MEMBERS were given a presentation by Helen Talbot, a volunteer and ambassador for Naomi House and Jacksplace at Sutton Scotney.

Helen informed members that Naomi House was built in 1997 for babies and young children and five years ago was followed by Jacksplace for ages up to 25. Both offer respite, emergency and end of life care to life limited children.

There is now a need to update and improve the facilities to keep pace with medical technology.

A campaign has been launched under the name of the Caterpillar Appeal to raise the vital funds needed.

About ten per cent of funding comes from the government annually, but it takes around seven million pounds to run the service.

Helen showed slides of the properties as well as some of the fundraising activities which have been taking place. She has personally raised nearly £8,000 and has been to the Himalayas twice. Helen was thanked and joined members for tea and cakes.

Details were given out concerning the proposed Christmas lunch and members were given a taster of the programme for 2015.

Next month's topic is Wildlife in Europe and takes place at the Memorial Centre at 2pm on Wednesday, November 19.

Visitors are always welcome.