Charities
Hundred-mile-a-day bid for charity cyclists
22-02-2010
A GROUP of hardy friends hope hundreds of cyclists will welcome them back into the Westcountry after they ride the length of the UK in just 10 days for charity.
Ten riders will pedal more than 100 miles a day when they make the epic journey from John O’Groats to Lands End, in a bid to raise up to £50,000 this summer. They hope to be greeted after their adventure by a welcome party for the final two days, in Devon and Cornwall. Already, celebrity chef Michael Caines and rugby star Danny Grewcock have pledged support.
The money raised will be split between Children’s Hospice South West, North Devon Hospice and Families for Children.
The team will set off from John O’Groats on August 16. They hope 200 cyclists will join them for the final stretch on the 26th.
To find out more, or to sponsor the bid, visit www.end2endin10.com
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Giving dignity back to survivors of disasters
04-01-2010
ON BOXING Day 2004, the news was dominated by the terrible images of the devastation caused by the Asian tsunami. The water devastated the lives of those who dared stand in its path.
At least 250,000 died and more than a million were instantly made homeless, prompting those who witnessed the terrible events unfolding on their television screens to dig deep into their pockets and donate the cash needed to help provide aid and assistance to those worst affected.
For Cornish-based disaster charity ShelterBox, it was a real coming of age. Almost five years previously, marine consultant Tom Henderson, from Helston, had been so incensed by coverage of a similar natural disaster on the television news that he stormed into his study to think about how he and others could help those most in need.
“I remember watching the news one day just before Christmas in 1999, and seeing the devastation caused by this natural disaster,” he said.
“It escapes me what the event was, but I remember being appalled to see aid workers throwing loaves of bread from trucks onto the ground, with refugees clambering to pick it up from the floor.
“I thought: ‘Why not hand these people the bread?’ They had lost everything, but there was no reason for them to lose their dignity. The simple act of handing the bread out would have made a big difference to those people.”
By the turn of the Millennium, Tom, a former Royal Navy search and rescue diver, had set out a concrete plan to launch ShelterBox.
“I wrote down what I would need in a disaster – shelter, warmth, comfort and dignity – and spent the next couple of months getting everything together.”
Tom contacted his local rotary club, which subsequently adopted it as its Millennium project. By April, ShelterBox had been launched, and the following February volunteers sent 143 boxes – containing aid such as tents and shelter – to earthquake victims in the Indian state of Gujarat.
In the 10 years since the idea of ShelterBox was first conceived, the charity has responded to more than 100 disasters across 63 countries, delivering more than one million tents. Even during our interview, Tom receives details of the latest crisis – a volcano eruption in Manila, the Philippines.
“That one, unfortunately, probably won’t make the headlines,” Tom said. “But we will continue to go about our work, helping raise awareness and helping others.”
Awareness is a key part of ShelterBox’s success. The name is now known throughout England and across the world. But, according to the charity’s founder, there is still work to do.
“People always ask if I thought ShelterBox would succeed, and I have to say that I did,” he said. “You don’t start something like this without a strong vision. The real joy for me is the fantastic support we have behind us. You don’t realise how many good people there are out there willing to get involved.
“Our real challenge is to get on the world stage. We want to be thought of in the same way as Unicef and other charities. It will take a lot of work, but we’re getting there.”
For his hard work in launching and developing Shelterbox Tom was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honour list.
To donate to ShelterBox, visit www.shelterbox.org or call 01326 569782The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Celebrity race for Children in Need
18-11-2009
EXETER Racecourse is getting behind the BBC’s Children In Need appeal at its race meeting on Friday by hosting a racing celebrity three-legged race in the paddock about 40 minutes before the first race at 12.35pm.
Jockeys, trainers and owners including Harry Findlay, David Pipe and Nick Scholfield have all pledged to support the race and proceeds from a bucket collection will be given to the appeal.
The raceday is known as Prize Winners’ Day and this year Exeter has three holidays to win – at Hillfield Cottages near Dartmouth, Holwell Cottages on Dartmoor and the luxurious Somerset Long Barn near Taunton.
Other prizes up for grabs include a year’s subscription to Devon Life magazine, books, and tickets to the South West Christmas Equine Fair at the beginning of the month.
A spokesman from the course said: “We’ve worked out there’s about a 20-1 chance of winning a prize given the number we have and the average number of entries we receive at each meeting for our racecard giveaways. Those are great odds and it has to be worth coming racing just for that.”
The six races come under starters’ orders at 12.35, with the Somerset Long Barn Novices’ Hurdle Race over 2m1f. Bathwick Tyres sponsors two races – a novices’ handicap steeplechase and a handicap steeple chase. The Devon County Show takes the name of the Exeter Novices’ Steeple Chase run over three miles, The Desert Orchid Restaurant Novices’ Handicap Hurdle will be run over 2m5f and concluding race of the day is the Book Your Raceday Hospitality at Exeter Racecourse Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
Tickets booked online receive a 10 per cent discount and there’s a free bus from Exeter.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Sleep at Eden
18-11-2009
THE chance to spend a night in an Eden Project biome has raised £7,000 for Children in Need. The prize was auctioned on the Terry Wogan Show on Radio 2 with an anonymous bidder from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, claiming the prize. The winner and his guest will be given a private tour of Eden and then enjoy a five-course candlelit dinner, in the company of television presenter and adventurer Bruce Parry. The winners will then retire to a very special bedroom nestled amid the flora and fragrances of the Mediterranean.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
£2,500 raised
16-11-2009
A MEMORIAL day for a Plymouth man who died in a diving accident has raised more than £2,500 for charity. The Bradley Westell Memorial Day and dinner took place at Okehampton Golf Club last month. The memorial day organised by Bradley’s father, Paddy Westell, and his friends Steve Butler and Brian Lamb, raised £2,685 which was split between St Luke’s Hospice and Help for Heroes. Bradley, who played for Plymouth Albion, died aged 29 while working in the North Sea in 1995.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Charitable donations drop in recession
02-10-2009
By Alice Wright
CHARITIES in the Westcountry are facing a “demanding time” as donations drop in the face of the recession, industry insiders have said.
UK Giving 2009, an annual survey of giving habits in the UK, has found individual donations have plummeted by 11 per cent.
The research by the Charities Aid Foundation and the National Council for Voluntary Aid Organisations concluded that, although the same numbers are donating money, the recession has had a drastic affect on the amount they can afford to give.
Spokesmen for Westcountry charities yesterday agreed the recession was continuing to affect their ability to raise funds, and said smaller local groups were particularly hard hit.
Lesley-Ann Simpson, charity manager of the Chestnut Appeal, supporting men with prostate cancer, said: “Charities have to get more and more creative when fundraising, times are tough, and I expect to see a further decline in donations in the months ahead.
“I think people are looking for challenges and doing something out of the ordinary when raising money, so when organising a fundraising event think about being as creative as you can.”
Phil Lloyd, head of supporter relations at Dame Hannah Rogers Trust in Ivybridge, South Devon, said donations to smaller charities had been falling for several years and “are now continuing to fall as the recession bites”.
Despite this, Mr Lloyd said the trust, which provides education and care for physically disabled children and young people, is managing to grow its income year on year.
However, he added that this “only tells half the story”.
He said: “As life gets harder for the typical Westcountry family, local charities also face mounting difficulties; increases in demand for the specialist care that Dame Hannah’s provides while operating costs are rising make for a demanding time, especially as falling property prices are impacting on the value of legacies.”
He explained that, in 2007 there were 169,321 registered charities in England and Wales with an annual income of nearly £45 billion.
However, Mr Lloyd said the sector is dominated by 18 large national charities that are household names.
He said: “The top 2 per cent of these charities command more than 70 per cent of sector revenue. This leaves very little for smaller local charities.”
The UK Giving 2009 research also found the most popular charities to donate to are related to children or health.
Commenting on this trend Martyn Rogers, of Age Concern Exeter, said: “There are some charities that maybe pull on the heart strings more than others.
“It sometimes may be that older people’s charities and others that are less well known may feel the pinch when less money is flowing around the system.”
Although Age Concern does not rely as much on individual donations as other charities, Mr Rogers said the charity had felt the effect of the recession in terms of grants.
He said: “There’s a real difficulty in getting grant income from charitable trusts because they rely on investment.”
The Western Morning News is committed to helping grassroots charities in the region raise their profile and funds.
As part of the WMN Think Local campaign, sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, charities can promote their work free on the dedicated Think Local website.
To send us news on your charity and any fundraisers you are holding email us at thinklocal@westernmorningnews.co.uk
Halloween fun for air ambulance funds
02-10-2009
THE Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust is hosting a fundraising event and is inviting everyone to attend the Halloween fancy Dress Disco on Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway. The event takes place on October 31 at 7pm. Competitions and prizes are up for grabs. Tickets for adults cost £15 and children’s tickets cost £9.50. The fare includes the steam train journey plus a meal of Chicken/Fish/Veggie burger and Chips. Book tickets by calling 01726 890444 or email carolb@cornwallairambulancetrust.org. Tickets can also be booked online at www.cornwallairambualncetrust.org
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Men in uniform to wash cars for charity
14-09-2009
FIREFIGHTERS will be washing cars on Saturday at Newton Abbot fire station starting at 10am and finishing at about 4pm.
The fundraising event provides drivers across the UK the chance to brush up on their knowledge of home fire safety, whilst their cars receive a gleaming polish from Newton Abbot fire fighters.
Donations will be collected for The Fire Fighters Charity - the official organisation which exists for injured fire fighters during their times of need, assisting over 17,000 individuals every year by providing pioneering treatment and support services.
The charity has three centres located in; Devon, West Sussex and Cumbria which cost £9 million pounds per year to run, the cost of which is met purely by voluntary contributions. Each centre offers physiotherapy, exercise therapy, rest and recuperation as well as emotional support to both firefighters and their families.
A firefighters role naturally puts them at risk, which can occasionally lead to physical injury and emotional problems so it is reassuring that if anything was to occur they have the assistance of the charity.
Robin Shore, a retained fire-fighter at Newton Abbot has experienced the benefits of the charity first hand while working as a Watch Manager with the Airport Fire and Rescue service at Exeter.
If you cannot make your Fire stations car wash and you would like to make a donation to the Fire-Fighters Charity please visit; www.firefighterscharity.org.uk.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Family teams up to provide aid to victims
14-09-2009
Lyn Barton
A FATHER and daughter from West Cornwall have teamed up to deliver life saving aid while thousands of miles apart.
Tony and Lizzy Treglown have both been working with ShelterBox, the disaster relief charity based in Helston.
At one end of the chain, Mr Treglown has been packing the distinctive boxes and sending them off to victims of Typhoon Morakot in the Philippines.
Meanwhile on the islands, his 21-year-old daughter is part of the team receiving the boxes and distributing life saving aid to thousands of people.
Mr Treglown said it was great to think the family, who live in Ashton, near Helston, was doing its bit, adding: “I’m very proud of Lizzy and the work she does for ShelterBox, it’s an amazing charity to be involved with.
“It’s great the two of us have been able to work on something together even though we’re on different sides of the planet.”
Miss Treglown is on her first deployment as one of ShelterBox’s highly trained response team members. She flew to the Philippines to help distribute 342 ShelterBoxes sent to the region to provide emergency shelter for around 2,000 people who lost homes in Typhoon Morakot.
Miss Treglown is working with three other team members from Australia, New Zealand and the US. An initial consignment of 224 ShelterBoxes were sent to the Philippines but last week an extra 100 ShelterBoxes and eight Classrooms in a Box were packed in Helston to be dispatched.
Last week Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo travelled to the area in the Philippines where ShelterBox camps have been set up.
Miss Treglown said the team were able to speak to the president about their work.
“We met the president briefly and talked with her about ShelterBox,” she said.
“The local government have been a great help, the locals have cleared a large area of land for us, they’ve brought earth to fill in holes and raise some of the land for the tents.”
As well as the ShelterBoxes sent to the Philippines, 324 have been sent to Taiwan.
ShelterBox Founder and chief executive officer Tom Henderson said it was the first time the charity had been given clearance to work in Taiwan.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Macmillan’s Doreen and Vivian pay back in coffee
02-09-2009
GOODRINGTON pair Doreen Mead - aged 83 - and neighbour Vivian Alderson are busy preparing for one of South Devon’s longest established World’s Biggest Coffee Morning events and are urging local people to get in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support as soon as possible to register to hold a coffee morning of their own.
With the help of friends like Vivian, Doreen has held a coffee morning in her home for the past 12 years and has raised thousands of pounds in the process. And in common with many of Macmillan’s Coffee Morning hosts, they have special reasons for taking part.
So far, more than 120 World’s Biggest Coffee Morning events have been registered in South Devon alone; across Devon, Macmillan hopes a record 1,000 events will be held, generating perhaps as much as £150,000 for people affected by cancer. The national target is a massive £8M – funds needed to support its vital cancer services which range from specialist nurses and doctors to grants and advice for people who have money problems because of their illness. The charity is delighted at the fantastic response from local people and is hoping that thousands of people in South Devon take part by hosting or attending an event on (or around) Friday 25th September.
Doreen, who has lived in Paignton for the past 36 years, said: ‘We have an ‘all day’ event in my house and garden with coffee and biscuits in the morning and a cream tea in the afternoon plus a raffle and a tombola and bric a brac and other stalls. I am a member of the local Methodist church and two flower clubs and my friends and neighbours, some of whom are nurses, are very generous and supportive towards Macmillan.
I started with my Coffee Morning after I lost my husband to cancer, just six months after diagnosis and soon after he retired. Our Macmillan nurse was absolutely wonderful, visiting us at home, talking to the family and helping us through a most difficult time. I decided I’d like to give something back and haven’t looked back since!’
Vivian, who raised £1,000 for the Big Midnight Walk with her daughter earlier this year, was helped by Macmillan when going through the full gauntlet of treatment for aggressive breast cancer in 2003. Vivian said: ‘Like many people, I have great fondness for Macmillan – people who can draw along side, listen, understand and provide specialist care and support. My treatment was experimental at the time - and is now benefiting others – and I’m keen to help ensure the funding is there so that Macmillan can help other people with cancer in the future.’
Macmillan’s fundraising manager, Calvin Lovelock, said: “We are really grateful to Doreen, Vivian and their friends and everyone who has signed up to hold a coffee morning for Macmillan. Their support is very much appreciated and we hope they have a fantastic time at their event.
However, we want as many people as possible to take part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning this year as we try and raise more money than ever before to fund our vital cancer services. So why not take part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 25 September and help Macmillan reach more people affected by cancer?
The great thing about this event is that it’s so easy to organise - in fact it’s a piece of cake! Just invite a few friends round for coffee and a catch-up or organise a coffee gathering at your work place or local club. There’s no right or wrong way to take part.
