The Big Help Out, celebrating volunteering as a key element of the Coronation Weekend, was a huge success in Riding Mill. Over 300 people turned out in total, despite some soggy weather, for a wonderful afternoon of fun and games, singing and dancing enjoyed in a terrific atmosphere. It seemed that nearly every family in Riding Mill and many from beyond came along to simply join in! Thanks to all those who helped in any way. You’ll see most of them in the pictures!
Special thanks to Judy Wilthew for making everyone so welcome -and for running the tea room so efficiently – raising nearly £250 for Macmillan Cancer Research.
David McKenzie
Text from Picture
And finally ….. We would like to thank all those who volunteered to help in any way
to make this celebration such a great success. We are grateful to Northumberland
County Council and Broomhaugh and Riding Parish Council for financial support, to
parents and staff of Broomhaugh First School and of Riding Mill Outdoor Preschool,
St James’s Church, the Village Hall Trust, (with very special thanks to the irreplaceable Judy Wilthew), Riding Mill Tennis Club and the parents and leaders of Riding
Mill Scout Group, all of whom, together with many others who remain nameless,
made this event possible. Our very special thanks to Adam Symes, our official photographer, whose photographs you are enjoying here and to Adam’s dad for acting
as photographer’s assistant! We are indebted to Val and Alan Thompson, who
braved the rain to put up and take down the gazebos and shelters which provided
the necessary shelter. The coffee shop raised £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support,
the charity chosen by our young people. This was volunteering in action—the
whole point of the day!