Archived News - Charity
Great British Fish and Chip Supper - Friday 16th May 2014
Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 16th May 2014 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA's vital services.
You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.
SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 8 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £40.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA.
In 2014 SIA is celebrating its 40th anniversary and so we want to make the batter matter and raise £25,000 from everyone holding suppers. Last year we raised £12,500 from the suppers.
The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to rebuild lives after spinal cord injury.
Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone.
Community Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Wright, says, "The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group.
For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350 or email [email protected] or visit www.siafishandchips.co.uk.
Chris, Ryan and Paul Ride to Paris...
Chris Rowson, Ryan Holden, Paul Dorman The three of us are riding from London to Paris to raise as much money as we can for the Institute of Cancer Research. Our reasons for doing this do differ, but one common theme is that our lives, and the people we love have all been affected in some way by this disease. Please take the time to read why we are doing this. Thank you.
Chris - Just over 3 and a half years ago my mom was diagnosed with Leukaemia. She started on a course of treatment, went into remission and started back at work. A few months after, the disease returned. She underwent treatment again, but the doctors could not cure her. My mom was so brave throughout, and showed amazing strength. Every time something gets difficult for me, thinking of what mom went through, gives me the strength to carry on. This is an opportunity for me, with your generous support, to raise money for aid the research into all types of Cancer so life saving treatments can continue to be developed. Thank you.
Paul - I've always wanted to do an event to raise money for charity and when this opportunity came around I couldn't refuse. Everyone has been affected by Cancer one way or another and it really hits home when it's someone close to you, in my case my Granddad and my good friend Ryan. To see people go through this ordeal really makes you want to do something about it. With everyone's help and generosity we can raise a large amount of money for such a worthy cause. Thank you.
Ryan - I'm doing this ride because when I was 15 I was diagnosed with Cancer. The youngest in Britain with my type. I fought this horrible disease for 2 years and was lucky enough to win my fight. I would ride to the moon and back if it saved just one more person going through what I did. So London to Paris to help towards saving millions of other is a walk in the park! Donating through the website is simple. Just click on the link: www.doitforcharity.com/chrisandryan
Our charity will receive your money quickly and easily and if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 25% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Many thanks for your support,
Chris Rowson, Ryan Holden and Paul Dorman
Source: Focus, June 2012
Gordon's Charity Christmas Puzzle 2011
I am very grateful for the support of many local people and for their generosity - as a result of this year's Puzzle £5,300 will be donated, to be shared equally between five nominated charities: Harpenden Child Contact Centre, Leveque School, Haiti, St Mary's, Eaton Bray, Willen Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The total raised by the Puzzle is now £46,500 – my thanks to everyone who has helped to make this possible.
Of 324 entries this year, from as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Canada, 29 achieved full marks including a number of local people: Angie Baker, Liz Constable, Iain Stubbs, Margaret Webber & Alison Timman.
A draw, to select four winners, was held at All Saints Church, Dagnall, on 29 January.
The winners, none of whom are local, were: Mr & Mrs M J Fisher, Sally Kettle, Malcolm Moore and Brian Stone. In addition, one entry was drawn at random from among all the entries received, the winner being Peter Cook, who scored 118.5. These five winners each receive a cheque for £30.
You can register to receive a copy of next year's Puzzle at www.christmaspuzzle.co.uk.
Next year's Puzzle will be issued on 8 December.
Gordon Gray
Appledown Rescue - Sponsored Walk
Appledown Rescue and Re-homing Kennels - Sponsored Walk, Sunday 22nd April 2012, Choice of 3 or 5 mile routes
Register at Appledown between 10 – 12 noon. DOGS WELCOME!
For a sponsorship form please call 01525 220383 or e-mail: [email protected]
Appledown Rescue & Re-homing Kennels, Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY
Registered Charity Number 1116848
Money Matters!
The congregation at St Mary's has the pleasure of worshipping in a beautiful, medieval, Grade 1 listed building, which will be 800 years old in seven years' time. This building however belongs not just to people who go to church but to all parishioners of the four villages of Eaton Bray, Edlesborough, Northall and Dagnall for whom it is their parish church. It is steeped in history and it is yours to marvel at and enjoy whenever you wish; it is amazing how many people do come into the church for various reasons during any ordinary day.
The down-side of owning such an ancient building however, is that it is very expensive to maintain. The stonework, a soft chalk-like stone originally mined in Totternhoe, requires tens of thousands of pounds to be spent on it every 20-30 years just to stop the building crumbling away. In addition, we have to fi nance an annual budget of around £80,000 which includes paying a diocesan quota to cover among other things, clergy salaries and pensions.
To meet these commitments, it does mean that we have to think about money rather more than we would wish and to run many fund-raising events throughout the year to pay our bills and save for future renovations; you will no doubt have attended some of them – Carnival, Open Gardens, concerts, Christmas Fayre, to name a few. But what you may not realise is that St Mary's also tries hard to be a generous church. In 2011, for example, St Mary's donated almost £15,000 to charity through events such as Carnival, collections at Christmas Services, Christian Aid concert, Harvest Auction, Poppy Prom, Gordon's Christmas Puzzle and response to natural disasters, plus also the PCC's annual budgeted charitable giving.
If you would like to help decide which charities St Mary's supports in 2012, there will be regular opportunities presented in Focus for you to make recommendations, so in addition to supporting our events, look out for these occasions during the coming year and make your suggestions to the Vicar, Churchwarden or Gordon Gray or via St Mary's website www.stmaryseatonbray.org.uk.
-- Gordon Gray & Catherine Hayden
Source: Focus, February 2012
Fire Walk, 26 November 2011
6pm to 10pm, 26 November 2011
Eaton Bray Village Hall
Have you got what it takes? If you would like to be involved with this big event, then you need to take your first step... No, not into the fire just yet... but we need to know a little more about you. Please visit www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk/fire-walk-100, fill in the registration form, and we will send you a confirmation e-mail together with details of what to expect on the day.
You will be asked to pay a £50 registration fee, however you can
claim this back from your first £50 in sponsors.
This event is open to the first 100 registered volunteers,
once we have 100 people, the registration will be closed.
In aid of Curtain Call Theatre Group, Lancot Lower School Football Club and
St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray.
Source: Focus, November 2011
World's Biggest Coffee Morning
Come and join us on Friday 30th September from 9.00 a.m. until 12.00 noon.
In St Mary‛s Church Eaton Bray.
Last year we raised over £600, each year gets better and better so please help us to make 2011 a record breaker!
Cakes, Bring and Buy, Book stall, Cards, etc. etc
Great British Fish and Chip Supper - Friday 20th May 2011
Want to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 20th May 2011 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA's information and support services.
You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.
SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 7 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £35.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA.
Last year we had over 100 suppers taking part in England and Wales and we raised £6,000. In 2011 we want to double that figure and ensure we can provide more support to spinal cord injured people.
The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead independent lives.
Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone.
Community Fundraising Officer, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group.
Be a part of something special and make a real difference to help spinal cord injured people gain access to the information and support they need to enable them to live full and independent lives.”
For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 678 6633 xtn 229 or email [email protected] or visit www.spinal.co.uk.
Source: Spinal Injuries Association
Christmas Puzzle 2010 - Winnie-the-Pooh
It is nearly time for Gordon Gray to distribute this year's Charity Christmas Puzzle.
This, the 20th annual Puzzle that Gordon has set, has a theme designed to help completion and will appeal to people who enjoy doing Crossword puzzles, such as in the Daily Telegraph (though it is not a Crossword puzzle). Puzzlers have plenty of time to find the answers and Puzzles should be returned, with donation, by 23 January.
Four winners will each receive a £30 prize.
Everyone who enters will qualify for a £30 prize draw.
Gordon plans to post Puzzles on 7 December, so those already on the distribution list should receive their copies by 9 December. Anyone else who would like a copy of the Puzzle can access it from the web at www.christmaspuzzle.co.uk. You can register early to receive a copy on the issue date of 8 December.
Over £36,000 raised for charity.
£4,700 donated last year.
This year's puzzle will support St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray, plus four other charities.
Accomplish Children's Trust: The aim of Accomplish Children's Trust is to bring relief to disabled children and their families in Africa children - with a current focus on south-west Uganda. The Trust provides support through grants and initiatives for child sponsorship, medical interventions, training and vocational activities and parent support networks. Charity No: 1127235.
Camberley Care Trust: Camberley Care Trust provides a handyman service by a trustworthy person and at affordable prices to many elderly people who are worried about minor repairs and installations, either because they cannot manage the hourly rates asked by trades people, or because they feel vulnerable when admitting them to their homes. Charity No: 298419.
