Supporting bereavement and loss service

Sandie McQueen, President of Stone and District Rotary Club, recently met up with Leslie Bailey from the Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service.

Stone Rotary Club wanted to help and after finding out more about what the service provides and who they help, the Club decided to give a donation of £250 to support their important work.

registered charity supporting people in the Stafford and Stone areas. They provide bereavement and loss support through face-toface, telephone and online appointments, all of which are free of charge and, importantly, they rely on donations to be able to continue their work.

Sandie McQueen handing over the cheque to Leslie Bailey

Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service is a local

With specially trained and skilled volunteers who are skilled in listening and providing emotional support, the service provides vital and important help to many in the community who need it.

Sandie said: “Bereavement affects all of us at some time and it’s never easy but sometimes it can be very difficult to cope and it’s here that the Bereavement and Loss Support Service can step in and help.

“The Stone and District Rotary Club work in all areas of our community to support those in need and we are delighted to be able to provide financial support for the Bereavement and Loss Support Service.”

Cash boost for birds of prey and wildlife centre

Stone and District Rotary Club have made an award of £250 to help support the Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre in Eccleshall.

Club President, Sandie McQueen and Club Vice President, Victoria Fern, recently met with the centre’s Jenny Morgan to give her the cheque. Members of the club who had previously visited the centre, were impressed by what they saw and, by supporting them, saw an opportunity to help improve health and well-being in the community.

Club Vice President, Victoria Fern said: “Lockdown has had a negative impact on many, especially children, so I wanted the club to do something locally that would improve health and well-being by encouraging outdoor exercise for all.

“Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre is a great place to visit and it’s on the doorstep. I was very pleased that we had the opportunity to visit the centre and get to know them.

“I know that this is not the usual rotary club activity but there is a real need in our community to improve health and well-being and we are delighted to help.”

The Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre can be found at Fletcher’s Garden Centre near Eccleshall.

Visitors can enjoy a gentle walk around to see the birds, mammals and reptiles on display as well as watch regular flying displays given by the centre’s birds of prey. The funding from the rotary club is set to be used to support animal care at the centre and improve visitor facilities.