Beeline: Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Magazine, Spring 2016

FEATURE
In the Community
Close shave
Ed Beardsley from Street in
Somerset was a clean-shaven
man when he met his wife Gill
in 1963. Over the duration of
their marriage, Ed has grown
his beard three times, with
the most recent one taking up
residence for 39 years! After
much encouragement from Gill, Ed finally agreed
to shave and took the plunge – raising £259 for
DSAA in the process.
Bookstall bonanza
Staff and customers at the Co-operative Food Store in Bridport have
added another £7, 000 to their fundraising in support of DSAA by selling
unwanted second-hand books. The store’s bookstall is bursting with a
variety of genres that are donated by customers and staff. All books are
available to purchase for the small sum of 50p. With fresh books introduced
regularly, many people bring theirs back after reading to exchange for
more. The simple yet popular fundraising initiative was thought of by a
staff member and has since raised more than £35,000 for the Charity. Store
Manager Rob Garland presented the most recent donation of £7,000 to Tina
Viksna (DSAA Fundraising Manager) when she visited the store. He said: “We
are very proud of everyone who works here and for the support that we have
received from the community. The people of Bridport are very passionate
about the air ambulance and we are delighted to be able to help.”
Police in
fine voice
Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Dorset
Police male voice choirs held a concert at
Sherborne Abbey in aid of Care of Police
Survivors and Dorset and Somerset Air
Ambulance. A wonderful evening saw a total
of £1,300 raised, which was split between both
charities. Leanne Colverson was delighted to
receive a cheque on the Charity’s behalf.
70 years of singing
Westfield Ladies Choir, based in Midsomer Norton, held a concert
celebrating 70 years of singing and raised £600 for the Charity. They
presented volunteer David Collins with a cheque during one of their
rehearsals. Lesley Schofield from the choir said: “We are delighted to be able
to support the air ambulance, which helps so many people and saves lives
on a daily basis.”
Our thanks go to the members and customers of Colin’s
Community Club in Blandford who donated £836.56 in support
of the Charity. In total, more than £1,400 was raised and
donated to three charities, of which DSAA was one. Volunteers
Wendy Burke and Richard Robbins were delighted to be able to
attend the cheque presentation on our behalf. They were both
out and about the following day receiving a cheque for £709
from Blandford Constitutional Club, who held an Open Day and
80-prize raffle in aid of the Charity.
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01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk