THE St. Katharine’s Stratford Players’ Easter Pantomime, Aladdin, dedicated to the memory of lifetime member Viv Barrat, is a shining example of collectives power of collective action and the unwavering generosity of community spirit.

The resounding success of the pantomime, raising an impressive £1,000 including Gift Aid for the Paul Sartori Foundation, is not merely a financial achievement but a symbol of solidarity and compassion. This remarkable feat underscores the deep-rooted commitment of this community to support vital services such as Paul Sartori’s Hospice at Home service, which provides comfort and care to those facing challenging times at the end of life and their family and carers.

At the heart of this success lies the tireless dedication and boundless enthusiasm of the volunteers, organizers, and supporters of St. Katharine’s Stratford Players. Their selfless efforts have not only surpassed the expectations of the event but have also touched the lives of countless individuals in our area, offering support where it is needed most.

As we reflect on the impact of this initiative, it becomes evident that the true measure of success lies not only in the funds raised but in the sense of community, of which Viv Barrat played the biggest part.

“Viv was the heartbeat of the St Katharine’s Stratford Players, an inspiration, mentor, and friend to many. With over 40 years with the drama group, Viv lead the group from strength to strength. A dedicated and committed member of the group inspiring a generation of local talent, advocating for the youth and creating a safe and inclusive community for us all. As a drama group, we are truly heartbroken, Viv was our Matriarch, our friend, our Viv!”

The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the St. Katharine’s Stratford Players’ Easter Pantomime.

Your generosity, kindness, and dedication have made a difference in the lives of others, inspiring hope and resilience in our community. Together, we have shown that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit shines brightest when we stand together in support of one another.

APPLICATIONS are now open to become one of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) face-to-face fundraisers in Wales. This vital role helps the lifesaving charity reach thousands of people every year, sharing safety messages and encouraging new supporters to sign up and donate.

A role within the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraising team offers flexible working in some great locations, including big events and at the beautiful beaches of the Welsh coast. Fundraisers receive full, high-quality training and competitive rates of pay, whilst also developing valuable professional and personal skills.

One person who knows very well the impact that funds raised can have is John Connolly, who joined the RNLI as a fundraiser in 2018, and now works as a Deputy Face-to-Face Fundraising Manager:

‘I grew up in a maritime town, so I was always aware of the RNLI and what they did, but its importance was really brought home to me on a holiday with my family back in 2009,’ said John. ‘My children were all enjoying bodyboarding on a lifeguarded beach, when my son started to drift outside the area marked by the red and yellow flags. He was quickly rescued by the RNLI lifeguard on duty.

‘It was a scary moment, but we didn’t appreciate the enormity of what had happened until later, when the relief really set in.’

A few years later, when looking for summer work, John saw an advertisement for RNLI face-to-face fundraisers. Attracted by the possibility of working outside, raising funds for the RNLI’s lifesaving work, and engaging with members of the public, he decided to apply.

‘I realised I would like to give something back,’ said John, who has now worked all around the country as part of the face-to-face fundraising team. ‘You meet all sorts of people and hear their stories of why the work of the RNLI is important to them. It’s amazing to be doing something I fundamentally believe in, and to be raising money so that other people can be as fortunate as I was.’

The funds raised by John and his colleagues are vital in supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving service. The charity, which recently celebrated its 200^th anniversary, operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, and has seasonal lifeguards on the same number of beaches. During its two centuries of lifesaving, volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved an incredible 146,277 lives – made possible by the generous support of the public.

Beth Lee, Senior Face-to-Face Fundraising Manager at the RNLI, said: ‘Our face-to-face fundraiser roles are the perfect fit for anyone who is friendly, energetic and able to talk to anyone. It really is a vital role in supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work, sharing safety advice with thousands of beach visitors every summer, as well as inspiring them to support our lifesavers with a donation.  

‘This year is a particularly exciting time to be considering becoming part of the RNLI family, as the charity marks two hundred years of saving lives at sea. I’d encourage anyone, no matter what career you are considering, to take up the challenge and apply for a face-to-face fundraising role.’

RNLI face-to-face fundraising vacancies are now available across the UK and Ireland, including in Wales, with a range of hours from part- to full-time and some accommodated roles available. To apply or find out more, visit rnli.org/FundraiserJobs

IN the Senedd on Tuesday (May 7), the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh Government to protect children seeking asylum in Wales.

According to the Refugee Council, lone child asylum seekers are often at a greater risk of being wrongly classified as adults by the Home Office and then sent to Rwanda under the UK government’s controversial policy.

In 2022, two-thirds of children deemed adults by the Home Office were later confirmed as children by local authorities.

The Welsh Lib Dems have urged the Welsh Government to ensure that children seeking asylum in Wales, especially those on their own, are granted protection as part of Wales’ role as a nation of sanctuary.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Our nation’s reputation as a haven for those fleeing hardships is under threat from the UK Government’s cold-hearted Rwanda policy.

This immoral approach towards what is essentially a human-rights crisis represents a serious threat to our most vulnerable residents, those being unaccompanied children.

According to the Refugee Council, lone child asylum seekers are more likely to be wrongly classified as adults which places them at a greater risk of being forced onto flights and expelled.

We here in Wales, both as a Nation of Sanctuary and under the Social Services and Well-being Act 2014, have a moral and legal duty to protect lone-child asylum seekers.

We cannot allow the Conservatives to trample our values, nor the universal rights owed to children fleeing trauma.”