As is customary, Cherry Lodge Cancer Care’s AGM was followed by a talk on a topic linked to the charity’s work to provide information and support to people affected by cancer, including family and friends.
This year we are celebrating two anniversaries: the 20th anniversary of Cherry Lodge (known as Barnet Cancer Care until 2000) and the 10th anniversary of our being supported by Summer Soulstice. Over the last 10 years, Summer Soulstice have given Cherry Lodge more than £175,000, making them by far our biggest third-party supporter.
The talk, entitled ‘10 Years of Summer Soulstice Supporting Cherry Lodge’ was held in the newly refurbished Andy Weekes room and was to have been given jointly by Richard Weekes and David James. Unfortunately, on the night, Richard had a cold and was only able to give David moral support. However, David coped very well, beginning by reminding us that Barnet’s annual soul festival was started 10 years ago by a group of Queen Elizabeth School Old Boys in memory of one of their schoolmates, Andy Weekes (Richard’s brother). Since then, the festival has become well known far beyond Barnet, even outside the UK. This year’s festival is only six weeks away, with 3,500 tickets already sold. A great show is promised – with an improved stage, new marquees, 30 DJs (who all give their time) and fireworks.
When Summer Soulstice first began, the aim of the crew was simply to remember Andy, to give Barnet people a good day out and to support a local charity. This summer, after the main festival, the crew are hoping also to put on an event for local people, at which the relationship between Summer Soulstice and Cherry Lodge might be celebrated in some way. (Watch the Summer Soulstice website for more information about this and all other Soulstice events.)
David ended by saying thank you for the great relationship that Summer Soulstice and Cherry Lodge have had over the last 10 years, making special mention of CL’s former fundraiser, Theresa Bowman, who was a major driving force in the early days and who will be attending this year’s festival as a special guest. He also drew attention to the value of having CL volunteers in evidence on the day, especially those who man the car park, raising immediate funds for CL and reminding festival goers that there is a serious purpose to the day along with the fun.
Chairman Margaret Clark thanked David and Richard and invited Soulstice Outreach Nurse Kirsty Mabb (whose salary is covered by money from Summer Soulstice) to give them their medicine – a bottle of wine each.
The talk was followed by refreshments and an opportunity to socialise.
Click on the small images below to see larger, complete photographs.
