LENNY STEPS UP

"Lenny Lifeboats", RNLI Faringdon's special hand-knitted cheerleader, proved a welcome boost at Shrivenham Fete on Saturday raising £20 in a raffle to boost takings for the day to £160.

Chair Dave Thompson says: "There was heavy rain about which affected attendance but Lenny drew much admiration -- and has gone to a good home !"

Boosted by an extra £174 from collection boxes run by fellow volunteer Bella Platt a total of £334 was added to branch funds and with Dave's walk round Church Green in Witney three weeks earlier closing at around £800, August proved a super month.

Says Dave: "At around £5.2K we're comfortably on pace for our 2024 target of £7K and I'm confident we'll make it. Thanks to Bella and Dave North for help at Shrivenham plus Roger Watts whose gazebo was just the job, keeping volunteers - and Lenny - dry."

Next up is outside Waitrose in Woolgate, Witney on Saturday, October 12 followed on Tuesday, October 15 by a stall in Abingdon at Trinity Church Hall where there will be a talk by a long standing governor of the RNLI to National Trust members. Gareth Morris will be speaking on the RNLI's history in this its 200th year. (2.30 pm)