Dunstable Winter Update

December was the Santa Sleigh visiting most streets in and around Dunstable and stationed at most of the supermarkets at weekends. The bout of snow didn’t help, forcing us to abandon two complete streets and also one of the supermarket visits. The outside organisations stepped in and supported us on occasions when our own members were ill or unable to help.

Over the period between the 1st and the 24th December we raised a total in excess of £14,000, a brilliant result. To mention everyone who helped would be impossible but the person(s) who should get a special mention is our second Vice President, Graham Bourne and his wife Angela, who night after night counted the money and made sure everything was ready for the next night. Thank you, Graham.

On Christmas Day, 24 lunches were distributed to people less fortunate than ourselves. This total was down on last year but nevertheless it is a significant part of our community work and helped annually by Dunstable Salvation Army

On the 1st January, the first of three of our annual Antiques and Collectors Fairs, took place at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre. The Dunstable Leisure Centre is being re-built and we hope to be back there in 2019! The freezing cold weather did not deter nearly 500 people who came through the doors to look round the 80 or so stalls. The next fair is on 7th May at Houghton Regis. Thanks to Alan Tarsey who once again coordinated another successful event.

Chris Smith
Dunstable Rotary Club
15th January 2018