And don’t worry if you can’t hold your event on the official coffee morning day, just organise it at a time that suits you. The important thing is that all the money you raise will help improve the lives of people affected by cancer.”
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is being held on (or around) September 25.
To register to host a coffee morning visit www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee or call 0845 602 1246.
You will be sent everything you need to make your get together a great success!
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Gig in the garden for air ambulances
02-09-2009
THIS Sunday, September 6, sees the ‘Gig in the Garden’ presented by Woodleigh Coach House of Cheriton Bishop.
Starting at 12pm, finishing at 11pm, there’s sure to be music to suit everyone’s taste!
There’s 10 bands including:- Taiko Drummers; Face Value; Martin Weller; Bug Zappa & D Scratcher; Steve Watts; Kitchen Desperados; Vivid Sky; Bulletproof and El-Cojones
Families are welcome and camping available!
Profits will be donated to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and ECTA (Exeter Community Transport Association).
Also on the day there will be a BBQ, bar, good food, real ales, wines and spirits.
There will be a Sumo arena, Kangaroo boxing, Gladiator jousting, Dancing troupe, magician, balloon modelling, sponsored baked bean bath, charity raffle, plus much more!
Tickets are £5 in advance or £7 on the day. Half price for children aged 5 and under.
Tickets available from Woodleigh Coach House, Exeter Community Transport or from http://www.exetercta.co.uk/giginthegarden
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Devon Air Ambulance Launches first Annual Report
02-09-2009
THE Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT), the registered charity which raises money to fund the county’s two emergency aircraft, has published its first ever annual report.
The 16 page document has been designed to clearly explain the charity’s role, its operations and achievements, fundraising activities, the work of its volunteers, a summary of financial information and its plans for the future.
DAAT Chief Executive Heléna Holt said: “As the scale of the operations we support has increased year on year alongside the aim of keeping two emergency helicopters in the air when and where they are needed, so too has the income we need to attain these objectives increased.
“As a result, we feel that it more important than ever to maintain the highest levels of transparency in all things we do. As members of the FundRaising Standards Board, we are committed to treating the public with respect, fairness, honesty and clarity in all money raising activities.
“We want everyone in the county to give with confidence on the grounds that they know we are scrupulous, thorough and transparent in administration, governance and when we are handling their money.
“The new Annual Report, not only sets out our mission, vision and values and what we actually do to achieve them, it provides an avenue for the people of Devon to see where the money they donate is going.
“Our aim is to provide best practice and best value for money. Our accounts are available for anyone to see and are available on our website.
“This Annual report is an important vehicle for us to convey our key messages and how we have performed. We are greatly indebted to Ashley House Printing Company Ltd for supporting its production and for a number of photographic contributions, most notably from Tony Cobley who worked tirelessly capturing the images we needed.”
During 2008, DAAT purchased its own EC135 emergency helicopter, gained planning permission for a new purpose built airbase for its North Devon operation and established a dedicated Air Ambulance despatch team at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust’s control room.
“During that time, the charity treated and/or conveyed to hospital over 1,100 people around 10 per cent of whom were children.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Adventure charity supports disadvantaged youngsters
01-09-2009
BF ADVENTURE, a charity which provides outdoor education, support and training to disadvantaged young people from across Cornwall is celebrating having received a grant worth £25,000.
The funding has been made by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales through its community programme and will support the salary costs of a project manager as the charity expands to meet demand for its services.
During 2009 the Lloyds TSB Foundation has made grants worth £195,000 to charities tackling disadvantage in Cornwall.
For 20 years, BF Adventure has provided activities, support and alternative education to thousands of children and young people at the Goodygrane Activity Centre in Penryn, near Falmouth and other sites around Cornwall.
The charity works with young people between the ages of 7-19 years old, many of whom are not in education employment or training, have a disability or are growing up in the care system. The development and training programmes run by BF Adventure include activities such as abseiling, archery, sailing and orienteering. Young people learn social and problem solving skills, enhance their self esteem and increase the choices and chances they have in life with the support of the charity’s trained staff.
Funding from the Lloyds TSB Foundation will contribute to the salary of a project manager responsible for developing the capacity of the organisation, so that more young people in Cornwall can access BF Adventure’s facilities. The charity already works with over 700 disadvantaged young people each year and that will increase in the year ahead.
Tony Hogg, chief executive of BF Adventure, said: “We use the Cornish landscape to provide challenges that young people need to shape their own lives in a successful direction. This funding for a project manager will allow us to do more of what we do and make it even more effective.”
Lloyds TSB Foundation grant manager for Devon and Cornwall, Trevor Smale said: “It was obvious during my visit to the Centre that BF adventure provides great benefits and changes to the lives of young people. The Lloyds TSB Foundation is delighted to support their work helping disadvantaged young people from across Cornwall to reach their full potential.”
