On 3rd April the group meeting was led by Diane Badger, who is our new Secretary.
The speaker was Angie, a Community Fundraiser with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, who gave us a very interesting presentation. She emphasized that the hospice is a happy place, with plenty of joy and laughter, definitely not a place for doom and gloom. It is in a quiet location on the outskirts of Sheffield, with a beautiful, peaceful garden, and serves South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire. Young people up to the age of 24 are cared for and the ethos is to be available for the whole family of the patient and extends after death, if required, although the aim is for the care to enable each child to reach adulthood. Professional care is provided on a one-to-one basis and there are various therapy and activity rooms. The venture is only 10% government funded, so 90% of the required running costs have to be raised by the hospice, amounting to about £4,000,000 at present. In addition, help is provided by at least 600 volunteers, illustrating the dedication and commitment of the people involved in this remarkable centre.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 1st May, when John Bown, a retired police officer, will be talking about his experiences, as related in his book “British Bobby on International Beat” He will bring copies of the book for sale, proceeds of which go to help two Addis Ababa based charities.
TrIsh Law, Committee Member. Tel: 450407