Pantomime funds raised by Ashwren Players shared between Star Throwers and East Coast Truckers

Star Throwers was one of two charities who recently benefited from the pantomime fun and frolics of local amateur dramatic group the Ashwren Players.

Ashwren, formed from residents of Ashwellthorpe, Wreningham and Mulbarton, performed their annual pantomime in February.

This year’s show was Treasure Island, written and directed by local businessman and South Norfolk councillor Bob McClenning.

Takings raised from raffles held at each performance raised £250, which was matched by takings from ticket sales. The total funds raised were split between East Coast Truckers and Star Throwers.

At a recent party held by the Ashwren Players a cheque was presented to both charities. Anthony Perry, Star Throwers representative, explained on the evening how the charity, based in Wymondham, provides counselling, emotional support, therapies and advice to support for cancer battlers.

Star Throwers would like to say a big thank you to Val Keel, chairman of Ashwren Players, together with the cast and crew of Treasure Island for their wonderful fundraising effort and well done for putting on a very entertaining show.

Les King's charity cricket match for Star Throwers

Thank you to Les King, Mark Wilkinson and everyone involved in the recent charity cricket match at Hardingham cricket ground, which raised a total of £615.

The cricket match was originally planned to go ahead last year but the weather unfortunately forced the match to be rescheduled. Although the weather was unkind the days leading up to the April 15th event, fortunately it was very pleasant on the actual day and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Les King, pictured above with Wendy Winterbottom from Star Throwers and Mark Wilkinson who sponsored the match, said: "Star Throwers is a good local charity, one close to my heart. I'm very pleased to have helped to raise that amount."

Our thanks again to Les, Mark, and all who made the day a fantastic success!

5 Ways to Well Being - Volunteer Champions

Star Throwers recently hosted the first part of a two-part educational course which introduced results from a government commissioned research project into the principles of improving one's wellbeing, as well as others that you may support. 

The course, which is being provided by Norfolk County Council Adult Education Services, is aimed at people who support others in a voluntary capacity, whether that be through an organisation or in their personal lives as a carer for a loved one. Jane Crockett, a regular visitor to Star Throwers, attended the course last Saturday and has kindly written her thoughts of her experience:

On Saturday 28 April I attended the first session of a two part course at Star Throwers, entitled 'Five Ways to Well Being'. The group was a lively mix of volunteers, patients, their partners, and staff and the course was aimed at people who support others in a voluntary capacity.

Rosa, the tutor, talked us through the Five Ways to Wellbeing - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give which are all designed to help us lead a positive and healthy life, both mentally and physically, whatever our circumstances. The discussions were thought-provoking and we left feeling determined to spread the word and to build some, if not all, of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing into our own lives!

I met several new people and learnt quite a lot about them in a very short space of time. There was a very positive and friendly atmosphere and the morning passed all too quickly. I am looking forward to part two on Saturday 5 May.

If you would like to attend the second part of this fascinating course (there will be a summary of the first session at the beginning), please contact Star Throwers on info@starthrowers.org.uk.

Postmen’s Epic Journey Completed

On Wednesday 25th April four work colleagues from Post Office Limited at Wymondham completed their eleven day cycle ride from John’O Groats to Lands End. 

Paul Wightman, Dean Whitnall, David Crisp and Trevor Manser (pictured) pedalled the entire journey, a distance of over 900 miles and which spans the length of Great Britain.

The team from Wymondham are all keen cyclists and after deciding they would like to take part in the endurance challenge thought it would be an added incentive to attract sponsors and collect for a local charity.

‘We chose Star Throwers cancer support as it is a local charity and does great work for local cancer sufferers and their families,’ said Paul.

The lads, who have been in serious training since January, set off on Sunday 15th April from John’O Groats in Scotland and pedalled south through snow, high winds and lashing rain to reach Land’s End eleven days later on Wednesday 25th April.

‘The weather could have been kinder! But we made it, and would like to thank everyone for all their support,” said Paul.

The teams support van was driven by Andrew Howard, who also kept the cyclists supplied with snacks, drinks and dry clothes along the way.

Upon arriving home, the team were very pleased to find that they reached their target of raising £2700 for Star Throwers. Steven Ho from Star Throwers said, “It is awe-inspiring what they have done for Star Throwers, what an incredible achievement. We are so proud of the team and grateful that they chose to support Star Throwers and the work we do.”

Star Throwers would like to express special thanks to everyone who has supported the team, Barford Van Hire for helping out with the support vehicle and Sainsbury’s at Longwater who provided energy drinks and snacks and for all the donations to our charity.

To see details and pictures of this amazing cycle ride visit www.polscnrjogleblog2012.co.uk If you would like to find out more about Star Throwers you can call a member of the team on 01953 423304 or email info@starthrowers.org.uk.

A nice surprise from Sainsburys Longwater

We had a lovely surprise this week when Sainsbury's Longwater brought in buckets of flowers for patients and Star Throwers staff.

Sainsburys Longwater have nominated Star Throwers as their charity of the year and Anthony Perry from Sainsbury's, said: "The flowers had a short shelf life and rather than throw them alway or sell them off at a cheaper price we decided to donate them to a worthy cause".

Thank you to Sainsburys Longwater for their generous gesture!

Our photograph shows Anthony Perry from Sainsbury's, and Star Throwers Maureen, Carolyn, and Jo holding the flowers.

Green Dragon Green Fingers!

Fundraisers and volunteers from a Norfolk pub did the dirty work to help a charity that provides vital support for people affected by cancer.

Justin Harvey and David Bear, publicans at the Green Dragon in Wymondham, were joined by their pub customers and friends to form an 18-strong team which helped to cut back the overgrown garden at the Star Throwers charity in Melton Road, Wymondham, before planting shrubs and flowers, including honeysuckle, conifers and fruit trees.

The landlords have been raising money for Star Throwers as their chosen charity and held a charity day in July that raised £2100, which was split, with £1300 going to Star Throwers and the other £800 being donated to Spooner Row Primary School for the school's Streetchild appeal to help children in Sierra Leone.

Mr Harvey said: "We wanted to help Star Throwers because it is a very good local charity and everybody in Wymondham has been affected by cancer in some way."

Above: Justin Harvey, front left, who has presented Star Throwers at Wymondham with £1,300 from the Green Dragon's Charity Day. He is pictured with Star Throwers supporters who have been planting and tidying up the garden. From left, front row, Kate Baker, Tina Martins, Billy Grant, Dr Henry Mannings, Ben Mannings, 14 and Rachel Moran. Back, Tom Grant, Tim Martins and David Lee. PHOTO: DENISE BRADLEY

Thank you to you all for your wonderful support. We really enjoyed the day.

From John O'Groats to Land's End

On Sunday 15th April 2012 4 cyclists from Wymondham Post Office Limited will be setting off from John O'Groats to cycle all the way to Land's End.

Paul Wightman, Dean Whitnall, David Crisp and Trevor Manser will be pedalling all the way with Andy Howard driving the support van.

The team, all keen cyclists, have been training hard since January and hope by April they will be able to average 90 miles for 11 consecutive days to complete the gruelling challenge.

They decided it would be a good way to raise money for charity and we're grateful that they have chosen Star Throwers as their charity.

Details of the ride can be found on www.polscnrjogleblog2012.co.uk

with daily bulletins posted during the ride.

Donations can be made through Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/polscjogle2012

or directly to Star Throwers at 30 Melton Road Wymondham NR18 0DB.

The boys are so close to reaching their target of £2000, just need a little more help!

From everyone at Star Throwers, all the very best of luck and a good ride boys!