Creative fundraisers honed their skills and clubbed together to raise more than £1,300 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Members of the Colchester Woodturners group crafted an array of festive gifts which they sold at the city’s Christmas market.
More than 100 eye-catching items were sold, from miniature snowmen, tree decorations and baubles to bowls, pens and model reindeer.
They ranged in price from £4 to £40, and, after a busy and full day battling wind and rain, the group raised £1,336.
“Given the miserable conditions, we were surprised and delighted to raise as much as we did,” said Alan Essam, from Colchester Woodturners.
“It was a great day, and people were interested and enthusiastic about the items we sold.
“They were also impressed that all the items were made and donated by our members and that we were giving every penny raised to the charity.
“It was our pleasure to support this great cause once again. When we discussed who we wanted to support, everyone voted for EACH. It was unanimous, which speaks volumes.”
Colchester Woodturners, which is part of a national association, consists of nearly 50 members.
Members use tools, chisels and lathes to make their wooden creations and Alan and fellow members Harold Griffiths, Helen Sherman, Roy Wyatt and Mark Wallington, who manned the stand on the day, recently handed a cheque to Kellie Brown, Sales Supervisor at EACH’s shop on Angora Park, Stanway.
The presentation took place at one of the club’s monthly member meetings.
“It’s a wonderful donation,” said Kellie, who was joined by shop volunteer Rob Brown.
“We’ve known two of the club’s members for many years as they’re regular customers and donors.
“We’ve struck up a great relationship, and everyone at the club made us extremely welcome when we went to their meeting, taking the time to explain what the group does and how long they’ve been woodturning.
“Like EACH, the group is well-known in the community, and it’s extremely kind of them to choose us as their charity once again.
“As I explained on the night, these funds will help so many people in need of our care and services. We’re extremely grateful.”
Anyone interested in volunteering in the shop can pop in for a chat, email Manager Julie Herlihy via Julie.Herlihy@each.org.uk or Kellie via Kellie.Brown@each.org.uk. Alternatively, call 01206 239536.
EACH has 54 shops across the region, including six in North Essex. In addition to Stanway, the others are in Colchester High Street, Clacton, Dovercourt, Frinton and Halstead.
