Post by Admin on Feb 8, 2007 17:11:28 GMT
CHRIS HARDING
10:30 - 08 February 2007
More than a dozen groups from North Warwick shire have just received a belated Christmas gift from Santa - thanks to their own efforts in the local community.
Altogether 13 local organisations came to the aid of the newly formed Sleigh Collection Committee in Atherstone.
They helped Santa tour the district in the weeks before Christmas, bringing seasonal cheer to young and old alike.
Along the routes they covered they collected cash, raising a total of £4,365.97, which has been shared between them.
The groups stepped into the breach to keep the sleigh collection going after the closure of Atherstone Round Table, which ran the traditional event for many years, raising thousands of pounds for local organisations.
"It is a great example of how people can help themselves," said committee chairman Tony Campion.
Tony, a former Round Table member, got together with other ex-Tablers to ensure the event took place as usual.
They sought help from Atherstone Forum, which helped cover the running costs and launched a plea for help among the groups which benefit from the cash collected.
In addition De Mulder and Sons, the company which made the sleigh, paid for it to be completely refurbished and modernised.
www.tamworthherald.co.uk
'WHAT YOU DID WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL'
10:30 - 08 February 2007
"THIS is a great example of how people can help themselves," a delighted Tony Campion told volunteers who helped to save Atherstone's traditional Christmas sleigh collection.
"We followed the format established by the Round Table, which went out on a high last year," he added.
"Now we plan to continue to involve community organisations to help with the sleigh collection and raise money for themselves.
"It is working well. Thank you all.
"A lot of people really appreciate the sleigh going around the streets, not just the kids, but old people too.
"For you to be part of that is something special and you can all pat yourselves on the back for your efforts.
"What you did really was something special and we are going to continue it."
His comments were echoed by Peter Ferrugia, chairman of Atherstone Forum, who said: "This was an extraordinary achievement in a very short space of time.
"All I can say is well done to everyone."
Peter spoke about the work of the forum, which aims to help solve problems and improve facilities in Atherstone by involving as many local groups as possible.
"You all have your own identities and we are not looking to take that away from you," he emphasised.
"But we are looking to hear your voice telling us all the things you need.
"We are not the town voice - you are. And without that voice the forum cannot exist.
"We need you."
And he added: "The sleigh committee epitomises what we are trying to do.
"We can tell local organisations where funding is available, back them getting it, and try to get them any practical support they need to continue their activities."
Peter urged the groups to get in touch or send representatives to forum meetings, so they have an input into what happens in Atherstone.
"Our objective is to get as many small groups as possible to join the Forum," he said.
www.tamworthherald.co.uk
10:30 - 08 February 2007
More than a dozen groups from North Warwick shire have just received a belated Christmas gift from Santa - thanks to their own efforts in the local community.
Altogether 13 local organisations came to the aid of the newly formed Sleigh Collection Committee in Atherstone.
They helped Santa tour the district in the weeks before Christmas, bringing seasonal cheer to young and old alike.
Along the routes they covered they collected cash, raising a total of £4,365.97, which has been shared between them.
The groups stepped into the breach to keep the sleigh collection going after the closure of Atherstone Round Table, which ran the traditional event for many years, raising thousands of pounds for local organisations.
"It is a great example of how people can help themselves," said committee chairman Tony Campion.
Tony, a former Round Table member, got together with other ex-Tablers to ensure the event took place as usual.
They sought help from Atherstone Forum, which helped cover the running costs and launched a plea for help among the groups which benefit from the cash collected.
In addition De Mulder and Sons, the company which made the sleigh, paid for it to be completely refurbished and modernised.
www.tamworthherald.co.uk
'WHAT YOU DID WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL'
10:30 - 08 February 2007
"THIS is a great example of how people can help themselves," a delighted Tony Campion told volunteers who helped to save Atherstone's traditional Christmas sleigh collection.
"We followed the format established by the Round Table, which went out on a high last year," he added.
"Now we plan to continue to involve community organisations to help with the sleigh collection and raise money for themselves.
"It is working well. Thank you all.
"A lot of people really appreciate the sleigh going around the streets, not just the kids, but old people too.
"For you to be part of that is something special and you can all pat yourselves on the back for your efforts.
"What you did really was something special and we are going to continue it."
His comments were echoed by Peter Ferrugia, chairman of Atherstone Forum, who said: "This was an extraordinary achievement in a very short space of time.
"All I can say is well done to everyone."
Peter spoke about the work of the forum, which aims to help solve problems and improve facilities in Atherstone by involving as many local groups as possible.
"You all have your own identities and we are not looking to take that away from you," he emphasised.
"But we are looking to hear your voice telling us all the things you need.
"We are not the town voice - you are. And without that voice the forum cannot exist.
"We need you."
And he added: "The sleigh committee epitomises what we are trying to do.
"We can tell local organisations where funding is available, back them getting it, and try to get them any practical support they need to continue their activities."
Peter urged the groups to get in touch or send representatives to forum meetings, so they have an input into what happens in Atherstone.
"Our objective is to get as many small groups as possible to join the Forum," he said.
www.tamworthherald.co.uk
