We thought that a brief history of our group may be helpful as an introduction to the committee. When you see us in context you may remember some events that you have supported in the past, and hopefully will be enthused to continue to support us in the future!

Websites are a very exciting and immediate form of keeping in touch – we aim to keep you informed of developments both national and local – and ask that you let us know which events you would like us to organise.

So, how did the group begin? Well, I have recently been in touch with two of the founder members ~ Tricia Pattison ( Patti Harding as she was then) and Lilian Clarke and they have both fondly recalled those early days. Tricia was asked by Sqn Ldr Plymmer to form a committee about 45 years ago as there was not an active group in the area. As Lilian and her husband Nobby were Landlords of the Branting Inn, many events were held there very lucratively.

Tricia remembers that one of the first events was held on the evening that Kennedy was shot. Much wine and food was consumed and one of the fundraisers was the selling of large brown envelopes: one in ten contained National Savings certificates! Fantastic! They made a mint! Tricia also recalls that the tombolas were very generously supported by a large number of local industries. Interestingly there were hundreds of cigarettes as prizes!

From those days, committee members changed frequently but all shared a common passion – to raise money for research into the causes and prevention and cure of Cancer.

Various events have been held ~ drinks mornings are always very popular. Lilian remembers especially the Arts and Crafts Weekends at Rockyfield in September which always started Christmas shopping with a bang! The last one raised £2000 which was unprecedented, but from which it took a week to recover! Country dancing with the Quorn Elastics, fashion shows, flower arranging, Treasure Hunts, an antique fair, Bridge lunches at Newtown Linford Village Hall, Ladies’ Evenings, Craft displays, Christmas sales….and so it goes on.

A wide variety of venues has also intrigued guests ~ village halls, country houses, the village of Woodhouse Eaves, Rockyfield grounds, and also marquees, the day after the weddings!

It was mainly the ladies who sat on committees and made the decisions…….but the menfolk were very supportive with their muscle as heavy tables, chairs and bottles were heaved from one part of the county to another. And they still are!

All in all a huge amount of fun as well as hard work and commitment is had by us all and whilst we fondly recall times past and are so grateful to the many, many committee members who have raised in excess of £100,000 over the years, we now look forward to the future. Sadly Cancer affects all of us in some way or another and we remain just as passionate about making it a thing of the past as previous committees. Do join us when you can.