March Meeting - Bluebell Wood

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice is well known locally and so we were delighted to welcome volunteer Sally Baker to explain about the fantastic work they do.

Sally explained how she got involved with volunteering and fundraising for Bluebell Wood, following the serious illness of her grandson Harrison at just 3 weeks old.

After being admitted to the Children's Hospital in Sheffield the family was told that Harrison was so poorly there was nothing they could do for him and so he was transferred to Bluebell Wood for palliative care.  The whole family as well as Harrison received the most tremendous help and support from the hospice and against all odds Harrison started to thrive.  Sally showed us a selection of beautiful photos of her wonderful grandson now four years old and ready to start school in September! We were all absolutely delighted for all concerned.  Sally also explained that Bluebell Wood is almost entirely voluntarily funded and outlined the various ways we could help should we wish to do so.

Sally showing us fundraising material for Bluebell Wood

Jill and Joan admiring photos of Harrison

Jill Bartrop gave our heartfelt thanks to Sally for her very personal talk on Bluebell Wood and we carried out a collection in appreciation of such a wonderful cause and one we will certainly continue to support.  Indeed one of our members was proudly wearing her Bluebell Wood Supporters badge!

Margaret - a proud Bluebell Wood supporter displaying her badge

After we said our 'goodbyes' to Sally we then got on to the business part of the meeting.  Our March babies received their cards, with Elsie being presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for being 90 years young!

Vice President Joan presenting Elsie with her birthday flowers

Mary outlined the wide variety of trips and activities in the months ahead before announcing that Sybil our long-serving Entertainment Organiser on the committee had decided to step down.  She has done a fantastic job over many years and thoroughly deserved the rousing round of applause given her.  She will definitely be a hard act to follow - any volunteers?!? 

Gwen giving special thanks to Sybil

We then enjoyed some of Ann Marson's wonderful gingerbread with a well-earned cuppa whilst signing up for future activities and of course catching up on news.

Next outing is lunch at the Travellers in Birdwell....

...... and don't forget your Easter Bonnets for Aprils meeting.