Strawberries and Cream Fundraiser

The Cheshire Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association held its annual Strawberry and Cream Evening at the Nantwich Cricket Club on the 9th July to raise money to support people living with MND. Hazel Francis, Branch Fund Raiser, organized this year’s event following the retirement after 10 years on the committee of Joan Park who, sadly, could not attend due to ill health.

More than 80 members and friends of the Cheshire Branch were at the cricket club to enjoy several games of bingo, a raffle, a bottle cork raffle and an auction of a cake donated by Cuppa and Cakes Macon House Community Group.

There were also stalls selling plants, cakes, jewelry and white elephant items. Our thanks go to Nancy Dutton who donated £250 raised from selling various knitted items throughout the year, and a further £65 donation from Arthur Chorkley from the sale of plants.

Those who attended enjoyed scones served with jam and cream and, of course, a bowl of strawberries and cream! At the end of the evening Chairperson of the Cheshire Branch of the MND Association, Julie Williams, thanked everyone who had supported the event, including many local shops and businesses for their generous donations. To date, this year’s Strawberries and Cream event has raised more than £800.

The Firs School, Chester donates £5,000

From left to right: Geoff Faulkner, Mrs Longman (proprietor of The Firs), Julie Williams (MND Association), Cath Jeffries (Wirral and Chester Renal Group), Becky Patton and Rev Longman (proprietor).

Parents at The Firs School in Newton Lane, Chester raised £10,000 for two charities of their choice at a ball held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel (formally known as Hoole Hall Hotel).
Members of the parents’ committee, Becky Patton and Geoff Faulkner, handed cheques for £5,000 each to Julie Williams of the Cheshire Branch of the MND Association and to Cath Jeffries of the Wirral and Chester Renal Group. The ball, which was held on May 16th raised funds via a raffle and an auction. Generous parents donated prizes for the auction including five tickets for a Liverpool football match, children’s bicycles, a holiday on the isle of Anglesey, a personal chef to prepare dinner for 12 guests of your choice as well as tickets for a Madonna concert.
Julie Williams said: “We are delighted and very pleased to accept this cheque from the parents of the Firs School pupils. It is very much appreciated and will be used as the parents requested; for further research into this terrible disease.”

Arley Hall Garden Festival

Members of the Motor Neurone Disease Association manned a stall at the Arley Garden Festival on June 27 and 28 in order to raise awareness of the disease.
Now in its 15th year, the Garden Festival has become the flagship event in the Arley Calendar with hundreds of fantastic flower and plant displays from all over the country. The floral marquee was in full bloom with a number of award-winning displays with plenty of plants available to buy. Festival-goers were also able to sample the Pimms and Champagne bar, enjoy a barbeque and indulge in an ice-cream while taking in the sounds of a jazz band.
Lord and Lady Ashbrook were happy for the Cheshire Branch to set up the stall which was manned by members and friends of the Branch. One hundred and fifty pounds was collected in donations and the sale of raffle tickets.