THE Alresford and District Branch of Save the Children held its AGM last week and was told of another successful year raising £5,600.

The Bingo Evening brought in £778, the annual coffee morning at Cheriton £380 and the street collection £417.

Sales of Christmas cards, diaries, and other cards locally had raised £716 and cards sales at the Winchester Combined Charities Christmas card sales reached £1,400.

Sadly the takings from the Spring Sale had been the lowest ever and it had been decided to discontinue the Sales after a final Autumn Sale in 2016. A proposed Whist Drive had been cancelled through lack of support.

The highlight of the year was the 45th Birthday celebration when past and present supporters enjoyed a buffet lunch in the Chairman’s garden in July. Plans for 2017 include a Bridge Afternoon in April and Bingo Evening in the Autumn. Helping on the door at the Model Train Fair in June and collecting fees at the Winchester Car Boot Sale in April would also boost funds.

The Chairman thanked all the Committee for their hard work during the year and paid tribute to two members, Bob Wheeler and Jean Clark, who had resigned.

The remaining committee members were re-elected as were the officers – Chairman Rob Attenborough, Vice Chairman Helen Andrews, Treasurer Bryce Mansfield, Secretary Gill Wood and Trading Secretary Jill Dickens.