BF Adventure will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To find out about the events they have planned or about the activities available at Goodygrane Activity Centre, contact Tony Hogg on 01326 340 912.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Precious Tresco daffodils inspire charity exhibition
18-08-2009
DAFFODILS have been a symbol of hope to the people of the Isles of Scilly for many years.
With a special exhibition inspired by the much loved daffodils organised to raise funds for Precious Lives Appeal, they now also signal promise for Children’s Hospice South West.
Running from September 15 to October 6 at Gallery Tresco, the ‘Daffodils’ exhibition will be a colourful mix of media – paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, glass, textiles, poetry, jewellery – from a range of artists, who have all been inspired by the Tresco daffodils to create a unique work in aid of the Precious Lives Appeal.
Lucy Dorrien-Smith of the Tresco Estate said: “Isles of Scilly daffodils have brought happiness to many people for many years so we chose this flower to represent our campaign on Tresco for the Precious Lives Appeal, to build a much needed hospice in Cornwall for life-limited children and their families.
“In Spring of this year we sent a box of Tresco daffodils to all of the artists who have been exhibiting at Gallery Tresco since its beginning in 1992. We asked them to create work for an exhibition to raise money for this worthwhile cause, also to bring the artists together with a common purpose and to bring joy and happiness to everyone.”
One of the artists exhibiting a special work is South West artist Stuart Kettle, who has grown a real affinity with the Isles of Silly since first visiting four years ago.
Stuart Kettle, who has been inspired to produce a thought provoking and vibrant oil painting named ‘Precious Lives’ said: “I thought for a long time what daffodils might say about a children’s hospice. Daffodils to me are a sign of new life and hope, a splash of colour after the long Winter, so I have used the daffodil as a representation of hope and light. In giving the flower a soft, out of focus image I try to portray the idea that, even through a veil of tears, light will shine through and go on leaving positive memories of precious children.
“The new hospice is depicted as a sandcastle, watched over by a lone oystercatcher perched on a child’s seaside spade, a constant memory of a lost child.
“Over all the picture is one of hope and positive feelings reflecting the dedicated work of those people helping to build Little Harbour hospice for children now and in the future.”
Children’s Hospice South West is the only organisation in the region offering specialist respite care to life-limited children and their families. The charity provides this much needed service through its hospices – Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm in North Somerset, and eventually Little Harbour in Cornwall.
The hospices offer a range of planned respite, emergency, and end of life care in a homely environment and although there is no mistaking the serious nature of the work of a children’s hospice, they are not sad places. They are often filled with the sound of laughter and joy as Children’s Hospice South West do everything they can to enable families to enjoy the precious time they have together.
Children’s Hospice South West cares for and supports the whole family during the life of the sick child, but it doesn’t stop there – they are also supported during bereavement and beyond, for as long as they need it.
Other works to be exhibited as part of ‘Daffodils’ include ‘Tresco Glory’ an oil on board painting by West Cornwall artist Ros Salter and ‘Tresco Narcissus Ring’ a beautiful silver piece by Penzance jeweller Emily Nixon. Anthony Frost, Maggie Matthews, Emma Jeffreys, Kathy Todd, Richard Stanley, Tom Holland, Chris Hankey, Amy Albright, Gary Long, Richard Pearce, Joseph Sevier, Lucy Pratt, Wendy French, Alasdair Urquhart, Imogen Bone and David Rust will also be amongst others to unveil daffodil inspired works at the exhibition.
To find out more about this unique exhibition, or to enquire about purchasing one of the pieces, log on to: www.tresco.co.uk/see/gallery or contact Gallery Tresco on 01720 424925
For further information about the wonderful cause the Daffodils exhibition is supporting log onto: www.chsw.org.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local: Hold a coffee morning for Macmillan
18-08-2009
MACMILLAN Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning looks set to break a record locally as more and more people sign up for the event which takes place on September 25.
Organisers are confident of breaking last year’s total of 517 events across Plymouth, North Devon and the Tamar Valley.
“It’s only the start of August and we already have more than 250 local people and businesses signed up to host coffee mornings,” said Alex Folkes, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Plymouth, North Devon and the Tamar Valley.
“I predict we are on course for a record breaking year. But we still want many more hosts to sign up so that we can provide more information, advice and support to local people affected by cancer.”
“Hosting as coffee morning couldn’t be easier. Simply register online at Macmillan.org.uk/coffee or over the phone by calling 0845 602 1246. We’ll send you all the information you need as well as hints and tips for getting more people along to your event and making as much as possible on the day."
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is all about raising money to fund the great services provided by Macmillan.
One person who benefited from these services was Becca Reece who lives on Dartmoor.
She said: “Eight years ago I was diagnosed with HPV18 –which is the same type of cancer as Jade Goody. It was quite advanced and I had surgery and then radiotherapy at Derriford Hospital. The Macmillan Mustard Tree was there for me providing a warm and open welcome and as much help as I needed at the time. The people there had been down similar journeys and were able to guide me through a very traumatic experience. It’s only when you face the idea that you might not get better that you start living for the day.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Think Local: Support charity with a cooking day
18-08-2009
JENNY Chung-Penny is helping to raise vital funds to support the vital work of the Marie Curie Nursing Service in Cornwall by hosting a fundraising day at her Cookery School at St Dominick, near Saltash.
