It is almost exactly 8 months since we held our inaugural meeting of the Olney- Newton Link Community Charity so when I realised I had to produce a report I thought well that wont take long, we haven't done that much. Then I started to think!
The first real step forward was the obtaining of Charity Status which we achieved in January, very quick in the context of what charities often find, and due very largely to some excellent advice from Barbara Scivenor, Chair of the Youlgreave- Bangbutt Link who not only treated Brian and I to a delicious lunch one day but spent a couple of hours explaining how they eventually got their status. We also extend our sincere thanks to the sub-committee lead by Liz Brewster who read and dealt with the small print.
Another highlight has been the visit to Freetown and Newton by David and Sarah Dewey and those who were able to attend their feedback meeting and have read their reports have been greatly encouraged by their experiences, they will be greatly missed when they move to London next month.
Of course last September was a change of administration procedure for the Link but we were already very involved with several projects in Newton . The shelter project was very much on-going and we had received the request to complete 70 houses before turning our attention to a Skills Training Centre. The fund-raising leading up to Christmas was therefore geared to that and we must thank all who were involved with the Christmas cards, conventional and e-type, Carol singing, Buy-a Present, and donations. As a result we have been able to complete the houses and as you all know Skills Day became the start of the campaign for the Skills Centre. We don't know how much will be needed to complete this project yet.
The school link was also in full swing and not only have we sent 3 large consignments of books since last September but the Infant School children have exchanged gifts and letters. Also in the containers have been 3 computers but the efficacy of that needs further consideration. More about the schools later.
The Lions have continued their project of providing school furniture, a very much needed commodity as we know from reports we have received from the schools involved and from David and Sarah.
A new idea this year was the provision of 6 Solar Charged Lights, the result of some generous fund raising with the children by Susan Heron. We were and still are on a learning curve here but we know they have been received at last and are waiting for further news of their whereabouts and how they are being used.