Ashley WI hear air ambulance charity need support to get new service 'off the ground'
It was a pleasure to welcome Phil Copeland from Stoke Air Ambulance to our meeting in February. Phil talked passionately about Air Ambulances across the country, of which there are currently 21 charities. He explained that the ones currently covering our area fly hundreds of missions every month and cover a wide geographical area. So Stoke Air Ambulance fundraising was started to support our area and will take some of the pressure off our neighbours.
The charity was launched two years ago and are already working with a local company to buy a helicopter, have it painted Wedgewood blue and it will be called Jasper - after the Jasperware produced by Wedgewood. It will be specifically designed to allow an extra person in the aircraft should a relative or loved one need to travel with a child or vulnerable person. They are just about to open a hub in The Potteries shopping centre where they will continue fundraising and be able to offer other services like will writing. The Stoke Air Ambulance Charity need local support to get the service 'off the ground' and maintain high standards.
Following Phil's talk and once all our questions had been answered, we all had a cup of tea, a really good chat and catch up with our WI friends.
The next meeting is on 11 March when we will celebrate our 104th birthday and have a bulb/plant show, followed by a small buffet.
Ashley WI offers friendship and a warm welcome to all women. We meet every second Tuesday of the month at Ashley Methodist Church, Wesleyan Road, Ashley TF9 4JT at 7.30pm. Come along and see what we are all about - no obligation to join. We look forward to seeing you. For further details please phone Hillary on 07985 510844.