The day will be a very informal fundraising event at Grace View which is the first of its kind in Cornwall. Grace View is a purpose built house to a Feng Shui Design and has been featured in a few television programmes.
The day will include demonstrations of cooking using the HOK techniques (Harmony, Originality and Knowledge) and dishes will include various rice-based recipes, stir frying vegetables and different meat dishes.
All the food that will be cooked during the demonstration will then be served. Tickets are limited for this day but please call 01872 260 500 now to book your place. Tickets are £25 each.
Last year Marie Curie nurses provided 15,000 hours of nursing care last year in Cornwall – providing care for more than 245 terminally ill people. As demand for the nursing service continues to grow, numbers are expected to rise further in the next year. The charity needs to raise £250,000 to provide the service, so that’s why we launched our first ever local Marie Curie Nursing Appeal.
For more information on the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care in your area, call the Cornwall fundraising office on 01872 260 500 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/cornwall
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
TV star opens summer fayre
13-08-2009
Alice Wright
AUTHOR and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby will open a fair raising money for a bereavement charity next week.
South Devon Cruse corr Bereavement Care is holding a 30th anniversary Summer Fayre next Wednesday. Aug 19
Mr Dimbleby will open the fair at the Redcliffe Hotel in Marine Drive, Paignton, at 2pm.
Mr Dimbleby said: “Cruse is a wonderful charity that gives comfort and support to many individuals facing the tragedy and sorrow of loss.
“Anyone who has faced bereavement knows how enduring the pain can be. Cruse counsellors can make all the difference to the process of living with sorrow and in finding a means of embracing the lost one in a new way.
“Cruse depends on the commitment of volunteers who care and understand. I am delighted to have the chance to do my little bit to help in their work.”
The charity is hoping to raise £1,000 towards its work offering free bereavement support and counselling to people who have lost a loved one.
For more information about the charity and its services call the office on 01626 332450.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Get ready for a charity walk on Friendship Day 2009
16-07-2009
BREAST Cancer Campaign wants to encourage all friends to join forces and walk for breast cancer research on Sunday 2 August to mark Friendship Day 2009.
Each year millions of people around the world celebrate this day with their closest friends, so it’s the perfect excuse to gather your loved ones and hold a Friendship Walk while raising money to beat breast cancer.
Sarah England, events executive for Breast Cancer Campaign, said: “It’s great to have this day set aside for friends, so why not hold a Friendship Walk with your nearest and dearest and raise money to help us continue funding vital research into breast cancer? You could organise a stroll around your local beauty spots or perhaps arrange a hike through the countryside. Whatever you choose to do, simply invite your friends along and ask them to donate money to Campaign while they walk with you.”
In June Campaign’s Walk Champ, Maggie Weir, organised a Friendship Walk with her friends in Glasgow and raised £3,000 from people taking part.
Sarah added: “Maggie gathered her friends together for this walk and had a really fun day out while supporting a very worthwhile cause, so if you feel inspired to become a Walk Champ like Maggie and hold a walk on Friendship Day then we’d love to hear from you.”
If you can’t hold a walk on August 2 why not have your very own Friendship Day another time and hold a walk at a time convenient for you? For more information and to request a fundraising pack, please visit www.friendshipwalks.co.uk or call 0207 749 4126.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Children invited to get crafty with key rings
16-07-2009
CHILDREN from Somerset are being invited to attend animal key ring making workshops at a garden centre in the county in August.
Staff at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre’s Craft Centre, which is located at the Monkton Heathfield garden centre’s site, are hosting the workshops for youngsters aged seven and above on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2.
Miranda McPherson, Craft Centre supervisor, said: “The workshops are part of the garden centre’s Wildlife Weekend and will run from 2pm until 4pm. Youngsters will be able to make animal key rings out of shrink plastic during the Wildlife Weekend with help from Craft Centre staff.
“Children can drop in anytime between 2pm and 4pm to take part. It will cost £1.50 to make a key ring. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.”
The specialist Craft Centre was created to serve the needs of the area’s keen and potential bead crafters, card-makers, scrapbookers, cross stitchers, canvas embroiderers and knitters.
The Centre stocks everything from card-making kits to wool and has a programme of free demonstrations. There are also paid for workshops, where people can get hands on craft experience.
To find out more, please visit the Craft Centre at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton. Alternatively, please call the garden centre on 01823 412381 or visit www.monkton-elm.co.uk
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Sensational summer skydive challenge
14-07-2009
By Natalie Clark Medina
A CHARITY is inviting people in Cornwall to sign up for a breathtaking fundraising skydive.
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People is calling on thrill-seekers in Cornwall to sign-up to a tandem skydive.
The jump will take place at an airfield near St Agnes, on a weekend of your choice, and participants will experience the feeling of falling 10,000 feet from the sky.
Places will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to fundraisers who pledge to raise £390 for the RNID research programmes and services.
