Bradley Stoke Mayoral Charity evening by Cllr Tom Aditya and Cllr Tony Griffiths
BSTC - 21st July 2021
Bradley Stoke Town Council hosted a Mayor’s Charity evening on Friday, 16th July 2021 at the Jubilee Centre Oak Hall.
This was an informal gathering of the Mayor’s Charites over the past two years. The meeting however was an opportunity for Councillors and Council Staff to appreciate the work of charities, to comprehend how Bradley Stoke’s support was helpful and to explore ideas for future collaboration. The ceremonial cheques were presented to the respective charities and a photo session also ensued.
Cllr Michael Hill, Cllr Tom Aditya, Cllr Angela Morey, Joe Hughes, Sharon Petela
Tripti Megeri, Jack Whittaker, Jayne Whittestone, Cllr Tony Griffiths, Cllr Michael Hill
Past Mayor, Councillor Tom Aditya had chosen Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), the National Autistic Society (NAS)– South Gloucestershire branch and the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF)’s Blood & Organ Donation Campaign as his charities during 2019/2020 whereas GWAAC and Next Link Charity were chosen by Past Mayor, Councillor Tony Griffiths as his Mayoral Charities during 2020/2021.
NAS South Gloucestershire Treasurer Mr Jack Whittaker, BMFF Blood and Organ Donation Campaign Secretary Mrs Tripti Megeri, Great Western Air Ambulance Community Coordinator Mr Joe Hughes, and Next Link Support Charity Deputy CEO Mrs Jayne Whittlestone received the cheques on behalf of their corresponding charities and expressed thanks to Bradley Stoke Mayoral Charity.
Cllr Tom Aditya handing over the cheque to Tripti Megeri from the BMFF Blood and Organ Donation Campaign
Cllr Tom Aditya handing over the cheque to Jack Whittaker from the National Autistic Society
Cllr Tom Aditya handing over the cheque to Joe Hughes from The Great Western Air Ambulance
Cllr Tony Griffiths handing over the cheque to Joe Hughes from The Great Western Air Ambulance
Cllr Tony Griffiths handing over the cheque to Mrs Jayne Whittestone from Next Link
Ms. Anna Perry, the Chief Executive of Great Western Air Ambulance in her thanks note sent earlier acknowledged the help from Bradley Stoke Mayoral Charity and commented: “ It was a real pleasure to work with Bradley Stoke Council. The amount raised is genuinely wonderful and would fund potentially lifesaving missions and tactical vests for our critical care doctors and specialist paramedics. This is an amazing contribution towards our shared community and something Bradley Stoke should all feel rightly proud about. Almost 4 million pounds is needed annually to keep the GWAAC service moving. Many of our services are run by volunteers. Nevertheless, the helicopter, ambulances, its upkeep, fuel, and costs for hangarage, doctors, paramedics, drugs, blood, equipment, technical staff and officers are essential part of the service. GWAAC is here to help the community in the hours of an emergency. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you”
The funds to Mayoral Charities are generally raised from donations at Bradley Stoke Community Festival, Big Fireworks, Carnival, Fun Fair and Scarecrow Trail. Clubs, organisations, event hosts, individuals and businesses also tend to contributes towards the Mayoral Charity. Many events were cancelled due to the pandemic since last year. Yet, an amount of £8237.23 was raised in 2020 and an amount of £4404 was collected in 2021. Cllr Michael Hill, Cllr Tony Griffiths, Cllr Tom Aditya, Cllr Angela Morey and Town Clerk Sharon Petela hosted the gathering on behalf of the Bradley Stoke Town Council.
Everyone who attended felt that it was highly motivating and inspiring gathering.
