On a sunny Tuesday evening in late May WBro Mike Stubbs and WBro David Gill set off to deliver cheques for donations that had been approved by the Charity Stewards at the last East Ribble District Charity Stewards meeting.
The first presentation was for a cheque for £250 to Great Harwood Lourdes Pilgrimage at St Wulstan’s church. They were met by Stephen Theaker and his wife Bernadette with David Sheridan. The Pilgrimage takes place every year and this year 17 are travelling to Lourdes, six of whom are disabled, They fly from Stansted and are met at the airport in France by The Hospitalite which is an organisation consisting of volunteers who are responsible for the smooth running of all aspects of visits to Lourdes. Everyone who is able-bodied on the trip goes on a voluntary basis, providing care and paying their own expenses.
During the Pilgrimage they visit the Grotto, attend a Torchlight Procession and perform a tour of the town, visiting places related to St Bernadette.
The second cheque presentation was made to Lydia Johnson who is a guide at St Bartholomew’s near to Ewood , Blackburn. In August Lydia is going to Helsinki in Finland to explore the city and learn about the local cultures and traditions. Lydia will also be meeting local guides and working with Park Rangers on an environmental project at Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, just outside of Helsinki. East Ribble District Charity Stewards donated £50 to help Lydia on her way.