After our May meeting, Pam Farquhar gave a very interesting talk about the important role of British Army Dogs during the wars. Pam is now the owner of two retired Military Working Dogs, Bak and Hiha.

Our speaker related the stories of Judy, a dog which became a prisoner of war in Shanghai; Buster, a remarkable search spaniel, who won medals for saving a thousand lives, and Trio, a dog, which was also awarded a medal for saving many lives. The enemy also tried to shoot and kill an Australian message dog. Air dogs were also trained to take medicines to injured patients.

In World War 1, the Russians trained 33,000 dogs to go under the tanks.

During the Vietnam War, the Americans sent 4,000 shepherd dogs to Vietnam. President Clinton insisted that the dogs must be brought back to America after the war was over. Our Royal Army Veterinary Corps looked after and trained many dogs.

Nowadays spaniel and labrador military dogs are athletic and are trained to carry microphones, as well as being loyal and worthy of praise.

In spite of many of the members testing positive for Covid shortly before the date of the Working Day at Rosemary’s home, those who did come managed to cut as many stamps and put together as many baby bundles as in years before the pandemic hit.

Thanks to Rosemary for opening her home for us and arranging a lovely lunch for the workers!

Our commiserations go to Ray and Veronica who after working so hard to prepare the Pub Quiz evening, they tested positive for Covid a few days before the event and couldn’t attend. But President Lynn rallied the troops and and would like to thank everyone who helped make it such a pleasant and successful event.

Lots of members and husbands came to set up the room and stayed at the end to help clear up. The flowers Rosemary organised for the tables were just right. Lots of members donated delicious desserts and we were spoilt for choice. Many people, who were unable to come, still paid for a ticket.

The raffle was wonderfully run by Margaret and Frank, set out and drawn by Jennifer and we raised over £270. President Lynn had announced that the proceeds of the raffle would go to the Ukraine appeal.

Janet did all the printing for the quiz we put together and that seemed to be well received. Kelvin used Michael Neville’s cards and we played 2 games of card bingo. Anne’s donated bottle of gin raised another £30.

Dain’s sister Sally did us proud as ever with the delicious meals and the kitchen helpers were fantastic. Our newest member Sue’s husband David compered the karaoke.

It was such a pity Veronica and Ray were unable to be with us. It was their hard work and the effort put into the preparation that meant it could go ahead. Ray’s expertise in setting up the equipment saved the day. It really was a fantastic team effort and I can’t thank people enough. The final total raised was £1191.00.

District 22 have chosen the Stroke Association for our nominated charity this year. To raise funds for this Dain thought it would be a good idea to organise a walk around Farnsfield, followed by lunch. We were so lucky with the weather and enjoyed a couple of hours in the spring sunshine.

While the walkers took in the delights of the Nottinghamshire countryside, Veronica and team were working away transforming Dain’s garden room into a luxury tearoom where we all sat down to a delicious lunch.

A great way to raise funds for a cause that is very close to all our hearts.

A message from Trish Witcomb

At the time of writing, the world is in turmoil and we are all reeling from the dreadful situation in Ukraine. With this in mind Children in Distress have set up a separate online donation fund whereby all the monies donated will be used to purchase specific needs for the refugees entering Romania on the north eastern border with Ukraine. Many of you will have already given both material and financial support, but the needs will be great for the foreseeable future and with the charity’s local knowledge this is a secure way of getting the correct aid to where it is most needed. If you wish to help please contact the CID website at: http://www.childrenindistress.org.uk

Or alternately you can contact me and I will forward your donation to the CID office in Glasgow.

On a happier note I have included photos of the very successful Christmas Love in a Box Appeal when 90% of the 7193 shoeboxes were donated from the UK (the remainder from Germany and the USA) The shoeboxes were given to poor children/families and the elderly in Bucharest and within a 2 hour drive of the capital – to children in our hospices and their families and to the many who attend our centres and clinics. Father Christmas visited the refugee camp in heart of Bucharest, care centres for children and the elderly, churches and schools in surrounding poor villages, where he distributed food parcels and shoeboxes. Thank you everyone who contributed shoeboxes, gave a financial donation or a ‘Gift from The Heart’.

We are again preparing for Love in a Box 2022, so start collecting your empty shoeboxes and gifts.

This years’ Keyworth Show on Saturday July 2nd will include the Horticultural and Craft exhibition and again there is a Charity knitting section to make a garment for a child or teenager/adult and all entries will be given to Children in Distress – so get busy all you knitters. I do have a supply of wool if needed, please just ask – but more donations of wool are always w

At our March meeting a full house enjoyed a light hearted and anecdote-filled talk that took us round the world following the adventures of one time ‘trouble shooter’ now author, Philip Caine. Those ladies who bought copies of his novels will be delighted to hear that he will donate 10% of the sales back to our Charity funds

At the meeting it was announced that both quiz teams attending the District Quiz did very well in spite of lots of very challenging questions. Well done to Elaine, Barbara, Diana and Pauline. who came second – CONGRATULATIONS.

Just a reminder to everyone that we have some exciting events coming up.

Veronica and Ray are organising their long awaited ‘Pub Night’ These social nights have been very successful in the past and we’re hoping that this one will raise spirits and at the same time let’s hope we can raise lots of money for some very deserving local charities.

The raffle we had at the Christmas meeting raised £200 and here is a picture of Veronica and Jennifer presenting the cheque to Lesley Salmon of the Bellamy Road Residents Association. The money will go towards this a summer coach trip to the seaside for local children

Reach is a local charity that works to support people with learning disabilities. Maria and Julia gave us a really interesting talk about their roles in the organisation: working with over 250 people locally to help them lead a happy and healthy life in the community. They offer courses, activities, projects and socials, aiming to enable their clients to learn new skills, make friends and live well.  We gave them a small donation as they rely on fundraising and donations for their survival. The Mansfield Day Centre is based in the St John’s Centre and volunteers are welcome.

Rosemary was thrilled with your generous response for the shoebox appeal. Lots of love went into the packing of the boxes and we hope we made some little people smile on Christmas morning.