Southport & District Fundraising Branch 

News
Barn Dance
We held a Barn Dance at St Simon & St Jude's Church Hall on 29 November. Almost 70 people attended and most took part in the dances set by Margaret, the caller.

Gina Abram and her daughter Judith made some table decorations in the form of dog kennels containing biscuits, which they had baked. Vera Norris arranged a quiz for each table. Refreshments of jacket potatoes with various fillings followed by apple pie and cream were prepared by Jan Bartley and Judith. The return of the Whisky Game proved popular, raising about £47 for the charity.

Thanks to everyone who made this event a success.

Summer events
The Southport branch has been out and about over the summer months attending fairs, fetes and shows.

We attended the Bishop David Sheppard School Summer Fair on 5 July. The theme of the event was 'Community' and how we can be passionate about the community. The stall raised about £50 and the dog game collected £78.

The Formby Show on 26 July was a success, and this year it was at a new venue on the grounds of St Jerome's School. Over £165 was raised with £65 coming from the dog game alone.

We were going to have another Coffee Afternoon at St George's Church Hall on the day of the Southport carnival, but the venue had been pre-booked by a Morris Dancing group. We hope to arrange this for next year.

Welcome service for Rev. Kate Wharton
Some of the Southport branch members attended a special service at Emmanuel Church on Thursday, 26 June to welcome Rev. Kate Wharton as chaplain for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in Southport.

The Bishop of Warrington presided over proceedings and gave his blessing to Rev. Wharton. It was a lovely service with a number of hymns signed and sung as well as including a couple of readings. Those present also took communion too.

We wish Kate every success as she faces new challenges ahead in her ministry.

Coffee Afternoon kick-started Hearing Dogs' Week
We hosted a Coffee Afternoon and Awareness Day at St. George's Church Hall on Saturday, 31 May.

Hearing Dogs' Week began on Sunday, 1 June.

As well as providing refreshments and goods for sale in aid of the charity, the Southport branch raised awareness about what hearing dogs can do for deaf people.

We also visited shops in the town to encourage them to display the Assistance Dogs sticker on their windows/doors, which highlights their acceptance to allow any kind of assistance dog with their owner into their premises.

Sainsbury's was very supportive of this event, and the manager and some of his staff joined us during our photo shoot for the local paper.

We would like to thank Sainsbury's and their staff for their support. We also wish to thank the many town centre stores who are now displaying the Assistance Dogs sticker on their entrance doors, which will serve to improve independence for people who depend on assistance dogs in public places.

Alsatian Dog Show
Our branch attended the Alasatian Dog Show at Birkdale High School on Saturday, 17 May with our stall. The weather wasn't the best as it tried to rain on and off. Nonetheless, there was much interest in our stall.

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