A dedicated children's charity fundraising group in Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands is celebrating a remarkable milestone. Members of the local NSPCC committee have come together to mark the 130th anniversary of the group. The historic team has raised more than a million pounds for the charity since 2006 alone.
Celebratory Events Planned
To help celebrate the anniversary, a special fundraising coffee morning and street collection will take place at Trinity Church in Leek on July 17. The committee was originally founded by a group of kind-hearted people back in 1896, just a few years after the national charity itself was formed.
Historic Documents Preserved
Fascinating minutes from the very first meetings in Leek have been retained by the current committee. These historic documents were written in 1896 by the inaugural secretary Mrs Edward Challinor and Chair Mrs Kineton Parkes. The volunteers were affectionately referred to as 'the Lady Collectors' by Benjamin Waugh, the founder of the NSPCC, who attended a Leek meeting in 1901.
Long-Standing Volunteers
Amongst the current members of the longstanding committee are Barbara White and Sylvia Bowcock, who have each served with the team since the 1960s. Sue Wardle, from the NSPCC group, said: "Victorian working-class children were often treated very badly at home, school or at work, and Benjamin Waugh, who founded the NSPCC in 1885, was so horrified that children could be treated in this way, that he was determined to try and help prevent abuse of any kind."
"Since that time, throughout two World Wars and hard times for the country, there have been regular meetings of fundraisers in the Leek and Moorlands area, who have dedicated their time and efforts to help prevent cruelty to children across the UK." "Barbara and Sylvia are incredible, and just as committed as ever to help raise funds for the amazing charity that fights for children on so many levels."
Charity's Gratitude
Sarah Brown, from the charity, said: "We are delighted to honour Leek and Moorlands NSPCC in their 130th year of fundraising, and I know there are a few events lined up to help celebrate this milestone." "The committee is almost as old as the NSPCC itself, and has raised an incredibly significant amount of money for the charity."
"Everyone at the NSPCC is incredibly proud of Barbara, Sylvia and everyone at the Leek & Staffordshire Moorlands Committee for all their efforts over the years." "Our practitioners and services simply couldn’t be there to help children without their amazing efforts." "Every pound raised by groups like the Leek & Moorland Committee goes a long way to helping share vital safeguarding messages with children across the region and supports important NSPCC services like Childline, which is there for young people around the clock."
How to Support
To support the local committee, cheques can be sent to the treasurer, Jean Daniel, at 109, Ladderedge, Leek, ST13 7AG using the reference '130 years'.
