Stephanie Lyth Lawley and friends put the FUN in FUN-draising
A SEED OF AN IDEA
When our younger son Joe died 4 years ago, I happened to be the chairman of a local society of 300 members. Each year we had had a fund-raising event for a specific charity. In the summer of 2003, this society kindly agreed to have an event that I would organize to raise funds for a charity of my choice. So I set about looking for one that supported the young in crisis as obviously every bereaved parent feels the same—if just one tragedy can be averted, it is worth any amount of effort
After Joe’s death, my husband and I were asked to contribute to an article in the Daily Telegraph. Anne Parry had read it and had kindly been in touch. I was not in a fit state to take in what PAPYRUS was about at that stage, but while looking for a charity to be the beneficiary of the fund-raiser, my husband suggested it and as soon as I read the
literature I knew it was exactly what I wanted to support. At the same time it occurred to me that this was a very small organization trying to do a very large job - doing magnificently - but would having local support groups help? These could be run in much the same way as Macmillan or Cheshire Homes-both with very active committees in this part of the world. In this way the word could be spread and funds raised. Perhaps it could even end up with a network across the country in the same way as W.I. or NADFAS, the particular organization with which I was involved.
So after a few letters and phone calls mainly confirming that our group would be in no way interfering with policy, Anne and I ironed out the wrinkles and Papyrus-in-the-Marches was formed as, hopefully, a pilot scheme which is dedicated to raising awareness of and funds for PAPYRUS itself. We are an autonomous society (with 52 members to date) and we charge £12.50 annual membership,£10 of which is for membership of PAPYRUS and £2.50 for our local society which covers our costs and gives us a small reserve in the bank in case (heaven forbid) a fund-raiser fails.
The first event we held last November was the Noel Coward show, “Pass the Port”. Dress code was suitable for a P&O cruise in 1930. We didn’t have any striped blazers or deck-quoits outfits - everyone came wonderfully attired for a glamorous evening, most men in black-tie,( one or two in white) and the ladies in slinky gowns, feather-boas and long
gloves….the works! We provided wine and canapés, had a wonderful evening and were able to send a cheque for £1,044 to PAPYRUS. Susan Flannery and Michael Lunts who performed the show are experienced professionals and were so hugely appreciated by our audience that we booked them then and there for another show. This one is a compilation of sketches, songs and poetry entitled “More Tea,Vicar?” and in their words is a “frolic through Betjeman’s England with the songs and satire of Noel Coward, Joyce Grenfell and Ivor Novello” to name but a few. This is to be held on the afternoon of Nov.7th this year, and this time there will be a glass of sherry to sip in the interval and a traditional afternoon tea to follow the show. As we are still mainly in the interwar years, I expect a few hats, “afternoon” dresses and little white gloves to come to the fore. How will the committee look, do you think?
But back to the start of PiMs. On the evening of “Pass the Port”, I had of course told the audience briefly about PAPYRUS as that was the charity they were supporting. After the show I put it to them that a group of us were hoping to start a local support group that would be for fund-raising with the emphasis on fun. I proposed that we should hold a coffee morning in February to see how much enthusiasm there would be for the idea. It was quite nerve-wracking on the morning to arrive at the village hall and wonder if anyone would come. In the event, over 70 people came - we even had an impromptu bring and buy stall as that is what several people had thought it was! It was with absolute
delight that the newly formed committee were able to enroll 33 members, and so Papyrus-in-the-Marches was officially formed. Everyone listened to a brief summary of the work and aims of PAPYRUS which my husband, as a new trustee, was able to explain. They took away our
Would someone reading this like to start another society? All you need is a small dedicated committee- there are 7 of us- one or two suitable local venues and an idea of how many people you could ask to become members and what sort of events they would like. The range is huge- lectures, visits, shows concerts, coffee-mornings, fashion-shows, art exhibitions to name but a few. The rewards are marvellous, so many people enjoying themselves, the feeling that you are doing something positive and making a real contribution however small in the field of suicide prevention.
