CHARITY FOCUS
Live Ribble Valley takes a look at the many and varied charity projects that are taking place in towns and villages across the region
MIDSUMMER BALL
A midsummer ball organised by Forbes Solicitors and Handelsbanken has raised £9,300 for a national youth charity based in Chorley. The event was held at Shaw Hill Golf Resort and Spa Hotel, Whittle-le-Woods and was attended by more than 130 guests from the local business community. The evening was held to raise funds for Inspire Youth Zone, which aims to help young people to develop new skills and socialise in a safe, positive and accessible environment.
The Chorley Youth Zone, named Inspire by local young people, is a purpose-built facility for the town’s young people, based in the heart of Chorley on Chapel Street. A similar event last year raised £7,654. Janine Blythe, Chief Executive of Inspire Youth Zone said: “Last year’s Midsummer Ball was going to take some beating and this year has surpassed all expectations! We’re so proud to be affiliated with such incredible businesses and the wider Chorley community that have hosted and attended this event to fundraise for Inspire Youth Zone – what a fantastic night.”
Julia Monks, Branch Manager at Handelsbanken, said: “To be able to surpass last year’s total was a fantastic achievement, but this couldn’t have happened without the amazing support of all those who attended and all those who supported the event.”
DEMENTIA CAMPAIGN CALENDAR
Sadly, more and more families are being touched by the scourge of dementia. Former college lecturer John Fagan saw the devastating effects of the condition when his wife developed and tragically died after a 10-year struggle from a rare form of the disease called Benson’s Syndrome. As a family, they wanted something positive to emerge from their devastating loss and with many friends they have organised various fundraising projects in support of dementia charities. One such project last year was the production of a calendar entitled ‘Ribble Valley Through the Seasons’. This initiative raised a total of £3500 which was divided between the Alzheimer’s Society and the National Brain Appeal.
As the calendar was so successful John and his family are launching another calendar this September with all funds going towards helping to fund research to find a cure for dementia. The calendar will be on sale at Bashall Barn, Shackletons Garden Centre, Holmes Mill and other local businesses.
USE IT OR LOSE IT
Knowle Green Village Hall Management Committee have issued an appeal for local people to come forward to help run the facility. Over the past year a defibrillator has been purchased and this is to be installed in the hall, which continues to be well-used and financially viable. Along with the defibrillator, over the summer months, broadband and an updated security system are due to be installed. However, manpower to help run the hall is scarce and the committee are hoping that villagers will step forward in order to resolve the problem. Many village halls were built following the end of WWI in memory of the local men and women from the local area who had fought for their country and lost their lives. This was the case in Knowle Green – the foundation stone was laid in 1923 by James Duxbury for in what is today known as the village hall. Almost 100 years on and the hall is appealing for people with vision and enterprise to ensure it remains into the next century. The committee have issued a ‘use it or lose it’ warning – if you can help in any way, there is an AGM on 7th October at 7.30pm or you can call Isaac on 01772 782681.
You can also become a member of the hall for just £10 per family
If you have any charity news please contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk
