 
AGM 2011
L to R:
Branch President Lady Mayor Councillor Barbara Driver,
Branch Chairman John Couch and RNLI SW Regional Organiser Frances Warren.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
2012
27 January
As the Branch's contribution to the National RNLI SOS day, we held two simultaneous bucket collections in Cheltenham, at Sainsbury's Supermarket and the nearby M and S Food store. Our Hon. Treasurer Derek Poulton deftly organised a double quota of volunteers to man the buckets, and we were very fortunate that our President for this year, Lady Mayor Councillor Barbara Driver, attended and put in a standard 2 hour stint collecting at M and S. At both outlets we were very pleased with the exceptional generosity of those customers who made donations, and the combined total for the day amounted to £1141, a fantastic result. Sincere thanks are due to all those who tendered donations and to all our selfless volunteers who, as usual, gave up a good deal of their own time in order to benefit the RNLI. All the proceeds of SOS day are this year going to the benefit the RNLI Life-jacket fund, set up to provide specific funds to allow the volunteer Lifeboat crews need for fully up to date safety equipment to be more easily met.
2011
8 December
The bi-enniel Emergency Services Carol Concert took place in the splendid surroundings of Cheltenham College Chapel, thanks to the kind auspices of the Chaplain Reverend Dr. Adam Dunning. The evening was enlivened by the magnificent harmonies of Gotherington Ladies' Choir which enabled all those present to enjoy a musical start to the Christmas festivities. Many thanks are due to the Chaplain for his eloquent and meaningful sermon, distinguished guests for the Lesson readings, the guests and volunteers, and of course to our Honorary Secretary Faith Harvey MBE who organised the event. Not forgetting the College Staff and our own volunteers who donated mince pies and helped to serve these with a welcoming Tea or Coffee at the end of the service. Total proceeds from the collection were a healthy and welcome £605.
3 December
We manned our usual Christmas Charity Stall in Cheltenham Promenade, and sold large quantities of RNLI Christmas cards, not to mention calenders, diaries, and other memorabilia. Thanks to the generosity of supporters and shoppers, and not forgetting the dedicated volunteers who manned the stall throughout the day, funds amassed for the sole benefit of the RNLI amounted to the rather impressive total of £637.
2 November
The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was kindly attended by Cheltenham Town Mayor Barbara Driver the Branch President. John Baker, Branch Vice-President also attended along with Branch Committee Members. Branch Chairman John Couch welcomed the guests and supporters, numbering approximately 75 in all, and included were Committee members of Newent and Tewkesbury RNLI Branches. Branch Treasurer Derek Poulton introduced the Branch Financial Report for the year January to December 2010, showing a grand net total of funds collected of £23144, an excellent result. The Guest Speaker was Jake Scott, Senior Helmsman of Weston-Super-Mare inshore lifeboat, who enthralled the audience with with an inspiring talk on the work of the Lifeboat crews, well illustrated with exciting action footage. Rob Garner, Cheltenham Town Councillor, kindly proposed a vote of thanks to Jake. Alan Tyson provided a compelling session on the progress of his RNLI History Play, 'Out of the Mist', and gave details of the production due to take place at the award-winning Parabola Arts Centre, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, on March 29 and 30 2012. Several ticket orders were placed by AGM guests. Terry Richards provided the guests with an interesting update on the work of the educational team at RNLI HQ, and how himself and other local volunteers assist in bringing the work of the RNLI to the attention of school pupils. The raffle, very generously, consisted of a large number of prizes donated by members, and despite taking a relatively long time to draw, provided a lot of satisfied raffle customers. Thanks are due also to those prizewinners who unselfishly refused to take their second, third, or even fourth prize. Total Raffle proceeds were £ 81, and the sale of Christmas Cards, Calenders and Souvenirs raised a further excellent £ 320. Thanks to all Committee members and guests for adding to the success of this year's event.
