened their hospital shop. It is now in its 66th year of providing essential equipment and improving patients’ stay in the hospital. Over £5million pounds have been raised, so far, and their work continues with the support of local people and organisations. They have just agreed to buy five ECG machines at a cost of £39,000.
The League of Friends is the only registered charity specifically raising money for Weston General Hospital. They would welcome more volunteers.
Details: Lizzie 01278 760407
Lottery funding
MENTORINGPlus based in Bath has been awarded £30,000 per year for the next five years in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
It will use the funding to support its volunteer mentoring project across Bath & North East Somerset.
It will enable them to recruit, train and support more adult volunteers to mentor young people in need of early help, offering time and space to explore difficulties and follow their positive interests. Last year the charity supported over 100 local young people with one-to-one volunteer mentoring.
Heritage trustees wanted
A CHARITY with responsibility for important parts of Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage is looking for new trustees.
As a result of retirements, the South West Heritage Trust wants to appoint up to three new people to join its board of trustees. They would be part of the team with overall strategic responsibility for millions of archive treasures, museum collections reaching back to prehistory and more than 400 acres of heritage landscapes. Well over 100,000 people visit trust sites every year and formal learning programmes reached 10,000 young people.
Trust responsibilities include Glastonbury’s Rural Life Museum, the Museum of Somerset in Taunton and heritage centres in Taunton, Exeter and Barnstaple.
David Gwyther, trust chair, said: “Our heritage plays a central role in defining who we are as individuals and communities. The trust has the great privilege of looking after major parts of that heritage and making it important to people of all ages and backgrounds. Becoming a trustee is a chance to help make a real difference.”
The closing date for applications is Friday, April 8th For details, visit: www.swheritage.org.uk
Ready to ride
MOREthan 350 riders are expected for the Wedmore 40 30 cycle ride on Sunday, July 10th, raising money for Weston Hospicecare and The Friends of St. Mary's in Wedmore.
Now in its fifth year, it offers a fun ride of 12 miles for all the family or routes of 30, 40 or 70 miles. Registration is now open.
Details: Scan the QR code or go to westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/W edmore-40-30
Midnight walk is back
AFTER a hiatus because of Covid, Dorothy House Hospice Care’s midnight walk will return to Bath on Saturday, June 11th. Women from across the area will be walking 5km through the night to fundraise. Everyone who signs up is asked to raise a minimum of £40 in sponsorship.
Details: www.dorothyhouse.co.uk and search for ‘Midnight Walk’
Tackling Covid worldwide
LOCALfolk musician, Helen James, is co-ordinating a campaign for Mendip communities to support the UNICEF Covid vaccine campaign.
She launched the “Give a Jab” initiative in Keynsham at the end of last year and has raised about £1,000 so far.
Since then “Give a Jab Saltford” and “Give a Jab Corston” have been set up by Saltford resident and local councillor Duncan Hounsell.
Now Marksbury resident and retired agriculturalist Tim Roberts is promoting a new crowdfunder campaign “Give a Jab Marksbury”.
Tim, who has worked in Africa, Latin America and many other places throughout his career, is passionate about delivering vaccines where they are most needed.
He said: “Having been to Kenya recently I observed that the people there have adopted a responsible approach to Covid-19 by imposing lengthy travel restrictions, curfews and using masks.
“However I was horrified on my return to read that only 13% of the population there have been vaccinated. This means the majority still remain vulnerable to Covid and the whole world is at risk from new variants emerging whilst this situation prevails.” UNICEF will help deliver 2 billion Covid-19 vaccines for health workers and those at high risk. Helen said: “The idea is to bring our communities together by offering help to others as we overcome the struggle with Covid. By donating to this campaign we can show our gratitude for the jabs and boosters we have received and may also be offered in the future.”
Tim Roberts Helen James
Details: helenjames.music@icloud.com https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/give-a-jab
In memory of Maggie
THE Meningitis Family charity, based in Bishop Sutton, raised nearly £3,000 with an Abba tribute dance held at the BAWA leisure centre in Southmead, Bristol.
The charity was set up after the death of Margaret “Maggie” Wells in 2018 from meningitis. Her husband, Pete, said: “Despite the situations in other parts of the world, tickets sold out, allowing the family to have 350 revellers dancing the night away.”
Marathon challenge
WESTONHospicecare has three spaces for the Super Three City Challenge which will see participants run three marathons in three major European cities, Dublin, London and Berlin.
Participants taking on this once in a lifetime test will commit to raising £5,000 for the hospice and need to be able to provide their own transport the three cities.
The charity’s director of fundraising, Mark Flower, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this relentless challenge to our super-mad running supporters.
“It’s one of those truly remarkable once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and we’d love to hear from everyone who is interested in taking part and applying for one of the three spaces we have available.
“Participants will tackle Europe’s most sought after marathons all to raise money for our treasured hospice.”
The Dublin marathon will take place on October 30th and supporters will then be entered into the 2023 London and Berlin marathons.
