Supporters of the befriending charity Friends Altogether in Rother (FAiR) celebrated its success at the weekend with a thank you lunch organised by founder Chris Pollard. Volunteers and trustees, as well as friends of the charity, met at FAiR’s office at Rye Cricket Club on Saturday, April 13.
Diamond Koz in Rye delivered a delicious Turkish buffet, and Hazel Lodge Care
Home based in Battle generously made a showstopper cake – a decorated
Victoria sponge.
One of those attending was Frederick Smith who Chris described as an inspiration.
Frederick, at the age of eighty-seven started ‘Just Friends’ in Eastbourne.
Six years on and there are now nearly 600 members. Rother district councillor Cheryl Creaser also joined the party.
Chris Pollard thanked everyone who has helped set up the charity and the team who put together the monthly social Tilling Tea & Cake. “It’s so important to say thank you for all the hard work people have put in. I’ve worked tirelessly for 18 months setting up FAiR, but I could not have done it without the special people who’ve joined us for lunch today.
“Health & Wellbeing advice is shared by organisations in collaboration with Dr Sarah Jacques of Sussex Outreach Support. Funding and donations are key to any charity. In FAiR’s case, our initial funding came via Rother Voluntary Action. Jackie Saull-Hunt supported me in applying and successfully receiving a Making it Happen Grant in October 2023. Within days, a further grant came from the Chalk Cliff Trust. In addition to funding, a committed team of volunteers are the ‘back bone’ of a charity along with trustees who ensure legal governance is followed. A special mention too for Cecily who has volunteered at every ‘Tilling, Tea and Cake’.”
Chris welcomed Kathy Crowther as FAiR’s new community volunteer training coordinator. She will set up the befriending service and has vast experience of training volunteers, governance, marketing and funding applications.
You can read more about FAiR’s journey with ‘Funding and Donations’here.
Image Credits: FAiR .
Well done Chris and Miriam, a noble gesture, very appreciated by all the team