FLYING START

Branch has got off to a flying start for 2026 with £579 raised in just three weeks.

Boxes collections sorted by Bella Platt and Roger Watts made £174 followed by a stall near Waitrose in Woolgate, Witney on Jan 24 which raised £405.

Chair Dave Thompson said: "Witney was a chilly day so thanks to John Makeham, Roger Battley and Dave North for hanging on in there, especially John who was battling a cold at the time."

The various knitwear pieces caught the eye once more so thanks also to Helen Benton who continues to support the cause.

Dave said: "A rather cute elephant item captured the imagination of one particular elderly lady who donated and then went off singing at the top of her voice: "Nellie the Elephant packed her trunk and said goodbye to the circus. !"