Caroline Jupe, events and community fundraising manager, said: “Sign up now for a sensational summer RNID skydive and raise vital funds for our work supporting deaf and hard of hearing people.”
As places are limited, anyone who wants to take part should register their interest as soon as possible.
Parental consent is required for 16 and 17-year-olds signing up.
For more information visit www.rnid.org.uk/skydiving or contact Caroline Jupe on telephone/textphone 0845 634 0687.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Fundraising day in Bideford
14-07-2009
FAMILIES can enjoy a day of fun and games at a summer fete to raise money for a charity caring for people with disabilities. Local MP Geoffrey Cox is opening the fete at Northam Lodge in Bideford on July 25. The event begins at noon and will include games, face-painting, stalls, live music and dancing. The fete is being held at Northam Lodge, Rose Hill, Heywood Road, Bideford. Proceeds will go to the charity which runs residential and day care services for adults with disabilities.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Cornish nurse meets Hugh Grant
14-07-2009
MARIE Curie Nurse Cathy O’Callaghan, who launched the Marie Curie Cancer Care Cornwall Nursing Appeal a month ago, is one of 27 Marie Curie Nurses in Cornwall who provides a free nursing service for terminally ill people who want to be cared for at home at the end of their lives.
Last year, Cathy and her colleagues provided more than 15,000 hours of care to people with cancer and other terminal illnesses in Cornwall.
Marie Curie Cancer Care has been campaigning for increased investment in end of life care and with increased awareness of the charity’s nursing service, demand is growing. The charity needs to raise £250,000 to fund the nursing service in Cornwall this year.
Cathy said: “I was very pleased to be involved with the national appeal for Marie Curie Cancer Care after all it’s not every evening you meet Hugh Grant. The event was very successful in gaining corporate donations, but there is a real need for local funding and support here in Cornwall. We at Marie Curie Cancer Care enable many people to spend their last days at home with their loved ones but with your help we could help even more."
Working with the NHS and other local partners, Marie Curie Cancer Care aims to double the number of people with a terminal illness who die at home in Cornwall by 2013.
There are lots of ways you can support your local Nursing Appeal. You can raise funds through taking on challenges like trekking or mountain biking, volunteering your time, hosting an event for us such as a Tea Party or supporting our Great Daffodil Appeal in March.
For more information visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/cornwall or call 01872 260 500.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Care Trust successful in cash bid
14-07-2009
By Natalie Clark-Medina
A WESTCOUNTRY region has been selected as a pilot site for new types of support and care for people with dementia.
Torbay Care Trust, working with Devon Partnership Trust and the Alzheimer’s Society, submitted a bid to the Department of Health earlier this year to be considered as a pilot for developing new dementia services.
The bid was successful and Torbay has secured national funding of more than £130,000 during the next two years.
The money will be used to build on the success of the Paignton memory café – an Alzheimer’s Society service which provides a place of enjoyment and education for both carers and the cared.
Ann Redmayne, the Care Trust’s mental health commissioning manager, said: “These new cafés will provide a stigma-free, supportive environment in which we can enable people to learn from each other, plan for the future and live a life that is not defined by dementia.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Bikers ‘do it’ for Air Ambulance Charity
09-07-2009
THE Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s annual motorcycle ride out is set to take to the beautiful country lanes of Devon on Sunday 12th July. This year however it’s a ride out with a twist, with 3 starting points, but only one finish.
Riders can choose to start from Coypool Park and Ride in Plympton, Cullompton Services or Atlantic Village, Bideford, with an amalgamated finish at Paignton Green.
At Paignton Green there will be trade and exhibition stands, catering vans, together with live music from ‘Thick as Thieves’ and ‘Fizgig’.
Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust said: "We always look forward to our annual motorcycle ride as its a great opportunity to meet all the keen bikers, who are also supporting the charity. They recognise the essential service that the charity provides, as unfortunately we do regularly get called out to their fellow bikers.
"This event isn’t just open to motorcyclists, we have people taking part on scooters, mopeds, trikes, to name just a few."
People are invited to go along and support this event and make it the biggest and best yet. The charity is ideally hoping for 500+ bikes and hope that by having three starting points this will will encourage more people to take part.
Safety is paramount for bikers when out and about. Therefore the charity is also pleased to welcome five officers from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary bike wing, who will be taking part in the ride. The routes are all marshalled, ensuring that everyone goes the right way.
Trade stands include the Road Safety Partnership, Police Exhibition Unit, Police Speed Enforcement motorcycle plus many more.
Trophies will be awarded for the Best British Bike, Best Modern Bike, and Best In Show.
The ride out will start at 10am, with registration on the day available from 9am. Entry is just £5 per bike, which includes a limited edition pin badge. However you can pre register and also purchase a limited edition t-shirt at just £7. T-shirts and badges are also available to pillion riders at £7.
