SI Richmond and Dales held its May meeting on Thursday 19th May. We welcomed as speaker Lieutenant-Colonel Jim Turner, Commander of Catterick Garrison, Richmond’s near neighbour.
He gave an very entertaining and informative talk on the history and structure of the Garrison, and his role in command. Very wide-ranging it is, too.
We also welcomed a new member, and guest Leslie Richardson, Head of 6th Form at Richmond School. She spoke briefly to mark 10 years of our collaboration with the school in our ‘Sharing our Skills’ Project. Leslie commended us for the considerable achievements of the project. It has introduced students to meetings and organisation skills, and raised their awareness of issues around the world. They have responded with fundraising to support our charities and organise their own groups.
Our Programme Convenor, Jenny Cathcart, was also able to report that we will shortly have completed a long-running project to make Richmond a Toilet-Twinned Town, in association with charity Toilet Twinning, which builds toilet facilities in communities in poorest parts of the world, funded by donations from individuals and a variety of local organisations and businesses in the UK.
Donations have now been made to Garget-Walker House and Riding for the Disabled, Richmond & Catterick from money raised by the evening with Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson. Tree planting through Richmond Landscape Trust is also in progress. Fundraising for Colburn Community Support has been agreed with the Station Singers – SI Richmond & Dales will provide “front of house” for their Christmas Concert, and a raffle.