July is a very strange month for us and tinged with more than a little sadness. It’s the first time in more than 10 years that we have not had a group of Chernobyl children arriving for their health respite break and, of course, there are 18 very disappointed children who were really looking forward to coming to England for this life-changing experience. We are hopeful that we will be able to bring a very few children for two weeks at Christmas, as long as the current situation continues to improve.
We are also continuing our Christmas stocking program and hope to deliver them at the end of December but without the summer group travelling, we now face the problem of how to actually get the stockings to Belarus. Usually, the airline allows us to send one free extra bag with each passenger but as no one is travelling we not only have the problem of finding enough travellers to take the bags but it will cost us £50 per bag to send them as additional luggage with ‘regular’ travellers. We have been making up the stockings for months but still have about a hundred to go!
Meanwhile the charity shop in Needham Market has had a small refit and is now open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and on Saturday from 10am-1pm. We are fully compliant with COVID-19 retail guidelines and to comply, donations can only be accepted by prior appointment. We are offering handmade face coverings for ladies, gents and children at only £2 each, plus a very good selection of high-quality clothing, books, toys and miscellaneous items. To book an appointment for donating please call 01449 760343 or 07771 550868.
Take care and stay safe,
Link Chair, Elizabeth Parker