28 October

Nan Richardson with Fay Harvey MBE at Pegasus Court
Pegasus Court, Cheltenham, was again the venue for a Charity Coffee morning, which has been hosted and organised by Mrs. Nan Richardson for the past twenty years or so. As one of the three invited Charities, Cheltenham Branch puts on a Christmas Card and stocking filler display, and this year Fay and Frank facilitated sales which benefited the RNLI by £195. We are grateful to Nan and her fellow residents for their generosity, and to Frank and Fay for their help with setting up and selling the wares.
15 October
With kind permission of the Officers of Cheltenham Bridge Club, our annual Bridge Tournament took place there, and was very well attended. This was due to the expertise of Margaret Beverley (aided by Geoff Beverley) who organised the event with her usual dedication and attention to detail. The competitors enjoyed stimulating competition as well as an excellent hot lunch very ably prepared and served by Fay, Wendy, Robert and Frank. Thanks to the very supportive paying guests, and including extra donations and a keenly awaited raffle, the net total of RNLI proceeds for the day amounted to an excellent £1050.
Pictured: Margaret Beverley on Bridge Day 2011
16 September
We again hosted our annual Quiz Night with Fish and Chip Supper at St. Lukes Church Hall, Cheltenham. This was a very successful and enjoyable event which raised a net total of £424 for RNLI funds. We are extremely grateful to the generous guests, and also Paul Wroot and his brother Mark who drew up the questions, Fay who performed the demanding task of Quiz-master, Frank who organised the fish and chips, Champion Chippy of Hesters way who provided the bulk order at a busy time, and all the other Committee members who attended and helped at the event.
3/4 September
The Bugatti Owners Club (BOC) were again very generous in enabling our attendance at Prescott Hill-Climb. We mounted a bucket collection, and by the generosity of Club Members, Competitors and spectators, our volunteers raised the impressive total of £350. Many thanks to those who kindly donated, Emma and Maggie of BOC for their continuing support of our activities, and our volunteers who kindly gave up some valuable time to support the RNLI.
12/13 August
Courtesy of the local Tesco Management, to whom sincere thanks are due, we held a collection at Cheltenham's main Tesco Supermarket. The support for the RNLI exhibited by Tesco shoppers was again outstanding, and enabled a grand total of £1063 to be credited to Lifeboat funds. Many thanks are due to the contributors, the Lifeboat volunteers who willingly gave up their own time to man the buckets,and to our Hon. Treasurer Derek Poulton, who organised and facilitated the event.
2/3 July
We attended the Cotswold Show, Cirencester Park, to sell our range of souvenirs, christmas cards and toys, and we are very grateful to the organisers for waivingn our entrance fee. The enjoyable show was well attended, and in consequence we are able to report that we raised for RNLI funds the grand total of £613. Many thanks are due to those who gave the donations, and also the committee members and volunteers who gave up their time to man our souvenir stall. Additional thanks are fo course, due to the Show organisers who kindly arranged our attendance.
29 May
With a great many thanks to Tom and Alan, Of Croft Farm Water Park, Bredons Norton, we held another Inland water day at this superb venue. Although the weather was bracing, to say the least, a great event unfolded, and the many attendees enjoyed spectacles ranging from RNLI inshore rescue demonstrations to Dalek parades. The generosity of all concerned raised a total of £1599 for RNLI funds. Many thanks to all local Branches who took part, and also the other organisations who attended, and especially to all the visitors.
15 April
Cheltenham Town Centre RNLI Flag day saw many generous donations, and allowed us to achieve a fantastic total of £1530 from bucket contributions. Sincere thanks are due to the public supporters, and our team of intrepid collectors, who were very ably organised by Derek Poulton.
10 April
By kind permission of the organisers, we were allowed a free pitch at Gloucester Docks Boat Jumble, where net proceeds from souvenir sales amounted to £175. Thanks to all who attended and those who purchased RNLI memorabilia.
9 April
Morrison's Supermarket, Hatherley, Cheltenham kindly allowed us to mount a bucket collection outside their store, which resulted in total donations of £715. Many thanks to the staff, our organiser Derek Poulton and team of collectors, and all those Morrison's customers who kindly put their hands in pockets and purses for the RNLI's benefit.