Details: jane.murch@westonhospicecare.org.uk 01934 423965 www.westonhospicecare.org.uk
Cancer charity welcomes new CEO
FROMEcancer charity We Hear You (WHY) has welcomed its new chief executive officer, Lucy Kitchener. Outgoing CEO Melissa Hillier recently left the charity after seven years to take up a new role as CEO of RICE Bath, which undertakes dementia care and research.
Lucy brings a wealth of skills and experience from a career in local authority as health commissioner of mental health and wellbeing services.
She said: “I am passionate about supporting children, families and individuals affected by cancer and other life threatening conditions with free therapeutic support. I believe in the importance of people having access to high-quality professional support at the right time and in the right place.”
Having benefitted personally from WHY’s service in the past, Lucy feels a strong connection with the charity and those it supports.
She said: “Some years ago, I was with my mum at home, as she died from a brain tumour. I benefitted from prebereavement counselling with WHY and it truly helped me to navigate that period of time and much beyond; helping me to access my strength and find acceptance.
“I am dedicated to ensuring we can share our services with anyone who may benefit from what we offer at WHY.”
Outside of work, Lucy is kept busy by her four children and her cocker spaniel, Dotty – and training for a Hadrian’s Wall trek for WHY in September!
Details: 01373 455255 email info@wehearyou.org.uk
Runners ready for half marathon
FIFTEENrunners from across the Chew Valley will be taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on April 3rd, raising funds for local charity, The Harvey Hext Trust –A Sibling’s Wish.
The charity has so far supported 450 children who have lost a sibling by providing them with beautifully personalised, bespoke, wooden Memory Boxes. It also supports the whole family hosting bereaved family days out.
Sarah Hext, charity founder, said: “I am so proud of our incredible runners, their ages range from 27-64 and many of them have had injuries. Most of our runners had only run five kilometres when they signed up for the London Landmarks so to be able to now run 21.1K is just amazing!”
Members of Team Harvey
Details: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/harveyhextlondonlandmarks • www.asiblingswish.com
By George, it’s going to be a long way
A PRINTING company account manager is to tackle a 150-mile walk from Wells Cathedral to Westminster Abbey in April to raise money for St Margaret’s Hospice Care.
Matt Drew, of Shepton Mallet, is taking on the challenge in memory of his friend Sam Holland, who died from cancer last July. Sam was head of P.E. at the Blue School in Wells. Her husband, Dan, runs the Queen Street Deli in Wells. Matt and Sam had been close friends for more than 20 years.
Matt, who works for Integrity Print in Westfield, will leave Wells on St George’s Day, Saturday, April 23rd and hopes to reach Westminster Abbey on Sunday, May 1st, where he intends to deliver “a pilgrim’s message” from the Diocese of Bath and Wells to the Dean of Westminster.
The most challenging part of the journey, according to Matt, will be the halfway stretch between Melksham and Reading, covering 70 miles. Matt’s goal is to raise a minimum of £2,022 for the charity. He said: “I’ll be tired, I won’t have any company, and if you’ve ever done long distance running, it’s always the middle section that is the most difficult – that’s when you hit the wall. But I’ll just need to keep going, whatever the weather, regardless of how tired I am.”
Matt (left) with Sam and Dan Holland at a Wells 10k race
10k’s tenth anniversary
Finishers of a previous race
ENTRIESare coming in fast for the popular Chew Valley 10k, now in its tenth year, which takes place on Sunday, June 12th at 9.30am. Almost 300 runners have already entered the race, so don’t delay if you’re hoping to run!
The race begins at Bishop Sutton Village Hall and anyone over 15 can enter. Entry costs £22 with a special rate for 1518 year olds of £15. The fee includes a bespoke medal and the option of a technical T-shirt, which will be exclusively available to entrants who book a place by the end of April.
To celebrate its tenth birthday, there are ten good causes and charities benefitting from the event. Alongside main beneficiaries NICU Support, Bishop Sutton Primary School Society and Chew Valley School Society, this year’s race is also supporting Chew Valley Plants Trees, Myeloma UK, Chew Valley Rugby Club, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Chew Valley Football Club, Lymphoma Research Trust and Harvey Hext Trust: A Sibling’s Wish.
The event was originally conceived in 2012 by Ann Booker and Jo Burke, keen runners and mums at Bishop Sutton Primary School, who wanted to raise funds for the school while getting the local community active.
Many original race committee members are still involved, whilst the entire local community supports the event with sponsorship, by volunteering as marshals or baking cakes to feed hungry runners at the end of the event.
Local doctor, broadcaster and comedian, Dr Phil Hammond, has provided commentary for every race since the beginning.
Race director, Denise Mellersh, said: “Without the tireless support and commitment of volunteers, residents and local businesses we would not be celebrating our tenth anniversary with a 10km race that is still going strong.
“We would like to thank each and every person who has helped out, but especially the whole Debbie Fortune Estate Agents team who have been great partners for the committee throughout many years.”
