Royal Forest of Dean Branch celebrates 30th anniversary

By Lifa Oakley - November 2006

"We have reached 30 years, although I myself haven’t been at the helm for even half that time. I became Chairman in March 1996 so I’m a mere newcomer – but I salute those who have gone before and those who formed this Royal Forest of Dean branch in 1976. "We have achieved a tremendous amount in 30 years. Our fundraising events have indeed been many and varied, from coffee mornings, car boots and concerts to art exhibitions, dress shows and barn dances. There have been marathons, sponsored walks and cycle rides, not to mention our Giant Jumble Sales and our charity shop in Newnham. The list goes on and I thank you all for your part in an amazing fundraising total over 30 years which amounts to £241,000 (nearly quarter of a million pounds).

"Just to quantify things: the legendary jumble sales have raised an incredible £14,000 in 15 years and the shop has brought in £28,000. Sadly we have just had to take a very hard decision to close the shop at Christmas after 10 years in Newnham and I particularly thank all our valiant volunteers and with special enormous gratitude to Betty who has done so much to keep it going.

"We have had milestones along the way – Josie Anderson has recently retired from the committee having been Treasurer since the start. Under her treasurer-ship, £198,00 was raised by this Branch. We thank you once again, Josie, and John of course.

"Financially 1997 was our most successful year ever. We raised £34,000 that year boosted by the four young Lands End to John o’Groats cyclists who donated £11,000 and Andrew Boys who raised £10,000 running the London Marathon for us. That year we came second in the top 20 Muscular Dystrophy Campaign fundraising Branches in the country.

"We thank you all for your support and generosity. None of us could have achieved this on our own – it really is a case of team work. I salute my fellow branch members and all of you who have enabled us to achieve this success. We now look ahead to the next 30 years. My special thanks to Torill for providing us with such a splendid venue for our celebrations and for many other kindnesses to our Branch."