Talk by Hannah Russell at June Monthly Meeting
SI Richmond and Dales held their June monthly meeting on 16th June. We were treated to a fascinating talk by local children’s author Hannah Russell. Hannah told us how her career began and 
grew. She started writing at the age of 18 after a riding accident caused a spinal injury, forcing her to stop horse-riding and give up her ambitions to be a riding instructor. At about the same time, she acquired Little Alf, a Shetland pony who suffers from dwarfism, so is only 28″ at the shoulder. He had been rejected by his fellow Shetlands, and needed a lot of care and attention. She started reading to him, and telling him stories – which became her first books. Alf makes up in character what he lacks in size, so she has plenty of material.
Her books are published in the UK and overseas, and she has received a number of awards. Not content with this, she has also launched two ethical clothing on-line shops – one supporting a rhino aid charity. Before the pandemic, she ran a shop selling her books and merchandise, and then another one for interior design. She has now given these up to concentrate on her writing, giving talks and her on-line businesses. And she is still only 26! She greatly impressed us with her enthusiasm, energy, fearlessness and positivism. What a role model!
New Members welcomed by SI Yorkshire President
Two new members to our club, Lynn Clarkson and Fiona Woods, were formally introduced at the meeting, and presented with their badges and membership certificates. These were presented by 
our other honoured guest, the SI Yorkshire President, Lindsey Green. Lindsey was able to give us an update on the upcoming Regional Conference Meeting, which is to be held at Askham Grange Prison, near York. The Region has developed ties of support with the rehabilitation team at the prison, and the inmates are always pleased to welcome us as visitors. They produce a very good lunch!
Lindsey also spoke about the launch of the UK Programme Action Council campaign to Orange the World. On the 25th of each month we are invited to wear orange and/or a special badge to highlight issues about violence against women. A different theme will be the focus each month, e.g. domestic abuse, elder abuse, stalking.
She also reminded us that there is still room for day visitors to the Regional President’s Weekend at the Jonas Centre, in Wensleydale, and invited members to come and join in the varied programme of activities.
Update on funds disbursement
Past President Sue Young updated us on the donations made from the Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson event. In addition to the £75 for a bistro outdoor table and chairs for Garget-Walker House, £100 has been given to Richmond & Catterick Riding for the Disabled to fund a children’s pony trek at Masham. Marrick Priory Outdoor Centre has suggested a number of things we could donate to them – from helmets and buoyancy aids for kayaking to a bench (with plaque) or trees. These are being evaluated. Sue was also able to confirm that £200 of trees will be planted on our behalf by the Richmondshire Landscape Trust this autumn, as part of the SI Centenary Tree Planting.
Toilet Twinning completed
Project Leader Jenny Cathcart confirmed that she has received the certificate marking the completion of the Richmond Toilet Twinned Town campaign. She will organise a handover at the Richmond Library to CRACCL representatives, who have agreed to display it for us.
Upcoming activities
Plans are in hand for two upcoming events. We are running a Coffee Morning at the Town Hall on 23rd July, for which a volunteer sheet was circulated. Donations for tombola, bric-a-brac & books stall and raffle prizes were requested, to be brought to the July meeting.
We are also running and raffle and simple refreshments to raise funds for our work at a new venture – a Tea Dance at the Town Hall on 24th July being run by Adrian Bramley, the father of one of our former Sharing Our Skills students. Sue Eastham is leading a group for this, and a sign-up form for volunteers was circulated.
We have also been invited by Colburn Community Trust to contribute unwanted children’s books to them. It is hoped to be able to give books out to children who do not have books at home, or access to the library. CRACCL is donating withdrawn books from it’s stock too.