With Cllr Liz Savage
LAST weekend I opened the Bickerstock Festival. My charities also took a stall to raise monies for the four mayoral charities, the Birchwood Centre, Ormskirk neonatal Unit, The Civic and The Artz Centre.
It was a fantastic weekend, with great bands and wonderful weather. The festival has been running now for more than 10 years and has raised thousands of pounds for local charities. On behalf of the residents of West Lancashire I’d like to thank the committee for the time that they give to this worthwhile community activity.
As you know during August I’m focusing the weekly column on telling you more about the charities. Last Wednesday, I had a tour around the neonatal Unit in Ormskirk Hospital, where I met staff, parents and children who have benefitted from the unit and the latest baby who was born only the night before.
I spoke with children who told me that they were only as big as mummy’s hand when they were born and chatted with the father of Corben who had been born the night before. I was surprised to find out that it’s not just the tiny babies that are born early that need support but babies like Corben who were born early but weighed over 8lb.
The unit told me that they would ideally like a new incubator but that these cost in the region of £13,000-£15,000. As equipment changes so frequently and the NHS are only given a finite amount of resources, some equipment needs funding from outside sources such as charitable donations.
As I have four charities and in order to enable me to give £13,000 pounds to the neonatal Unit, this year I’m trying to raise £52,000. I can only do this with the help of the community, so I hope you’ll try to come to one of our events. We are currently selling tickets for the charity ball which is going to be a fantastic evening. Fundraising Events: Sep 9: Charity Ball at Hurlston Hall. Tickets in advance but open to all. Tickets £30 from Ann England on 01695 585033.
Oct 8: Fashion Show at The Civic. Noon-5pm, Tickets £6 from CD Music Academy 01695 821 755.
Oct 8: Rising Stars UK Night at the Oscars – Tickets £7.50 from CD Music Academy 01695 821755.
Nov 4: 1980s Civic Disco – Tickets £5 from Ann England on 01695 585033.
Dec 1: Bingo at Civic Hall – to be confirmed.
We’d be extremely grateful for any donations of auction, raffle or bingo prizes. Contact Ann England on 01695 585033.