On Saturday 21st. January volunteers and users of the Milton Keynes Reader Service met up for a social gathering over tea or coffee and delicious cakes.
Around 80 people attended, and a jolly time was had by all.

We began with lots of chatting and circulating, buying raffle tickets, and some lovely knitted goods, provided by Pauline Shears, who only started knitting a short time ago and seems unable to stop!

Then came time for the formal business. Karen talked briefly about the office move to Community Foundation Offices in Acorn House, 381, Summer Boulevard. Our offices are upstairs. There will be a room given over to Brailling, and training has been given to a number of volunteers. (We make some of our income that way).

Members of the Committee told us about upcoming events. These include: a gardening event at Dobbies, 2.00 pm on 21/2, a possible poetry and reading event, for which volunteers were invited to let Mike know, and a quiz night and auction of promises in June, date to be arranged. Members were asked to try to think of things for the auction.

With us was Paula Sutchey, from Junction 14 Barbershop choir, who presented a cheque for £375.00. Other fundraising included the money raised by selling tickets for the car raffle in the City Centre. This raised a very encouraging £558.00.

Volunteers were asked to come forward to help run the Community Shop, and to bring in good for sale. Old goods, for use as rags, were also a useful contribution.

The need for a meeting table for the new offices was mentioned and people asked for any ideas. Additionally, those with large vehicles were asked to volunteer to transport goods offered that owners were unable to transport themselves.

The raffle was then held. The main prize was a donated CCTV, but there were a myriad prizes. The generosity of those present raised £214.00.

We look forward to our next meeting. It’s lovely to meet all those whose presence makes this venture possible.