Village’s intriguing curiosities feature in new booklet
HISTORICAL writer Mark Bullen, who has lived in Wrington for 31 years, has written a booklet about the village with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospice South West. The Little Book of Wrington Curiosities provides the story behind 40-or-so “objects” that can be seen during a walk around Wrington and the immediate area. Mark said: “Subjects in the Mark’s latest booklet booklet range from the death from the bite of a rabid cat, to a pony trapped in snow drifts rescued by the village voluntary fireman; from a tall, solitary ‘stench pipe’, to a plastic buddha bought from H&M; from memorials to John Locke to a ‘Danger of Death’ sign for some unknown reason written in Welsh as well as English; from a wooden bench commemorating a keeper of pigeons to a silver-plated teapot donated by a Victorian Wrington rector, and many more!”
Proceeds from sales will benefit CHSW’s local hospice, Charlton Farm, which provides respite, palliative, and end-of-life care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families from across North Somerset. The charity relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to exist.
Mark, who has two grandchildren, has donated profits from other booklets to a range of children’s charities so felt it was appropriate to donate the proceeds of this one to CHSW. In total the author has written 11 books about various aspects of Wrington history since 1998 including Wrington Drama Club, both world wars, the Victorian school, the fire brigade and crime and punishment in the 19th century.
The Little Book of Wrington Curiosities is on sale at £5 from The Mother Hen Cafe in Broad Street
Marathon runners wanted
IF you are looking to run the Virtual London Marathon, the trustees of the charity Murdered Abroad, have places available, all entry fees paid, for suitable runners.
You can run any route of your choice, here in Somerset on Sunday, October 2nd, and will have 23 hours to complete your chosen 26-mile run to qualify for the coveted "Finisher's" medal and T-shirt.
Murdered Abroad supports the families of about 80 or so British citizens who are killed each year, working, or holidaying abroad.
A local spokesman said: “People don't realise until it happens to them that although any murder is horrendous for the family, murders abroad have the additional burdens of repatriation, language, time difference, foreign judicial systems, culture differences, distance, massive travel costs and little support from the authorities.”
Doing their bit for charity
TWO English Springer Spaniels named Rafa and Ziggy are doing their bit for the local community in Wedmore. Owner Trevor Gillman takes them for a walk on most days on Lascott Hill on footpaths across Wedmore Golf Club.
He said: “We haven’t trained them in any way, they just started finding golf balls and bringing them to us. Springers have an incredibly strong sense of smell and an equally strong sense of retrieval.”
Very quickly Rafa and Ziggy had brought back so many balls that Trevor had to decide what to do with them.
He said: “It turns out golf balls, particularly good quality and clean golf balls, are in demand and very soon we had a stream of regular customers.”
He decided to give the proceeds to local charities, raising £1,500 so far.
He said: “We’ve met a number of golfers over the last year and it’s really nice how they support what we are doing. The balls are usually found deep in the undergrowth and the dogs have great fun finding them.”
A CAT rescue centre in Oakhill – which is a satellite of a charity based near Frome – is marking the first anniversary of opening its doors.
A programme of building work is underway at the Cats in Distress home, run by Judy and Terry Knowles with the help of volunteers. Judy and Terry have been funding much of the work to upgrade and refurbish the runs, which cater for mostly feral and street cats.
Cats In Distress was founded in May 2016 by Ginny Parratt. What started with one shed and a couple of volunteers, now has the two sites and a team of fosterers catering to all felines. The main rescue centre, run by Ginny, is based in Berkley, in Frome. The two sites complement each other, with Berkley dealing predominantly with domestic cats who can be rehomed, whilst Oakhill is predominantly designed for feral or street cats, who need a place of safety away from people.
On admission to Oakhill, all cats are neutered and, given time, some of them remember they liked living with humans and begin to trust again; those cats move to Berkley where they will go on to be rehomed. Ferals stay at Oakhill until they are found a place of safety to live, usually on farms, stables or smallholdings, where they can spend the rest of their days.
The charity has now helped more than 1,000 cats, with last year being their busiest. It is now planning a series of fundraising events: a spring fair on Saturday, April 2nd at Beckington Memorial Hall Beckington; Saturday, September 24th at Oakhill and on Saturday, October 29th with an autumn fair, again at Beckington Memorial Hall.
Fighting liver disease
SEXEY’SSchool students and staff have raised more than £1,000 in support of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation’s Big Yellow Friday.
For the ninth consecutive year, the school, in Bruton, has supported this cause alongside Tilly, the eldest child of two former pupils who met in Sexey’s Sixth Form, who had a life-saving liver transplant when ten months old.
This year students attended school wearing items of yellow ranging from scarfs and socks to jumpers, full-length coats and high visibility jackets.
Sixth form students supported the event by selling yellow cupcakes, made by the kitchen and dining team, and raffle tickets to win some great prizes including a Nintendo Switch, F1 Merchandise and Amazon vouchers.
To date the school has helped raise more than £40k by holding non-uniform days, coffee mornings, raffles and bake sales.
Doing it for the love of cats
