It’s the ‘end of an era’ in Bratton and Edington, after decades of incredible fundraising for The Children’s Society, which has raised the sum of £86,000.
Since the 1980s, volunteers have organised events to raise money for the charity, which improves the lives of children facing abuse, neglect or exploitation.
One of the events has been the annual distribution of collection boxes to homes in the villages. The boxes were then taken to Bratton Church Institute where the money was counted by volunteers before being taken to a bank. But this task is proving too difficult now and, as a result, a final box collection for the charity was held on Saturday 22nd February.
Gill Humphrey, who has been instrumental in fundraising for The Children’s Society since she joined the Bratton branch in 1996, explained, “I used to take donations to a Barclays branch in Westbury which was great, but then it closed down. So, I went to Warminster and that was alright, but then the branch there shut as well. Then I took the donations to Barclays in Devizes, but then they closed down. I was left in a bit of a limbo and it was really difficult, especially as the coins are really heavy.
“Also, a lot of people pay by card or phone now, which means they don’t always have as many spare coins to put into the collection boxes.”
At the final box collection, a scrapbook about fundraising efforts throughout the years was on display alongside hot drinks and home-made cakes. Pictures and articles detailed pram-pushing events, pub quizzes, scarecrow creations, plant sales and coffee mornings held.
Gill added, “Lord and Lady Loch who lived in Bratton House – the big house in the village – were the ones who started the Bratton and Edington branch of The Children’s Society. Lord Loch was a great supporter and started a Christingle service which we still do every February. We’ve found lots of ways to raise as much money as we can over the years.
“I think it’s always good if you can sort of ‘pass it on’ and help others. I would like to say a big thank you for everyone’s support for The Children’s Society. It is such a worthwhile charity and we’ve been so happy to support them.”
People have still been encouraged to support The Children’s Society by donating online or taking their own donation boxes to banks. To find out more, contact Gill on aiglenicher@icloud.com
Pictured: Sandy, Gill and Joan at The Children’s Society coffee morning in Bratton
