Society Matters

There is one new member to report:-

Bernard Lamb of Newton-le-Willows.

Fund Raising Sales Efforts

The sales team is looking forward to a well earned rest as the shows wind down soon until next year. During the summer, we did the rounds of the Halton Show, the St. Helens Show and the Siding Lane Rural Craft Fair, as usual. All three were good fund raisers and the stocks were so depleted after Siding Lane that I sent out pleas for more bric-a-brac. Thanks to everyone who responded. At Halton, we had a good canal-side site but in contrast, the space in the craft tent at St. Helens was very cramped (although slightly cheaper) this year. Helpers abounded at these shows, for which we were very grateful.

August Bank Holiday was spent at the A.W.C.C. Anderton Rally. It was an excellent weekend, with over 300 boats, a good atmosphere and great music. Strangely, Castlefields, with few boats, and a one day, rather than the usual two day event, was fairly low key (apart from the Bay City Rollers). But the crowds came out in the afternoon and happily bought all manner of strange things which we hadn't been able to sell anywhere else.

Our final events were a fun day at the Millennium Green site in St. Helens and a local history fair at Trafford Park.

The Sales caravan has just about come to the end of its useful life. We have been looking, on and off, for a replacement for some months now, but it will be a necessity for next season. Funds won't allow for anything too luxurious, but we are looking for a 3/4 berth, well maintained van with a good awning, a cooker/oven and a gas fridge. If anyone can help, please let us know. (telephone number 01744 731746)

Cynthia Greenall

Annual Sponsored Walk

The Third Annual Sponsored walk took place on Sunday 28th. September. Walkers started from Spike Island at 10.30 a.m. on the 15 mile hike along the length of the Sankey Canal to St. Helens. The proceeds, which are already rolling in, are divided equally between the Sankey Canal Restoration Society and the Lord Mayor of St. Helens Appeal Fund - which this year is St. Helens and Knowsley Hospice. A vintage bus was laid on by St. Helens Transport Museum to convey walkers from the Groundwork Trust Office, Shaw Street, St. Helens to the starting point. Walkers carried their own fuel supply in the form of a packed lunch, which was taken at Bewsey Hall, Warrington, half way along. The route conveniently passes a number of establishments for liquid refreshment. At one of these, the Fiddle I' the Bag, additional transport was provided for those of weaker spirit or who have depleted their energy supply. They were conveyed in comfort back to St. Helens. The Fiddle I' the Bag is at approximately the ten mile mark. To verify that the walk had been successfully completed, each walker received a signed certificate from the Lord Mayor, which was also signed by our Chairman. The Mayor, Cllr. John Mealor, sponsored his attendant, Ron Jones, to attempt the 15 mile feat. The organisers were Dave Callan and Pat Robinson from SCARS committee. Dave is a member of St. Helens Rambling Club; his address is 22 Birchfield Street, St. Helens. SCARS members responded well to the prompt on the back of the sponsorship form they were all sent in advance of the walk, and sponsored Colin and Cynthia Greenal quite generously... unfortunately, neither was able to walk on the day, so Executive Member Neil Forshaw walked in their stead.

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