Almost 50 people attended a lunch hosted by Carole and Michael Blackwell on 14 September at the conclusion of the annual fundraising drive to benefit the work of the Vidiyal Trust in Madurai, Southern India.

Pooling the donations (including many from those who couldn't attend the lunch) raised just over £4 000. This will be enough to keep the ‘Cringle Ford’ drop-in centre for indigent elderly women open for another full year. The centre provides ladies with a daily meal, periodic nurse visits, and a chance to sit comfortably and talk. There was also over £1 000 left over to help the Trust's work with children with cancer and their families. The Trust provides transport for the children to the hospital, provides them with some medication and nutritional supplements, and generally supports their families.

Pat Atkinson, a Trustee, told those at the lunch that the money contributed so far has already saved many lives.