Thanks to the generosity of three people this past month, we have now ordered and are installing a special Gebert toilet and support rails.  This will give the children staying with us much more independence.

Purchases made during the last nine months include a mobile hoist and an ordinary wheelchair, so that parents can save space by not packing their own.

We have had some lovely, unexpected gifts too, such as a baby’s rocking crib, a BIG toaster, a steamer…………..the list goes on.  All that we know of these items is when we receive a phone call and a voice on the other end says, ” I thought you might like……” or “ I’ve just left…….”

The kindness that we are continually shown is very humbling, and all we can say is

THANK YOU

As you can see by the ‘before’ photo, there were 7 tables set with 8 places. Thankfully, we were so busy that we had to lay another table…..and there isn’t an ‘after’ photo!

Although the time for opening was 9.30, that went out the window.  The first customers came in at 9 o’clock!

From then on it was manic. There must have been about 250 people through the doors, and I knew them all…bar about 12.

For two hours we never stopped. I was absolutely lathered! My face was like a beetroot, (how elegant is that?) and all my clothes were wet with sweat. Oh I forget, ladies don’t sweat…they merely glow.

Luckily the rain didn’t start until about 11.45am by which time we were clearing up and the customers had gone home.  We made £400.00 after all expenses had been paid, which was excellent!

Haltwhistle people are the most generous in the UK (not that I’m biased).  Every Saturday, except the month around Christmas and New Year, there is a coffee morning. It is a social event and everyone goes. It doesn’t matter what it is in aid of, the morning is well supported.  It’s no wonder that I’m proud of my area, the people, and my roots.

My grateful thanks to all those who helped……and especially to those who contributed!!!!

Maureen Hardcastle, Chairperson

Woodland Promotions is a small group of people in Carlisle, set up to promote and sell lottery tickets for Chin Up.  They give there time and effort in venues and locations throughout the north and locally on a door-to-door basis.  Maureen Hardcastle, Chin Up Chairperson, made the first draw at the Centre of Britain Hotel, Haltwhistle.

The results of the lottery were:-

First prize, won by Susan, was a new wide screen television.  This was delivered to Windermere and presented directly to Susan (see picture).

Second prize was won by Marney. (An XB0x)

Third Prize was won by Patrina. (Gift Voucher)

Our second lottery is now underway and will be drawn on 30 October.