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Friend to Friend

April 2016 Newsletter

Shirley Simmonds, founder of Friend to Friend, retires.

Tributes to Shirley

Our dear friend, Shirley Simmonds

I feel very honoured to have been asked to write a few words about Shirley on her retirement.  She is the most remarkable lady I have ever met. She is feisty, funny, kind, warm hearted, lovable and great fun to be with. I feel lucky to have met her and I’m sure everyone who knows Shirley will feel the same.

I had a fabulous time at the retirement party and thoroughly enjoyed the singing and dancing and it was lovely to be reunited with my friends from the Friend to Friend office, Colette Green and Rachel Hey. We loved working with Shirley back in the day and it was a real treat when she used to pop into the office. She made us all laugh.

I have known Shirley for about ten years and in that time, I’ve seen her spend hours and hours of her time planning, organising and sorting all manner of projects and trips for Friend to Friend.  All the members love her.  

I asked Shirley’s good friend Mary Rollinson to tell me a bit about Shirley’s history and I’m so impressed by the scope of her achievements

Here is a small summary:

In her earlier days, Shirley was a teacher and she did a lot of voluntary work for the Samaritans.  She also helped at a youth club and table tennis club.

In 1996 Shirley started Friend to Friend.  She always said that the she didn’t want people to just come to play bingo so she provided stimulating projects that everyone enjoyed.  This meant applying for grants to fund the projects and this was an ongoing challenge. Her middle name is Patricia and Shirley would say it stands for ‘procrastinate’ but that was not the case when it came to applying for grants! Shirley has brought so much funding into Friend to Friend – she has worked tirelessly to gain grants from so many bodies, Help the Aged, Lloyds TSB, Awards for All,  KMC Community Grant, Age Concern, to name but a few as well as a huge Big Lottery Grant.  

Shirley used to be a driver and co-ordinator for the CAMEO transport service which provided help for local people with visits to doctors etc.

In 2002 Shirley went to the Palace with Joyce and Eric for the Golden Jubilee Unsung Heroes.

Shirley organised the production of a book, ‘Tales of the Mills’.  All proceeds were put back into Friend to Friend.

In more recent years Shirley worked on a project with Jim Robinson to produce the tiles which are now on show as a mural in the Kings Head Garden in Holmfirth. She also worked on the giant jersey for the Tour de Yorkshire.

So, back to the present – it’s time for Shirley to have a rest and enjoy her retirement.  I hope she has many happy holidays to come.  

Everyone at Friend to Friend will miss Shirley very much but no one will ever forget all that she has done.

Happy retirement to our dear friend, Shirley.  

Sarah Sanderson and Mary Rollinson

A very fond farewell to "Our Shirley”

Shirley Simmonds helped to establish Friend to Friend in 1996 and after 20 years of dedicated support has hung up her volunteer hat.  A retirement party for Shirley was held at the Holmfirth project group on Friday the 18th with 66 friends, balloons, flowers, buffet and fizz.  What a good do! Our local MP, Jason McCartney, led the speeches and there was even an impromptu ukulele group.

People told me that Friend to Friend would not have got off the ground if it hadn't been for the incredible amount of work that Shirley had put into it. We have grown from strength to strength thanks to Shirley – from one group to an incredible 13 groups. With her creative ideas and determination, her friendship, her encouragement and always caring for others, her wicked sense of humour she is truly a wonderful lady.

From all of us at Friend to Friend we are saying "A Huge Big Thank You to Our Shirley.” Gilly

Shirley and the Meltham Group

I remember it well - 20 years ago a few people from Meltham were transported in a Mini Bus to Holmfirth Phoenix Centre for a day out including meal and entertainment.   That was the beginning - we enjoyed it so much we carried on until the numbers grew and we were asked if we would start one in our village, so yes a party was arranged at the Methodist Hall by Shirley and friends and with her expertise and help we were on our way and have never looked back.

We were not called Friend to Friend at the very beginning; Shirley came up with that later with the logo.

All of our early helpers unfortunately are not with us.    The volunteers we have today are excellent and still carry on the good work for the Community..

Let’s hope Shirley visits and keeps in touch with her knowledge. 

My very Best Wishes and Congratulations - Have a Wonderful Retirement - God Bless.

Sheila

Shirley Simmonds Thank You

On Friday the 18th March I had the most amazing experience. I attended my last meeting with Holmfirth Friend to Friend. So many volunteers and staff from the past turned up and I received an abundance of good wishes and presents. Thank you so much to all those involved. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Meltham Meal 

February 5th 2016

Meltham Meal in February was very well attended by 48 members who enjoyed a meal of Chicken and Leek Pie with New Potatoes and vegetables. Dessert was Bakewell Tart and Custard. 

Arnold Lodge sold tickets for the raffle. Prizes included a bunch of tulips, hand hot water bottle with a pair of socks, a jar of home made blackcurrant Jam, a jar of home made pickle and a box of After Eight chocolates. 

Funds were also raised by the sale of an orange cake, blackcurrant jam, damson jam and rhubarb and orange jam. 

The afternoon's entertainment was Sean Curran who brings a friend to do sign language as Sean is actually deaf. Sean also checked people’s hearing aids and replaced some of the bits if required. 

Josie Fisher celebrated her 80th birthday on Sunday 31st January 2016 and Jenny presented Josie with an orchid plant from FtoF members.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped on the day.

Jenny

Meltham Lunch April 1st 2016

After having to cancel our lunch in March because of the overnight snow, it was great to see so many members at today's lunch.

Once again we have to THANK Steve from The Rose and Crown for donating our lunch. Steve brought his future wife Jane with him today, which was good for the members to meet her. Steve and Jane are finally getting married on May 17th 2016. We hope they have a brilliant day and honeymoon.

Our lunch today was Chicken/Leek pie, New Potatoes, Carrots and Cabbage. Lemon Cheesecake was the dessert. Everyone enjoyed their meal.

Sean Curran from Action on Hearing Loss attended to repair hearing aids, replace batteries and to give advice. Sean will be attending June's lunch if anyone wishes to talk to him.

Our lunch today was a party to celebrate Friend to Friend’s 20th Anniversary and Her Majesty The Queens 90th Birthday which is on April 21st 2016. 

I organized games today. Members enjoyed The Parcel Game and Card Bingo.

All members received a gift of an Easter Egg. 

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped on the day.

Jenny 

Honley Group

This month, a small select group gathered (some illnesses meant a few more absences but we wish them all a speedy recovery). We had a quiz which the ladies coped with very well and then we played our dice game. Everyone thought the only person who knew what was going on was Suzanne but soon everyone cottoned on! We had some fun at least! Many thanks to Maggie and Mary for helping out this week!

Suzanne

Arm chair Zumba

The popular Arm chair Zumba continues to meet fortnightly in the Holmfirth Methodist church hall.  It is lots of fun. One member was heard to say, “I only come for the laughter.” Another member said, " It’s always a pick me up.”  So come along and give it a try. Thursdays 1.30pm till 3.30 pm, tea/coffee and biscuits. £4 or £4.50 with transport. Tel F to F on 687773.

Guess the Cartoon's name

The guess the cartoon’s name was won by Audrey Howard. The cat was called Vandyke. She won a large food and drinks hamper. The 2nd and 3rd prizes of £10 and £5 were won by some of the children from class one who were doing the joint concert with our members from our Friend to Friend choir. Their cats were McKenzie and Barney. The 4th name was Hamish and this was won by Mick Rotchell.

The cartoon fund raiser was the brain child of Jenny Foster, a Friend to Friend volunteer, fund raiser and driver for Friend to Friend. Thanks Jenny!

Holmfirth Project

The Holmfirth Group received a grant in order to continue with monthly singing with Louise. They sang in Sainsbury’s at Christmas and continued to work on their repertoire. There was one rehearsal with the younger pupils of Holme School. Unfortunately, the snow came when the more senior pupils were due. Nevertheless, the Friend to Friend choir were able to perform at Holmfirth’s Methodist Bright Hour meeting in March. The hall was full and everyone had a great time. The group should go on to entertain people in care homes in the district.

Shirley

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Friend to Friend is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.!

We are having a celebratory lunch at Meltham Sports and Community Centre on Friday May 6th.  

All members are invited and the meal will be free, thanks to the generosity of Meltham Sports and Community Centre and Meltham Council. Transport will be provided.  There will be lovely food and lots of singing, so if you would like to come, be sure to let your Group Lead Volunteer know! 

Please note: This lunch takes the place of the Holmfirth Project and Meltham Meal which normally meet that day.  

The Trustees

Welcome to new volunteers!

Hello – my name is Gillian Scarborough, I live in Upperthong with my husband and two children (Charlotte, 11 and Sam, 8).  I have recently started volunteering with Friend to Friend at the Holmfirth group and can hopefully help out with some of the administration jobs that need to be done.  I am a self-employed Health and Safety Consultant and work three days a week.  I visit all types of business from woodworking to construction sites and everything in between!  I am also a Scout Leader in Holmfirth and enjoy all types of outdoor activity like walking and camping.   I look forward to getting to know you all. 

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Hello, I’m Louise Swift, and while Gillian and I have been friends for several years, it was a complete coincidence that we have both ended up as Friend to Friend volunteers!!  I also have 2 children and live in Upperthong, and work as a primary school teacher (part time).  I will be taking a lead with the Holmfirth Big Meal and supporting Gillian and Gilly with the other Holmfirth groups, but Shirley is leaving huge boots to fill, so we will do our best to get to know you all and continue looking after you as she has done so well for so long!!

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If you come to the Holmfirth Big Meal or Project groups, we would very much welcome your ideas for both activities and lunches you’d like us to put on for you… Get your thinking caps on for us!!

A note from Suzanne

I would just like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for all their best wishes to me after my recent accident. It really means a lot. For those that do not know, I managed to dislocate and break 3 bones in my right leg and 1 in my left foot after I fell off 2 steps in my dining-room! There’s not a lot to say really is there!! I have now had an operation to insert 3 metal plates in my right ankle and, hopefully, I will soon be on the mend. It has certainly made me aware of how the lack of mobility has an impact on the day to day activities we all take for granted. I now have so much respect for all you people who have to rely on walking frames or wheelers every day to get about. It is not easy!

Many thanks once again. Suzanne

Meltham Memories Weekend Sat 2nd and Sunday 3rd July!

Friend to Friend will have a stall on Saturday 2nd July with a tombola.  Come along and support us and enjoy all the other attractions on the day. 

Begins with the raising of the flag followed by a Grand 1940’s and Military parade with vintage vehicles, WW11 re-enactors, veterans, forces cadets, a pipe band, and brass band.

Lots of entertainment all weekend, free dance lessons with the Backstep Boogie Club.  Marina May, George Formby, Tuxedo Junction, Jump Jive and Swing, The Barn Howlers.

Many Food outlets, Real Ale, Hog Roast, Stalls and our usual Fly Past.

Homefront Exhibition and Living History displays and a chance to fly around the area.

Saturday Evening

The Victory Ball with the Greater Manchester Metropolitan Police Big Band (always a sell out, get you tickets early!!)

Sunday

1940’s Family Gala with Inter pub Tug o’ War. Come along, bring the kids and join in the fun. Entertainment and events all afternoon.

Re-enactors attending in 2016!

We are pleased to announce that the Axis-Allied re-enactment group will be attending on both 2nd and 3rd July 2016. Find out more about the group at their website:  or on their Facebook page: 

Whilst Axis-Allied are a newly formed group, many of them have attended Meltham Memories Wartime Weekend over previous years, now refreshed and with new members and equipment, it promises to make the event bigger and better than previous years!

FRIEND TO FRIEND

Annual Membership

2016/2017

Name: ____________

Editor's Note:

Thank you, Suzanne for publishing Friend to Friend newsletters throughout your recovery from your injuries. You have shown dedication in making sure there was no break in publication, even though you were immobilised. On behalf of our readers, Many Thanks!

Joan

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Thank you Shirley from all at Friend to Friend!

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Appeal for prizes

We will be having a Tombola stall at the Meltham Memories weekend on the 1st - 3rd July 2016

Can you donate a prize?

If so, please hand a prize in to your group and we will make sure it gets to the stall. Any prize will be very much appreciated.

If you would like to contribute to the stall but can’t get to the group, please give us a call and we will try to collect from you.

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WANTED!

Volunteers to run the above Tombola stall.

We are hoping for enough volunteers so that we can manage one hour shifts on the stall. Please let us know if you are able to help.

Many thanks.

A reminder:

Membership fee of £12 is due for the year

2016 -2017. Many thanks.

Friend to Friend Contact Details:

  

Telephone: 01484 687773

Email:friend@.uk 

Registered Office for post:

The Carlile Institute Business Centre  

54 Huddersfield Road,

Meltham, 

Holmfirth HD9 4A 

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