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LEAGUE OF FRIENDS ANNUAL REPORT 2007/2008
The Sponsored Walk remains one of the most popular fund-raising events on our calendar, and last years event in October (so long ago!) was no exception, with clients being bussed in from Bridgend and Port Talbot to walk alongside our Swansea participants. As not all the walkers had been in recovery for a year, and so were ineligible to collect sponsorship money, the sense of community and support was marvellous. Many people made bids at the fun Auction after the walk, and a total of nearly £2.000 was raised. A wonderful effort from our fund-raisers and all the volunteers who helped the day run smoothly.
The Flag Day on 22nd September also brought clients and staff together and I am pleased to report that we raised £487.00, an increase on the year before. The committee had been discussing dropping this event after a continued decrease in support over the last few years. We understand that it is not much fun to stand with a collecting tin for a couple of hours, so we are especially pleased that it was a success.
The Caledonian Market held at the Ostreme Centre in the Mumbles is a lovely event which enables clients to socially interact with the public, setting up the stalls and selling our collection of bric-a-brac and cakes made by the Swansea cookery class. As such, it is not the money raised, but the quality of the experience that is more important on this day.
Unfortunately we had to cancel the Auction of Promises at Mansion House due to poor ticket sales. We are as yet undecided whether to hold one again this year.
Now for a few items that we’ve spent money on:
We were very pleased to be able to donate £500.00 to the Port Talbot Christmas reunion to be spent on the buffet and children’s selection boxes. A further donation was made to Neath to supply Christmas hampers for the elderly. We also continue to fund the very popular cookery class in Neath. We were happy to help clients from Port Talbot and their families to have a day out, and to assist with the costs of the Swansea annual Domino camping trip. Dotted throughout the year are several smaller requests for funding with which we are usually happy to oblige.
However, we have made a new rule this year and that is all requests for funding must be made in writing.
As I compile this report I am constantly reminded of our former Secretary, Ray Wrangham, who passed away peacefully in the spring of this year. His beautifully hand-written Minutes are a lovely reminder of watching him record our meetings. He never seemed to rush his writing and very seldom asked us to repeat or slow down, yet his records are meticulous. Thank you, Ray.
We would like to thank Linda who was able to join us for a few months from Bridgend. Unfortunately due to funding difficulties, she was with us for only a few months. We welcome on board Mike Davies, and Berkeley Bowen has returned. However, there is still plenty of room for new members, and we are open to anyone who wants to become a member of the committee and offer fresh ideas for fund-raising and views on how the League of Friends should work.
Finally we would like to thank everyone, clients and their families and friends, volunteers and staff who enable the fund-raising events to take place with such good humour and energy. It is an honour to work with you.
Helen Cassels
Deputy Chairman of the League of Friends
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