VSO Local Groups > Cheshire
About our group
Voluntary Service Overseas is an international development agency working in some of the poorest countries of the world through experienced and professional volunteers. The volunteers share their talents with local communities to bring about lasting change in these key development areas: health, education, social welfare, disability, securing means of earning a living, having a voice with government, HIV and AIDS.
Over nearly 50 years, almost 30,000 people have been volunteers with VSO, making a difference overseas, back home, and in their own lives.
The Cheshire Group supports VSO locally through development education, publicity and fundraising. We try to make contact with prospective volunteers before they go overseas, and we are always interested to hear from volunteers on their return. We also aim to support the families of volunteers at present overseas and welcome them to our events. Please note that many of our events have a social element and provide the chance to meet and talk to returned volunteers about their experiences. Most of our members have themselves been VSO volunteers. We hope to see you at some of our events.
VSO Cheshire sponsored Roger Boultbee from Tarporley whilst he was working on hospital maintenance in Rumphi, Malawi. We then sponsored Ann Thomas from Ellesmere Port who worked in Guyana in Education. Now we are sponsoring Sue Carroll from Warrington, who is working in education in Papua New Guinea.
VSO EVENTS
The VSO Handbags of Harmonies Concert at Wesley Church was well received by a large audience. We raised enough money to fund a VSO volunteer to work abroad for a year, which is a great achievement for one event. (Usually it takes us all year and a number of events to manage this!)
Thank you to all those who contributed, especially English in Chester and Chelmagraphics, and the local businesses who donated raffle prizes. Thanks also to the Handbags for a stunning performance.
2008 is a special year: the 50th anniversary of VSO, and the 25th of the Cheshire Group.
Manchester VSO have arranged an anniversary day at the Friends Meeting House, Mount St, Manchester, 10 to 4, Saturday 7th June. Music, food, talks and presentations.
To celebrate our Gold and Silver year, we have arranged a Garden Party at the White House, Puddington, 3-5pm, Sunday 13th July. All supporters of VSO, past and present are warmly welcomed. Tickets £15 from English in Chester, 9-11 Stanley Place, Chester, tel 01244 318913, study@english-in-chester.co.uk To be attended by the MP, Christine Russell, and the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Alastair Stoddart. Strawberries, bubbly, chocolate fountain, church bells and a band.
Also in July, we will have a walking group in the Lord Mayors Parade. Meet at the Gorse Stacks Car Park at 10am, Saturday 19th July. Contact Linda Shuttleworth if you are coming; 01244 679791 shuttleworths@talktalk.net
In September, we are hoping to arrange a joint event with Chester Business Club, details to be confirmed.
We will have our brief AGM, and a talk by a recently returned volunteer, Ann Thomas, Guyana, at 7.30pm on 24th September, at the Pavilion, Cuddington Playing Fieds. Directions from Michael Melville. michael.melville@waitrose.com
Also in September, on the 28th, is the Rotary Club sponsored walk, in which we can walk to raise funds for our own charity. Details from Linda Shuttleworth.
Some of us will be joining with a guided walk across Morecambe Bay on Sunday 5 October, leaving Arnside at 9am. Details available from Linda Shuttleworth or Michael Melville if you are interested.
on 28th November, at the Wesley Church, St John Street, Chester, 7.30pm, "Women Matter>", an event to explore the particular impact of HIV/AIDS on women throughout the world. Quiz, short talk, discussion, light refreshments, no charge, but it would be helpful to know numbers a little in advance. shuttleworths@talktalk.net
If you have any queries, comments, or wish to get more involved, use this website, or the contact details for the Cheshire VSO Group.
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