25 March
Cheltenham Civil Service Sports and Social Club was the venue for our annual skittles event, a fun evening enjoyed by all who attended. Net proceeds were £104, and thanks are due to all those who provided raffle prizes and to the Civil Service Club's catering team who provided their usual excellent buffet.
February 26
The Annual Masked Ball held at the Thistle Hotel was again a great success, and all members and supporters in attendance enjoyed a very good meal, a generous raffle, and top-class live music from the Top Mix band. Our sincere thanks go out to all the guests, and especially David, John and Fay, who organised the evening with their usual skill. An excellent profit of £3000 resulted, split three ways between Cheltenham, Newent and Tewkwsbury branches.
January 29
SOS Day Collection at Marks and Spencer's Food Hall, Kingsditch, Cheltenham. (Extended to January 30 - both days by kind permission of M & S Management.) Combined total for both days was £1258, a great result. Many thanks to all persons who donated, and the volunteers and Committee members who assisted.
2010
December 11
Members, supporters and guests totalling around 170 in all steamed from Toddington to Winchcombe and return, courtesy of GWR Railways to whom we are indebted for again sponsoring this bi-ennial event. Carols were enjoyed on Winchcombe Station, fantastically accompanied by Cheltenham Silver Band, and guests partook of Punch and Mince Pies at the Flag and Whistle (many thanks to the staff) before departing homewards suitably imbued with the Xmas spirit. The event raised total net funds of £1750, a remarkable achievement which would not have been possible without the generous support of members, volunteers, and supporters. Many thanks, and a very Happy Christmas, to all.
December 4
We attended Cheltenham Charity Christmas Market where buoyant sales of Chistmas cards, Diaries, Calenders and stocking fillers raised the excellent sum of £500. Many thanks to Avril and all other committee mebers who assisted, and of course, all customers who helped us achieve the magnificent result.
November 3
The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held on Wednesday 3 November and was well attended, and we were honoured by the attendance of our President, the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Anne Regan. The guest speaker was Mark Criddle, the renowned Coxswain of the Torbay Lifeboat, who gave an absorbing and awe-inspiring talk covering the 2008 rescue of the crew of the Ice Prince, for which the bravery of himself and his crew had been honoured with his award of the Institute's Silver Medal. The RNLI South West Regional Organiser Frances Warren also addressed the gathering, and the generous support over many years of our Vice-President, John Baker, was recognised by the presentation of a framed RNLI "Thank You on Vellum'. The raffle, and sales of Christmas Cards and Souvenirs raised a net total of 249.00. Many thanks to all our supporters who attended, the Lady Mayor and Mark, and all Committee Members who assisted with the event.

Mark Criddle with lady members and supporters.
October 22
We again held our popular Quiz Night at St. Lukes Hall, which was enjoyed by all competitors. A feature of the evening was again the excellent Fish and Chip supper provided by Champion Chippy. Many thanks to Frank, who organised this, Paul and Vicky who set the challenging questions, Eric as quizmaster, and the other members, volunteers and supporters who made this a successful and enjoyable event. Proceeds were an excellent 236.00.
October 16
Margaret, with the help of other committee members, arranged a very successful Bridge Drive at Cheltenham Bridge Club, and it was well organised and attended. Consequently the proceeds showed a considerable increase over last year at an excellent 1100.00. Many thanks to Cheltenham Bridge Club, and well done Margaret! Not forgetting the other volunteers who provided and managed the catering and bar.
October 9 and 10
We attended the GWR Vintage Steam Gala at Toddington Train Station, where we sold souvenirs and Xmas cards. It was a busy weekend which amassed proceeds of 456.00, a good result. Many thanks to Avril and all other volunteers, and of course the generous public.
October 2 and 3
Courtesy of the Bugatti Owners Club, we again spent this weekend at their Autumn Classic event, the theme for which was retro American motoring and the associated life-style. It proved to be a very enjoyable and successful event, despite the inclement weather during the set-up on the preceding Friday afternoon, and at intervals on the Sunday. Many thanks to all who purchased RNLI regalia and made donations, and to our volunteers who dutifully collected in sun and rain. And of course to Emma and Ian of the Prescott Hill management team who extended a very warm welcome. Sales and donations amounted to £594 for the two days, and excellent result.
August 14
Much planning went into our South West Lifeguards Appeal Event, held at Cheltenham Leisure Centre by kind permission of Cheltenham Borough Council. The main purpose was to spread the message of Beach and Water Safety to younger citizens, and there was great interest in the educational benefits, and associated programme of school talks, on the work of the RNLI. The initiative will now be carried forward to further local interest in, and the benefits of, the very successful RNLI Lifeguard service. Nearly £300 was raised from souvenir sales and other donations. Many thanks are due to Terry Richards, a Youth Educational Speaker and our Branch Media Liaison officer, whose expertise in organising and managing the event was instrumental in ensuring the success, and future benefits of, the initiative.
July 3/4
On the weekend of the very popular Cotswold Show at Cirencester Park, we were kindly invited to attend again and sold Souvenirs, Toys and Christmas cards (Yes!) over the two days. It was a successful attendance, and takings amounted to £548. Many thanks are due to Avril Dooley, our Souvenir Secretary, who dealt with the organising, and manned the stall, for the whole event. And , of course, many thanks to those whose custom we received.
20 June
Highnam Court, Gloucester again hosted our annual Open Garden Event, with the very kind permission of Mr. amd Mrs. Head. This was a multi Branch Event, and many thanks are due to all volunteers who attended and made such a valuable contribution to the success of the day. Cheltenham Branch's share of the funds raised was an excellent £437.
21/22 May
Courtesy of Tesco's Management, we conducted a bucket collection over these two days at the main Tesco Supermarket in Cheltenham. This was part of a SW Regional initiative which allowed similar collections to be mounted at all main Tesco's Stores in the South West. Over the two days we amassed a grand total of £734, and the regional total was a splendid £57591. Many thanks to Tesco's staff and the many volunteers and members who assisted, and of course those who gave very generous donations.
15 May
We were very kindly invited to attend a Lifeguard fundraising event held at Minety Village Hall, near Cirencester with our Souvenir Sales. This event was the culmination of various fund-raising intiatives very generously undertaken by Gary Noble and his wife Amanda, following Gary's rescue by Woolacombe Beach Lifeguards after he suffered a coronary failure whilst surfing at that beach. The Nobles very kindly donated £2926 to the RNLI from the funds they so successfully raised, and our souvenir sales raised a further £215. A very creditable result, and our thanks go out to Gary and Amanda, and the villagers of Minety, for their hard work and support.
23 April (St. Georges Day)
Cheltenham Town Centre Lifeboat Flag Day came around again, and we achieved a splendid turnout, courtesy of our Hon Treasurer Derek who organised with his usual skill. We also benefitted from the attendance of the Region's Atlantic Class Display Boat (Rib), which took pride of place outside Beechwood Shopping Arcade. Total sum raised was 1412, including 3 x 20 notes very generously given in one donation by a very kind gentleman. Many thanks are due to all who donated so generously, the members and volunteers who gave up their time to collect, and Derek's support.
26 March
A fun evening was enjoyed by the 32 guests who attended our annual skittles event at Cheltenham Civil Service Club, together with an excellent buffet. In the team game, top ladies' scorer was Hazel, after 3 play-offs, and Trevor took the gents' prize. A very exciting and close game of killer was eventually won by Drue. Many congratulations to all three winners, and generous thanks to all who attended, organised and took part. A surplus of £104 was achieved for RNLI funds.
27th February
The Thistle Hotel, Cheltenham, was again the venue for the Annual Lifeboat Ball, and this year's theme of 'White Tie and Tiaras' was very popular. Once again, the fabulous band 'Top Mix' provided the live entertainment, and kept the guests on the dance floor suitably exercised with a great selection of 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's music. Congratulations are again due to David Owen, John Carroll and Faith Harvey, the organising committee, but also not forgetting Rob and Ian of Top Mix, the very generous raffle prize donators, the management and staff of the Thistle Hotel, and of course all members and supporters whose attendance made the event a great success. Total net proceeds are likely to be in excess of £3500, which will be equally shared between the three hosting Branches, Newent, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham.
29/30th January
Coinciding with the nation-wide RNLI SOS day on 29th, the Branch was kindly invited to mount a bucket collection on both these days at Marks and Spencer's Food Hall, Kingsditch, Cheltenham. Supporters and volunteers collected a total of £1138 due to the generosity of M & S Customers. Many thanks are due to the donators, volunteers, M & S, and Derek Poulton, Branch Treasurer, who organised and managed the collection duties.
25 January
A celebration of Robert Burns' birthday was held at St. Luke's Church Hall, and guests were traditionally entertained by Pipe Major Ian Willox. Haggis, neaps and tatties, together with the traditional 'wee dram', were enjoyed by all present. Very many thanks are due to all Committee members who assisted with the preparation of the hot meal, to all supporters who kindly attended, and to Pipe Major Willox and his family, who ensured the party went with a swing (of the kilt!). A net sum of £200 was raised for RNLI funds.
2009
10 December
We were again invited to mount a collection at the Seth Lakeman Concert held during the evening at Cheltenham Town Hall. Seth, a confirmed RNLI supporter, kindly agreed that this might take place, and we received very generous donations from the audience present totalling £258. Many thanks to all.
5 December
Branch representatives attended the Charity market in Cheltenham promenade, where we sold RNLI Christmas cards and Souvenirs. Business was brisk throughout the day, culminating in total takings of £700. Many thanks to all who assisted at, and made purchases from, the stall.
3 December
The '999 Emergency Services Christmas Celebrations Carol Service' was held in the beautiful surroundings of The Chapel, Cheltenham College. This event, which is held every two years, is organised by this Branch of the RNLI, and celebrates the outstanding courage, duty and commitment of all Emergency service crews. Chaplain Reverend Raynaud de la Bat Smith conducted the service and gave an inspiring and moving Sermon. Gotherington Ladies Choir supported the Carol Singing, and provided enjoyable solo and group performances. Lessons were read on behalf of all Emergency Services present. A collection made during the Service raised the excellent and generous sum of £678. Refreshments and Mince Pies were enjoyed by the guests after the event. Generous thanks are due to all who organised and participated.
4 November
The Annual General Meeting of Cheltenham Branch was held at Cheltenham Civil Service Club, and was well attended. Guests included the Branch President,The Mayor, Councillor Lloyd Surgenor, Frances Warren, RNLI SW Regional Organiser, and the guest speaker, Steve Wills, the National RNLI Beach Safety Manager. Mr Wills entertained the gathering with an illuminating talk on the expanding RNLI Lifeguard service. Giving his Annual Report, the Branch Chairman, Frank Austin thanked all officers and members for their continuing support, but announced he would step down from his position after more than 22 years of dedicated Chairmanship. John Couch, Vice Chairman agreed to take his place, and was duly nominated and accepted, afterwards thanking all members for their support and undertaking to maintain the same high standards of fund-raising set by his predecessor, who will remain a member of the Committee. Mr. Robert Lyndsey was appointed Vice Chairman in Mr. Couch's place. You may read Mr. Austins report and view the Branch's Annual Financial Statement at the 'Annual Report' page.
29/30 and 31 October
SPECIAL EVENT REPORT
All local Branches in the Cheltenham Area, and the RNLI in general, are extremely grateful for the excellent 3-day fundraising event, organised by Alan Tyson, in which the proud and sometimes tragic history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was portrayed on stage at Cranham Village Hall. The venture, which took over a year to plan and co-ordinate, was the brain-child of Alan, who authored and produced the collection of seven mini-costume dramas aptly entitled 'Out of the Mist', and was aided in the presentation by Cranham RNLI Drama Group , supported by Cranham Players.
The 3 evening and one matinee performances were a sell-out very soon after the tickets went on sale, and the delighted audiences were enthralled by the attention to detail and fine performances of all those who took part. Those who attended the evening performances were also fortified by a fish/ chicken and chips supper cooked on the premises and authentically served.
Christmas Card and Souvenir sales, and donations, added to the ticket sale proceeds, and the final sum raised as an exclusive donation to the RNLI is £4182.
This was a completely independent undertaking, and although RNLI Regional HQ staff and Local Branch members assisted and gave advice, the sole credit for this very successful fund-raising occasion rests with Alan Tyson and his fellow villagers, to whom the RNLI is truly grateful.
23 October
St. Lukes Hall was again the venue for our popular Quiz Night. The event was very well attended, and the Fish and Chip Supper was enjoyed by all present. Many thanks are due to Paul Wroot, who organised the challenging questions, Bob Putman, the Quizmaster, and Frank Austin who kindly arranged and collected the 70+ portions of Fish and Chips, courtesy of Champion Chippy. All those who attended and took part, and other helpers, also require a big 'Thank You'. The event raised net proceeds of £445.
10/11 October
The Branch again attended the now very popular Vintage Steam Gala at Cheltenham Racecourse. Aided by the very clement weather for most of the weekend, the Souvenir Stall was a great attraction, and total takings and donations for the two days amounted to an exceptional £720. Many thanks are due to the staff of GWR, and Avril and the volunteers who manned the stall.
3 October
Organised by Margaret Beverley, Cheltenham Bridge Club again hosted the Branch's annual Bridge Drive. An excellent hot lunch was served, courtesy of Margaret, Fay and Avril, and all participants greatly enjoyed the proceedings. Total net income for RNLI funds amounted to £881, a very credible result. Many thanks are due to Margaret for her hard work, the Bridge Club, and all other Committee Members who gave assistance.
26/27 September
With the kind cooperation of the Bugatti Owners'Club, we again attended the Prescott Hill Climb Autumn Classic, and enjoyed a very successful weekend. Souvenir sales, donations and a bucket collection raised £841 for Lifeboat funds. Many thanks are due to BOC staff, and the Committee members and volunteers who made this possible.
9 July
Chavenage House near Tetbury was the venue for Midsummer Music Concert and Picnic, a RNLI event held with the kind permission of the Lowsley-Williams family, and sponsored by Simon Chorley Art and Antiques. Attendance was good, the weather was kind, and a grand total of £1878 was raised jointly by Cheltenham, Newent, Tewkesbury and Stroud Branches. Many thanks to all involved.
4/5 July
This weekend found Branch members manning the Souvenir Stall at Cirencester Park Fayre, with kind permission of the organisers. Souvenir sales and donations raised £600 for RNLI funds, an excellent result. Many thanks to our customers, supporters and volunteers, and a particular thank you to Avril, Souvenir Secretary, who organised our presence.
21 June
By kind invitation of the organisers, Sarah and Tim, we attended with our Souvenir Stall and the SW Display boat at St. Mary's Church and School Fete, Churchdown. This was an enjoyable event, well attended, and achieved a suplus of £140 for RNLI Funds.
24 May
The RNLI Inland Water day held at Croft Farm Water Park, Bredon's Norton, Tewkesbury was a terrific success, helped by magnificent warm and sunny weather conditions. This was a Joint Branch effort which clearly promoted the work of the RNLI in a very prominent way, and to judge from the attendance numbers, all who came, and those who helped, enjoyed the various demonstrations, exhibits and children's entertainment tremendously. The grand total of monies collected exclusively for the RNLI on the day amounted to £2705, of which a gross total of £669 was attributed to Souvenir Sales and other donations organised by Cheltenham Branch. Many, many thanks are due to Alan, Tom and Agneta, Croft Farm staff, for the enthusiastic and very generous support, and of course to the permanent RNLI staff and local volunteers from all surrounding Branches who helped to make such a success of the event.
16 May
A collection at Morrison's Supermarket, Cheltenham, raised £739 - many thanks to the Supermarket Management for allowing this to go ahead, and to the Members and Volunteers who kindly attended to assist with the collection.
25 April
The Annual Flag day held in Cheltenham Town Centre raised a record sum of £1785. This was a great effort, and thanks are due to our Treasurer, Derek Poulton for organising the collection and to all Members and Volunteers who gave up their time on the day.
