Toys on the Table
I have mentioned in an earlier blog that the County Council is supporting the annual Toys on the Table Appeal. Staff and visitors are donating toys in great numbers and these are being despatched to the appeal offices for wrapping.
On the 9th December I took a box of donated toys over myself, so that I could see what happens once they are handed over, and to spend some time as a volunteer wrapper! It was great to meet the happy band of volunteers beavering away wrapping a huge mound of presents, destined for needy children in the city and county. There will be a lot of happy children on Christmas morning thanks to the generosity of the donors and the hard working volunteers.
I’d encourage everyone to donate a gift to this appeal, to put a smile on the faces of all our children.
Visit http://www.toysonthetable.org.uk to see how to volunteer or donate.
Volunteering in Leicestershire
I am always happy to show my support for volunteers, and I know the volunteers at Lutterworth particularly well, being on my ‘patch’. It was a pleasure to join their Christmas party at Lutterworth College, when my civic duties extended to drawing the raffle! All in a good cause, as you would expect – our Air Ambulance Service.
See http://www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk for more about the Air Ambulance and www.onestopshop.org.uk for more about volunteering in Lutterworth.
I was also in Coalville celebrating with more volunteers, including a group of volunteers with learning difficulties who very kindly created my Christmas card. This special card has been emailed to many people and organisations across the county. Isn’t it wonderful!
A Glimpse into Space
At the kind invitation of Pro vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin Schurer, I was thrilled to join Leicester University and world-renowned astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield on Friday at the University’s fascinating Space Research for Life on Earth exhibition.
With many thanks to Professor Schurer and his team for a fascinating event.I had a first-hand look at Leicester space technology, data and education which directly addresses the benefits of space research to public and society.
The exhibition provided a glimpse of a future in which we will be able to diagnose a wide range of life issues from climate change and pollution to chronic diseases.
Christmas is coming
I am attending a number of festive carol services, as you might expect as Christmas beckons. On Sunday I joined the congregation of St James the Greater for BBC Radio Leicester’s carol service, before travelling to Hinckley St Mary’s for the Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth’s carol service. With the preparations for Christmas keeping us all busy, it is nice to be able to slow down, pause, and reflect on the spiritual meaning of the festive season.
You can tune in to Radio Leicester on Christmas Day to hear the service from St James’.
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