The Moira Fund, January 2013, an Update and Events.

Dear Supporter,

Our two very successful Autumn Balls are behind us and they were warm, wonderful evenings.  Our thanks go to everyone who contributed in any way to their success – by attending, donating to the auctions or lucky dip, or by selling tickets.  We were so pleased with the many complimentary comments made on each occasion that we have booked the venues again for this year – Saturday 28 September in Stafford and Saturday 26 October in Glasgow.  We hope we’ll see you there.

More recently, we were delighted to be invited to a cheque presentation by the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association at the Minerva Lodge, Stoke-on Trent, in November and that a ‘Baubles, Bangles and Beads’ coffee morning was held in Weston to coincide with our ongoing Jewellery Recycling Project.  This is still being promoted far and wide and there has been a local ‘envelope drop’.

We are looking forward very much to an Italian Evening to be held at Trentham Garden Centre on Monday, 11th March.  There will be a “bubbly” welcome, a delicious 3-course Italian meal and then we will listen to the wonderful voice of Scotland’s Finest Tenor, John Craig Innes.  This has come about because, by chance, I heard John sing and felt very strongly that it was an experience everyone should enjoy.  John has also suggested that we have a Moira Fund Collection Day in Stafford, when he will sing for us in the Market Square.  That is happening on 9th February.

We have other events promised, too, which is very encouraging: a VIP Night at Francesco’s Hair Salon; a runner in the London Marathon and in the Glasgow 10k.  Also, I will address about 150 people at Stafford’s University Of The Third Age (U3A) in March on behalf of The Moira Fund.

The Fund will be mentioned in a documentary series, ’The Science Police’, being shown on BBC Scotland and Sky in the near future.  The programme looks at the importance of forensics in murder investigations and Moira’s murder is one of those examined.  I agreed to be filmed for this as it gave me a chance to voice my views on the UK’s involvement with EU criminal justice measures.  At the same time, I was asked about the work of the Fund and the director wanted to promote that.  I hope I always make it clear, however, that my campaigning is personal to me, and that The Moira Fund is not a campaigning charity.

We have seen an increase this year in the number of requests we have received for help.  We continue to help with contributions towards funeral costs when families are in dire straits and also with travel and accommodation costs to allow extra family members to attend trials, especially siblings.  We have seen, however, an increase in requests for respite breaks, in particular for breaks which help new families to bond, families where sisters are now bringing up their nephews and nieces as well as their own children, or where grandparents are looking after grandchildren.  There are no Government funds for this kind of help and we are very pleased we can do this.  We couldn’t do what we do without you.

We thank you all for your wonderful ongoing support and wish you all a happy, healthy 2013.

Kind regards,

Beatrice Jones
President
The Moira Fund

We have received another wonderful donation this week from Peter Ward who provides a superb wedding car service in the Stafford area.  Peter, in livery matching his lovely vintage car, chauffeurs and provides this service at no cost at all to The Moira Fund.  All monies paid are donated directly to us.  We are very grateful for his ongoing generosity.

It was a great privilege to be invited along to this presentation, to know that along with five other small charities we had been chosen to receive a cheque from the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association.  Bea Jones accepted this generous and very welcome donation on behalf of The Moira Fund and explained to Lodge Members and guests the nature of the help we give.  This was very well-received.  A big thank you to all at Minerva Lodge.

Every year, it seems, the atmosphere of warmth and friendliness at this Ball increases and gives the impression of a big family get-together.  We want to thank all who came and contributed in so many ways to its success.  We were pleased to welcome many new guests including the Solicitor General, representatives from Victim Support, the team from Glasgow Film, new friends and colleagues, as well as the many whose wonderful support is ongoing.  The great team at Glasgow University Union make us all feel at home here and Willie Patterson, our auctioneer and MC, did a great job and The Red Hot Poker Band ensured all the dancers were kept on their toes.

We had wonderful donations for our auctions and the generosity of the bidding made sure the lots all went to good homes and we raised a wonderful amount of money for our very worthwhile charity.  A really great night!

Our fingers are crossed that our Glasgow Moira Fund Autumn Ball will be as successful as our Stafford one.  The signs are good.  We’ve had wonderful donations for our auctions: an 18ct white gold and diamond pendant; holiday accommodation for 7 on the Isle of Harris; signed guitar; Tee for 4 at Carnoustie Championship Golf Course; tickets for Celtic FC Directors’ Box + hospitality; original artwork; and much more.  Among our guests will be the Solicitor General, the President of Victim Support Europe, and esteemed film director, Alex McCall.  These first time guests will be joined by many wonderful long-time supporters.  We’ll keep you posted.