27 March
The annual Skittles Evening at the Cheltenham Civil Service Sports and Social Club was well supported and raised net proceeds of £90. Many thanks to all who attended, assisted and donated raffle prizes.
21 February
Our Annual Lifeboat Ball took place at the Thistle Hotel, Cheltenham, and provided an excellent evening's entertainment for the many guests, who took the opportunity to shrug off the credit crunch and winter blues. Live music from the excellent 'Top Mix' provided the usual incentive to 'dance the night away', and thanks are due to the tri-partite Branch Ball Committee, David, Fay and John, for the hard work that, as usual, guaranteed the success of the event. Net proceeds amounted to £2488, an excellent result.
2 February 2009
A bucket collection was mounted with the kind permission of Tesco's at their Cheltenham supermarket, and although hampered by the extreme weather conditions prevailing, an excellent total donation of £315 was achieved. Many thanks to donators, and our volunteers who braved the arduous conditions in true Lifeboat spirit.
23 January 2009
We held our usual Frog Racing evening at St. Luke's Church Hall, Cheltenham which was well-attended despite inclement weather. Guests were entertained by participation in various Frog Races organised by the Cotswold Frog-racing team, and enjoyed a flutter on the results. An excellent Bangers and Potato supper was provided, and the event raised £465 for Lifeboat funds.
2008
13 December 2008
Supporters and volunteers gathered at Toddington GWR Station for the usual Train ride and Carol Service at Winchcombe Station, an event which is held every 2 years. An excellent turn-out, some in period costume, enjoyed the Carols accompanied by Cheltenham Silver Band, and later partook of Mince pies and Punch at Toddington's Flag and Whistle Cafe. Many thanks are due to the staff at GWR and the Cafe for their help and support on this perenially enjoyable event, which raised the excellent sum of £1253.
6 December 2008
Cheltenham Promenade was again the setting for the annual Christmas Charity stalls event, and the Branch attended as usual for the sale of Christmas Cards, Calenders, Diaries and Souvenirs. The total proceeds for the day, including donations, amounted to a grand total of £814, a gratifyingly good result and a record for the Event. Thanks are due to all members and volunteers who assisted throughout the day with the manning of the stall, and a special thank you to Avril Dooley, our Souvenir Secretary, who managed the logistics of ensuring that the many and varied sales items were in place.
28 November 2008
The Branch re-organised a bucket collection at Waitrose for this day, which was postponed from September 5 due to very inclement weather. The proceeds were a very substantial £1232, an excellent result. Many thanks are due to Derek Poulton, Hon. Treasurer, who organised the staffing, and all the volunteers who kindly attended. And a big thank you to the Management at Waitrose who generously gave their consent to our activity and made us welcome.
12 November 2008
Cheltenham Branch Annual General Meeting was held at Cheltenham Civil Service Club on this evening, and was well attended, guests including the Mayor of Cheltenham, Mr. Ronald MacDonald our President, and our Vice-President Mr. John Baker. After the Chairman's and Treasurer's Annual Reports, those attending were treated to a very absorbing and enlightening presentation by Mr. Allen Head, RNLI Operations Manager for the South East and Deputy Team Leader, RNLI Flood Relief Operations. The recent work of the Flood relief rescue teams in the Tewkesbury and Gloucester areas was explained in detail, illustrated by many original slides of the operations carried out by this dedicated team. Many thanks are due to Mr. Head, and Avril Dooley who again did splendid work in setting up the Xmas card and souvenir stall sales which as usual proved very popular.
18 October 2008
A Bridge Day Charity Event was held with kind permission of Cheltenham Bridge Club at 4 Tivoli Road Cheltenham. All credit for the organisation of this event rests with Mrs. Margaret Beverley, whose hard work and enthusiasm contributed to its great success. Coffee, a delicious cooked lunch and afternoon tea were provided and many thanks are due to Margaret, Avril and Wendy who took care of the catering. Over 40 players attended and the grand total of £670 was raised from admissions, raffle and donations. Winners Shields were awarded to Mary Portman and David Cook, and deservingly to Margaret and Geoff Beverley. It is hoped to repeat the success of this popular event in 2009.