Combat Stress: Combat Stress is the UK's leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health, treating conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders. Services are free of charge to veterans. Since 2005 the number of ex-Service men and women seeking help has risen by 72% with a current caseload of more than 4,300 individuals, including 102 Veterans who have served in Afghanistan and 400 who served in Iraq. Charity No: 206002.
St Mary's, Eaton Bray: The church where Gordon is Reader. Charity No:1129952.
The Suffolk Punch Trust: The Trust was set up in 2002 to take the Colony Stud at HM Hollesley Prison into private charitable ownership. The Trust's primary aims are to expand the Suffolk Punch breed, make the horses more accessible to the general public, continue the therapeutic, rehabilitation and training programmes for prison inmates, undertake conservation and heritage education for all age groups and the socially excluded and to encourage eco-tourism. Charity No: 1100596.
St Mary's Village Carnival 2010
Now that the dust has settled from this year's Carnival we are able to let you know that the Organisers have been able to donate the magnificent sum of £12,800 - the same total that was achieved in 2009 despite the more difficult economic climate. A massive 'THANK YOU' to everyone who has contributed to this total in any way.
As usual, half of the money is for St Mary's Fabric Fund, half of the remainder goes to our principle charity, the Keech Hospice care and the rest has been distributed among local (or locally connected) good causes, in line with commitments resulting from the Carnival or as requested by people in the villages, as follows:
| St Mary's Fabric Fund | £6,400 |
| Keech Hospice Care | £3,200 |
| 1st E Bray & Edlesborough Scout Group | £100 |
| Age Concern | £75 |
| Appledown Rescue | £100 |
| Cystic Fibrosis | £100 |
| Dunstable Downs Rotary Club (Hospice at Home Volunteers) | £50 |
| Dunstable & District Handicapped Typing Club | £50 |
| Dunstable Round Table | £50 |
| Eaton Bray Lions AFC | £125 |
| Eaton Bray Lower School | £100 |
| Eaton Bray Methodist Church | £50 |
| Eaton Bray Parish Council | £75 |
| EB Village Hall | £125 |
| EDaN Project | £75 |
| Edlesborough Parish Council | £75 |
| Expedition - Amy Ryder | £225 |
| Expedition - Cody Plaats World Scout Jubilee | £75 |
| Expedition - Gemma Johnson World Scout Jubilee | £75 |
| Expedition - Jack Blumsom | £75 |
| Expedition - James Tate World Scout Jubilee | £75 |
| Expedition - Miguel Garcia World Scout Jubilee | £75 |
| Expedition - Nick Marshall World Scout Jubilee | £75 |
| Expedition - Sara Fisher World Scout Jubilee | £75 |
| Expedition - Matthew Johnson World Scout Jubilee | £75 |
| Hospice of St Francis at Berkhamsted. | £125 |
| Lionheart Explorer Group | £150 |
| Midshires | £50 |
| MK Macintyre Home | £125 |
| Orbit | £100 |
| Police Charity Fund - Beds | £100 |
| Police Charity Fund - Thames Valley | £100 |
| Salvation Army | £50 |
| St John's Ambulance | £300 |
| Stray Cat Rescue | £50 |
| Taskers Row Sheltered Housing Scheme | £75 |
Over the past 15 years St Mary's Village Carnival has raised almost £150,000 for local good causes, with 124 organisations / good causes receiving money.
The Organising Committee have already started making preparations for next year's Carnival which, as usual, will take place on the first Saturday in July - 2 July 2011 - when the theme will be 'Pirates'.
If you would like to suggest a principle charity for next year or have ideas or offers for the event please contact Gordon Gray via the website - www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Hopefully we'll see you there.
Source: St Mary's Village Carnival
Sunday brunch serves up charity cash
A Sunday brunch has raised more than £750 for charity - and Barclays Bank has matched that pound for pound to double the total.
Eaton Bray villager Sally Siddons, a former Barclays employee, organised the event, attended by more than 60 people.
The cash was raised for Iain Rennie Hospice At Home, a charity which helped Sally's mother and some close friends at the end of their lives.
Barclays gave a contribution as part of its community investment programme pound for pound matched funding scheme.
Beryl Bishop, a volunteer Iain Rennie nurse, said: "The day was a great success. I really enjoyed the event. It was hard work, but a lot of fun, and it is great to raise so much money for such a good cause."