Entry forms are available to download via our website at www.daat.org, via email at info@daat.org but it’s too late to submit these by post. However why not save yourself time at the registration tent and bring your form ready completed.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Local women look good and feel good
09-07-2009
A WESTCOUNTRY charity which aims to boost the confidence of cancer sufferers held an event recently for women who are undergoing cancer treatment.
Jane Tummon, regional co-ordinator for Look Good...Feel Better (LGFB) staged a celebratory event, sponsored by Boots UK, to mark the 15 year anniversary of the charity which offers free confidence-boosting skincare and make-up workshops for women who are undergoing cancer treatment.
Held at Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, Jane’s event was one of 30 being held across the country in order to recognise and thank all those involved in the LGFB Programme.
Guests included regional beauty consultants and department store management, local hospital teams, volunteers and some of the patients who have benefited from attending these valuable workshops.
Jane said: “LGFB is a fabulous service which helps women when they need it most and I love being involved. It’s been great to celebrate with everyone who’s key in making our Truro workshops happen to help women literally look good and feel better during their cancer treatment.”
LGFB came to Royal Cornwall Hospital in March 2003 and since then it has touched the lives of thousands of women.
Executive director of LGFB, Sarahjane Robertson, said: “These celebrations have given us the opportunity to thank all those people who make the programme possible around the UK - regional co-ordinators, hospital teams, beauty consultants, freelancers and department store management. None of this would be possible without the loyalty, time and caring commitment from these individuals, who share their expert skills with hundreds of women every week. We’d like to thank Boots UK for helping us to make these events happen."
Sarah Smith, community manager, Boots UK, said “LGFB is a fantastic programme which Boots has been supporting from the very beginning, and we are extremely proud to sponsor the celebratory events. We have over one hundred No7 consultants who volunteer for the scheme and the positive feedback they receive from patients is incredible. We look forward to continuing to work with LGFB in the future to give many more women the boost they deserve.”
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
Firm supports local charity
24-06-2009
STAFF at Coutts & Co’s Exeter office have presented the NSPCC’s Child's Voice Appeal with a £1,600 cheque from the Coutts Charitable Trust.
The donation, which will go directly to ChildLine’s call centre based in Exeter, was made at a black tie charity dinner held at the Royal Clarence Hotel, and was handed over to well known local entrepreneur and star of the Dragon’s Den TV programme Deborah Meaden.
Deborah was representing the charity in her position as Chairman of The NSPCC South West Child’s Voice Appeal; which aims to raise £1.6m to help protect more vulnerable children across the region.
Andrea Tripp, Development Manager from the NSPCC in the South West commented: “£1,600 is what it costs to recruit and train one volunteer counsellor, who will then go on to speak to around 200 children per year on average so this is a really valuable donation. Unfortunately, the lack of trained people currently means that 1 in 3 children in need fail to get through. Last year, the ChildLine South West base answered around 3,000 calls from children, an increase of nearly 150 compared to the previous year, but our aim is to be someone to turn to for all children who need some form of help, advice or support which is why we are desperately seeking both funding and local volunteers from around the region."
Peter Blatchford, Senior Private Banker for Coutts in Exeter commented: “The NSPCC is doing such a tremendous job but it’s vital that the locally based ChildLine receive ongoing funds in order to train more staff and answer more calls. Last night's event was a huge success and we were fortunate to take a table and entertain some of our local clients at the fundraiser. We hope to do more fundraising with charity over the next year, putting them in touch with our clients and spreading word of their work.”
“Since opening our local office in December, we’ve been encouraged by the warm reception from the local community and are delighted by the number of accounts opened in our first six months. As the word spreads of our presence, we continue to see new business from clients previously with many of our local competitors.”
To make a donation to the charity log on to www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk or call the South West Appeals Team on 01823 346346.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.
There’s nothing fishy at Pilchard’s café
21-06-2009
THE National Trust has opened a café in Boscastle which uses local produce to raise money to help the trust maintain the region’s coast, countryside and historic buildings.
Pilchard’s café, on the village harbourside, was once a pilchard cellar and was used in the 19th century to process and pack the catch in barrels.
The trust acquired the building in 2006 and used contractors to develop and restore some of the original cellar features.
The environmentally friendly café sources all of its produce from Devon and Cornwall and is using cutlery and crockery made from renewable biodegradable plant materials, such as corn starch, sugar cane and reed fibre.
Richard Drew, assistant catering operations manager for the region, said: “We’ve worked very hard to source as much local produce for Pilchard’s as possible. For example, all of our cakes come from a wonderful baker, Tracey Wakefield, who runs her one-woman business, Piece of Cake, at Davidstow.
“The only items that come from outside of the region are Fair Trade tea, coffee and sugar.”
The café, which sells a wide range of food including pasties, sandwiches and cream teas, has eight full and part-time staff.
The venture very much chimes with the Western Morning News Think Local campaign which aims to get people spending locally.
The trust takes care of more than 300 acres of land in and around Boscastle, which is managed through nature conservation and public access.
The café is open daily from 10.30am until 5pm from April to October with reduced opening in autumn and winter.
The Western Morning News Think Local campaign is sponsored by
independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning.