{"id":24,"date":"2017-05-06T16:47:48","date_gmt":"2017-05-06T15:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/217.199.187.198\/loggerheadsbefrienders.org.uk\/?page_id=24"},"modified":"2026-01-13T17:12:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T17:12:49","slug":"24-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.loggerheadsbefrienders.org.uk\/?page_id=24","title":{"rendered":"Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Christmas 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were entertained by the Hugo Meynell school who provided a lovely Christmas lunch and a concert by the children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We had a lovely Garden Party at Jan and John Knights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On August 25th Rebecca entertained us with her beautiful singing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BEFRIENDERS NEWS MAY\/JUNE 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In early May the whole country was celebrating the 80th<\/sup> anniversary of VE day and the Befrienders were no exception. Our Silver Diners was held at The Cock Inn in Woodseaves and, never wishing to miss a chance to dress up, we went suitably attired in a combination of red, white, and blue. We looked very patriotic as everyone was welcomed warmly by the staff and enjoyed a variety of different dishes, as well as good company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The week after we were honoured when Susannah (who has lived in Loggerheads all her life), arrived at our coffee morning, to share some of her father\u2019s wartime letters written to his mother.  These were very poignant and thought provoking especially when deaths of fellow soldiers and friends were mentioned. Two of her Father\u2019s beautifully kept uniforms were on display for us to view. Susannah had appeared on TV during the national celebrations with a particular letter written on 5th<\/sup> May 1945. A recording of her reading together with the actual letter is on display at The National Arboretum in Alrewas. Befrienders were able to talk about some of the wartime experiences of their parents, plus what they remembered about VE day celebrations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A very interesting talk from Andy Wilson, a volunteer with Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes, kept us all enthralled. We heard how there are 52 bikes groups in the UK. This group started in 2014 and was awarded the Queen\u2019s award for voluntary services in 2018. The bikes transport blood, samples, bone marrow, breast milk for premature babies and medical equipment between hospitals. Blood cannot be frozen, and breast milk can\u2019t be allowed to defrost so needs to be moved quickly. These unsung heroes operate 24 hours a day, and the volunteers take various roles i.e. riders, fund raisers, speaker team. The bikes are named after the organisation who donate them. In 2024 the bikes travelled 378,000 miles and carried out just short of 7,000 jobs with 80% carrying blood samples. They need \u00a3120,000 a year to keep this group running and donations are used for new bikes, \u00a324,000 for insurance, \u00a315,000 for tyres and \u00a320,000 for maintenance. The motto is highly appropriate \u2013 \u201cWe may have the ride of your life.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a glorious sunny day towards the end of June we gathered at The Peel Arms in Ashley to enjoy an afternoon tea. Everyone was keen to finish their food and go outside to meet 2 special and well-behaved visitor\u2019s who had arrived, Teddy and Carlos the Alpaca\u2019s from Knjghtley Alpaca Trekking. We were able to get up close and stroke them and if you were lucky you got a kiss. There was also a small stall of hand-made goods, made over the last few months by our lovely Monique, and Befrienders were quickly buying gifts for birthdays, themselves and even early Christmas presents. All in all, a good time was had by everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as the usual coffee mornings, on the first, third and fourth Fridays every month, held at Ashley Methodist Church between 10am and 12 noon, we hold a games afternoon every second Wednesday at the Fire station in Loggerheads, between 2pm and 4pm. Once a month we go out for lunch. We also run a walking group on a Thursday afternoon, starting out at 130pm with 3 levels of walks to suit most abilities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is always plenty going on when you join the Befrienders and something for everyone so come along and see what we can offer.  If you want to know more please call 07523 512934 or email:loggerheadsbefrienders@gmail.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top of the mornin’ to ya on St. Patrick’s day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Walking Group<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of our walking group walked near Silverdale on 3rd October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Were they looking for a new pond for Karen and Co. to go Wild Water swimming?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Trip to National Memorium Arboretum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Friday 6th of June we boarded the coach which was to transport us to the National Memorium Arboretum near Alrewas. The weather was perfect as was the day, which was organised by Sheilah and Steve<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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July 5th saw us take to the “High Seas”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Entertainment in late June was provided by Lizzie a wonderful belly dancer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On Saturday there was a remembrance of the 80th Anniversary of D Day. Monique who lived under Nazi occupation presented a talk on what it was like living in France in those dark days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n