Source: Luton Today
Down’s Heart Group
I was interested to read in the June issue of Focus that some of the Edlesborough Book Group read The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards as their April book of the month and to note their summing up of the many themes running through this novel. Most poignant of course is the plea for disability to be recognised and accepted, which prompted me to write.
Here in our four villages I imagine that over the past 25 years at least, many people have had the opportunity to meet and get to know our residents who have Down's Syndrome, of whom I know there have been at least three in that time and I hope this has increased understanding, awareness and acceptance. I wonder how many of you though know much more about Down's Syndrome beyond the visible characteristics which make it recognisable?
For instance did you know:
- About 1 in 700 babies are born with Down's Syndrome, which means roughly 2 every day here in the UK.
- About 47% of babies born with Down's Syndrome also have congenital heart defects.
- Many require open heart surgery within 3 - 6 months after birth and may need further surgery later in life.
- People with Down's Syndrome have a higher incidence of other medical problems such as Coeliac Disease, Thyroid Dysfunction and hearing and sight problems.
Given the advances in medical treatment, people with Down's Syndrome are now living longer. Many are going through mainstream education, passing GCSE's, finding employment, living in supported accommodation away from their family and even getting married. (To see more of what is possible given support and encouragement visit these websites of just two of the inspirational young people I'm honoured to have met www.karengaffneyfoundation.com and www.sujeet.com)
And how many of you were aware that Eaton Bray is the base for a small national UK charity which provides support and information for families and carers of people with Down's Syndrome who have heart problems? Down's Heart Group was started in 1988 by a group of parents and has been helping families ever since. I became involved after the birth and subsequent loss of my second son Daniel and the Group has been running from my home since about 1990.
We are not big and well known so we don't attract huge financial support like some other charities and being national we usually miss out on local grants which focus on a small area, but we are grateful to have had some support from the carnival. We do provide a vital service for families and without office overheads etc. we are great value for money, but like a lot of organisations lack of funds threatens our continued existence, so in just over 18 months time I hope to embark on a 10 month long fundraising and awareness campaign. It would be fantastic to get some local support having lived in Eaton Bray for 22 years and my husband being Dagnall born and bred.
What I am hoping to undertake is a series of events / tasks which I can be sponsored for either individually or collectively. I'm willing to consider any suggestions but nothing too adventurous please as I've had surgery on both knees and did some irreparable damage when I broke my foot a few years back. The kind of things I'm thinking of are aerobatics in a glider, a balloon flight, driving a Rolls Royce, appearing as an extra on a TV soap, a tandem skydive, perhaps I could even do something at the village carnival?
I'm hoping to be able to do most things for free or at reduced cost and to look for sponsorship to either help cover costs or as a donation. So if you've got any contacts that might like to get involved, please let me know, I'm planning to use my media contacts to get some good publicity over the months and will be more than happy to mention sponsors, wear logos etc.
Oh and I could probably do with someone to help manage all the planning etc. as I'll have to fit it all around my normal work for the charity - anyone fancy being my PA for the year?
Basically I intend starting on January 10th (the date it was confirmed I was pregnant with Daniel) and ending on November 13th (the day he died). Probably the final event will be a dinner dance to coincide with Down's Heart Group's biannual Conference when I hope to invite along many of the young people and families I've been privileged to know over the years.
Why 2010? Well on August 3rd I'll reach my half century and I've decided to try and put a positive swing on what will be a difficult day for me - NOT because I'll be 50 but because on that same day my Daniel would have been 21! So if you can help me to make 2010 a positive year celebrating my son's short life and the marvellous gifts people with Down's Syndrome can bring into our lives, please get in touch.
-- Penny Green, Director, Down's Heart Group, www.dhg.org.uk
Source: Focus, July 2008
Welcome home Andy
After 2,083 miles of cycling from one end of Great Britain to the other (and back!) in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Andy Gibbons cycled back into the village this evening at about 6pm, just in time for the Carnival this weekend.
There is still an opportunity to sponsor Andy's tremendous effort on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. There is also a board in St Mary's Church with more details and photos from Andy's amazing cycle ride.
To find out how you can help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, telephone Beds community fundraiser Caroline de Carpentier on 01582 606677 or see the website www.macmillan.org.uk.
Andy's amazing cycle ride
Andy Gibbons cycle ride is now well under way.
Please sponsor Andy on his 2,000 mile cycle ride from one end of Great Britain to the other (and back!) in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Andy hopes to raise £2,000 for the charity and is confident he can complete the journey in three weeks.
"Cancer has touched all our lives and I am pleased that Macmillan was chosen by the church as our charity this year."
There is a sponsor list on the table by the notice board in St Mary's Church, or please contact Sheila Banks.
To find out how you can help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, telephone Beds community fundraiser Caroline de Carpentier on 01582 606677 or see the website www.macmillan.org.uk.
Source: St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray
Andy's amazing cycle ride
Andy Gibbons has set himself the challenge of a 2,000 mile Cycle Ride from Eaton Bray to Lands End, up to John O'Groats and back to Eaton Bray.
The congregation of St Mary's Church have set themselves the challenge of matching him by raising 1 pound per mile for this year's Parish Project - Macmillan Cancer Support.
"Andy plans to set off in the middle of June and we hope to welcome him back with our target of £2,000 achieved!"
Please donate to this very worthwhile charity and to show recognition of Andy's sterling efforts. For further information, please contact Sheila Banks.
Source: St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray
London to Liverpool via Eaton Bray
Gregg Roughley set out yesterday on a 223 mile run from London to Liverpool, over 11 days. To help him on the way he will be ably assisted by Adam Yates, who will be able to cycle, read a map and bark supportive slogans when Gregg's legs have forgotten who owns them.
Today Gregg is set to arrive in Eaton Bray after his second leg which started in Watford this morning. Tomorrow he will then continue on to Stony Stratford.
Gregg's mother Sylvia has emailed in to ask anyone that sees him around the village or en-route to please give him a wave!
Gregg is raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support; "they are a wonderful charity who have offered fantastic support to me and my family and to many others around the country. I hope you will support our efforts to raise money for them so that they can continue to help cancer sufferers and their family members when they most need it."
To donate money to Gregg and help him raise money for Macmillan, please use his JustGiving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/greggroughley.
Gazette Gossip
It's time to talk about the birds and the bees. No, not that kind. The Birds And The Bees was the title for the latest charity Christmas puzzle from Northall villager Gordon Gray.
It was more popular than ever. And the even better news is that the puzzle raised £3,600, shared between Michael Sobell House Hospice, Mount Vernon, Romania Care, and the restoration of the Harrison & Harrison Organ, St Albans Cathedral.
So far, in the past 17 years, the puzzle has raised more than £27,600 for good causes - including almost £10,000 in the past four years.
Now, I like to think I'm organised, but I'm staggered that almost 100 people have already registered online for the next Christmas puzzle.
Even more amazing, Gordon has already set the brainteaser.
But you'll have to wait before you can put on your thinking cap - it won't be released until early December.
If you'd like to find out more, just check out the website at www.christmaspuzzle.co.uk.
For the latest news from Eaton Bray and beyond, get the Dunstable Gazette every Wednesday and make a daily date with Dunstable Today.
Source: Anne O'Donoghue, Dunstable Gazette, 13 February 2008
Round-Ireland Charity Ride
Though we moved out of Eaton Bray in the summer, we hope it's a case of gone but not forgotten.
Shaun is cycling around Ireland, give or take a peninsula or two, at a distance of about 1300 miles, starting on 24th March. So, by the time you read this, he ought to be about halfway round and heading down the west coast.
Whilst he may be enjoying one of his favourite parts of the world, and possibly the odd drop of Guinness to fortify him, such a distance is no mean feat for a man approaching forty, so he is raising money in aid of cancer-related charities as he goes. Your generous contribution would be most appreciated. Some of you may remember his articles in Focus in 1995 describing his ride from John O'Groats to Land's End, from which over £3000 was raised, so that sounds like a good target to try and beat this time.
All those years ago, the internet was just a glint in somebody's eye but, in 2007, if you have access to it, sponsorship is easy. Go to the website www.drude.co.uk you can read more about this venture and it will also direct you to an official charity giving site. For those of you who prefer more traditional methods, you can mark your pledge and leave your cash (or cheque) at Eaton Bray Lower School, who have kindly agreed to help out - if any queries on that, Liz Warby would be happy to hear from you, or speak to Liz Constable in the school office on 220468 (days).
With a warm hello to everyone who knows us.... I'll be there in the backup car with co-pilot Calum (and an oxygen mask!!!),
Beccy Haydon
Source: Focus, April 2007