"Innovative and creative" supporter rewarded

Liz Forbes has had a sixty-year journey full of variety as a supporter of The Children's Society (TCS). The presentation at Holy Trinity, Bradford on Avon was made in front of the congregation and Mrs Forbes’ family by Jim Davis MBE, Head of Youth Engagement for The Children’s Society.

Mrs Forbes told those gathered that her father was a local vicar and there were 2 'emergency' TCS children's homes within his Parish. As a child she would volunteer regularly and would help bath the babies.

Gill Ford, Regional Relationship Manager, who also attended the event said:
“I am delighted that Liz has been given this award. She is very special. Liz's commitment and ongoing loyalty is an inspiration.

“Liz is energetic, enthusiastic and is always interested and supportive of the work of The Children’s Society. She is motivated by her compassion for children in difficulty and keeps herself informed and will travel long distances to attend supporter events which she thoroughly enjoys. Her latest outing was to represent the committee at Salisbury Cathedral Christingle service.

Mrs Forbes is Chair of the Bradford-on-Avon fundraising committee, and has been a member of the committee for over 25 years. During this time, the committee have raised over £53,000 and a further £50,000 from the 2 churches in the town.

Gill Ford said:
“The committee are a wonderful team and their loyal support is celebrated too. Liz, along with the committee, organises many events, which includes Christingle every year. She has been involved in Christingle since the early 70's and remembers the first Christingle and when it all started. She also remembers her vicar father doing the first one in his church in the early 70's. She has carried on the tradition and organised one every year since.

“Liz is innovative and creative in her approach. One year I made a mock orange out of papier-mâché and the children came up and stuck things on it. Another time we made paper chains that went all around the school.”