11/12 October 2008
The Annual Cheltenham Steam and Classic Fair was held at the Racecourse this year, and committee members and volunteers attended with our Souvenir Stall. The weather on both days was fine and resulted in good attendance figures which saw brisk sales of RNLI Christmas cards, calenders and memorabilia. Many thanks to Avril Dooley who organised and transported the display of RNLI wares, sales of which amounted to a grand total of £673 over both days.
10 October 2008
St Lukes Hall was again the venue for an excellent Quiz evening, complemented by an excellent Fish and Chip Supper. Takings from tickets, the Bar and the raffle amounted to £525. Many thanks to all who attended, to our Vice President John Baker, who was the Quiz-master, Paul and Vicky Wroot who organised the questions and Frank Austin who organised and collected the 70 plus portions of Fish and Chips which were gratefully consumed!
27 September 2008
Members and friends enjoyed an all-day trip by coach to Chatham Historic Dock yard which not only houses the fantastic Lifeboat Museum but also some very interesting ships and other military pieces set amongst historic docks and buildings. Many thanks to Frank Austin, Branch Chairman who organised the outing and to Rob Coles, Branch Media officer, who drove the Marchants Coach.
5/6 July 2008
This weekend found us again manning our usual Souvenir and Xmas card stall at the very popular Cotswold Show, by kind premission of the organisers. The weather was mixed, although far better than last year, but sales surpassed our expectations, with a very creditable total of £763 for the 2 days. Many thanks to Avril Dooley, the Branch Souvenir Secretary, who put together a great display with a large variety of popular goods.
23/24 May 2008
Over these two days, members and volunteers were again active in holding a collection at Tesco's main Supermarket in Cheltenham, funds donated totalling an excellent £1117. Thanks are due to Tesco's Management who again made this event possible.
25 April 2008
Cheltenham Town centre Flag Day took place, and the annual event was well supported. Many thanks to all the volunteers who 'manned the buckets' and raised the excellent total of £1331.
20 April 2008
Highnam Court Open Garden took place on this day, by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs Roger Head. Despite the rather inclement weather, the event attracted a good number of visitors who enjoyed the magnificent ornamental gardens. Funds raised totalled in excess of £1000. Many thanks to Committee Members and supporters from Newent, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham Branches who assisted on this successfull day.
28 March 2008
The Annual Skittles evening was held at the Cheltenham Civil Service club, and the event was well attended, raising £155 for RNLI funds.
23 February 2008
Again our 2008 Masked Ball was a great success, thanks to the many revellers who enjoyed the excellent menu and service provided by the Cheltenham Thistle Hotel. The event was extremely well patronised, and most guests spent the latter part of the evening honing their dancing skills to great music provided live by Rob and Ian of Top Mix, who were on really great form. Thanks are due to the Thistle Staff, and David, Fay and John of the three local committees who organised the proceedings in their usual efficient manner. The event raised almost £4000, split equally between the three organising branches, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Newent.
26 January 2008
Our FROG RACE evening, held at St. Luke's Church Hall. Cheltenham, was again a great success, and nearly 50 punters took part. As usual the skills required took some mastering, but the Frog's did not suffer! Thanks to organiser Avril Dooley, the participants, the Sponsors, the Helpers and not least the Cotswold Frog Racing Team who kindly managed the proceedings, the RNLI benefitted from a net surplus of almost £600.Thanks are also due to Robin Tucker, who organised the excellent Sausage and Mash Supper, and Ian Read, who kindly donated the delicious sausages.
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2007
24 February 2007
We held our ANNUAL MASKED BALL 3 at the Thistle Hotel Cheltenham which was again a Joint event organised by members of Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Newent Branch Committees. Over 150 guests attended and as in previous years this was a very enjoyable and successful evening, aided by an excellent menu, and the fabulous Top Mix live band. Funds raised are expected to be in excess of £4000.
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea |