• Congratulations to the First Radipole Brownies whose recent concert, entitled “Sing for Change” raised no less than £450 for WaterAid.

This money could fund a whole year of hygiene education for 850 people in Nepal, putting hand and water pumps in Tanzania and, as well as enjoying the singing, the girls have become more aware of the importance of water.

  • Ninety pounds was raised at the recent St Aldhelm’s Church midweek lunch.

This is for the Christian Aid collection, launched at the Friday Night Club “Quiz Aid”, which proved to be a fun way of starting this important fundraising event.

  • The Launch of the St Aldhelm’s Church Hall Fund takes place at 10am on Sunday, June 21 in the church, with the Pig Roast being held the day before, Saturday, June 20 from 4pm
  • A Summer Fete is to be held at Fernhill Day Centre, Fernhill Avenue, on Saturday, June 20 from 11am-3pm.

Funds raised are to go to The Lawns Care Home Amenities Fund, which provides most welcome extra facilities for the residents.

  • The new operator of the children’s train was welcomed at the well attended Friends of Lodmoor Country Park open meeting.

He is incorporating a Friends’ notice board on the side of his building, which will complement the one on the shelter, near Grove Avenue.

Progress was discussed and recruitment of new members which had increased at the recent St John’s School Car Boot / Fete

  • It is unfortunate that the Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens have been refused their request for help by “Grassroots Funding”.

Their submission for a £50,000 grant was declined on the grounds that the group is not considered autonomous, being involved with the Borough Council and the new swings are not to be funded retrospectively.

The decision does seem unfair and the reason given for not supporting the Friends for not being autonomous is totally incorrect!

Friends groups are independent of the Council, or any other organisation and have a completely autonomous constitution.

It is to be hoped that “Grassroots Funding” can be made aware of this.

It is a severe blow as it had been hoped to buy further equipment for the play area.

However, the Friends are positively looking forward, as the swings are now in use and the remaining £1000 raised can contribute towards building the planned inter connecting paths in the park.