Former Axminster Mayor's Bequest to Fund Dyslexia Support
ACS have been chosen by the late Douglas Hull to receive a large bequest from which to support Dyslexia needs in our local schools. ACS looks forward to projects related to Dyslexia in the area and would ask that any schools that have not become involved yet to apply for funds if required.
Action East Devon Donation
ACS are pleased to support Action East Devon by donating £5000 toward the costs in supporting those vulnerable young people within our community. The Axminister Headlight sessions held at Pippins Community Centre support those young people seeking support with mental health concerns. We hope that this contribution will enable these valuable sessions to continue.
Flamingo Pool Space Splasher
ACS are happy to support the Flamingo Pool with a contribution of £2000 toward their new inflatable Space Splasher, encouraging children to exercise and have fun with a splash! Available during the school holidays, the inflatables will be a great wet weather activity to keep the young ones happy.
Ed & Noah Go Sailing
ACS was please to contribute to sponsoring Ed Stubbs and Noah Kenny for the FEVA World Championship sailing event in Italy, and who came in 49th position out of 211 boats. Well done boys!
Our Very Own Defibrillator
ACS are proud to fund the addition of a further Defibrillator for the town, and located outside of our very own charity shop in South Street.
Independence for Idris
ACS was pleased to support the fundraising efforts of the family of Idris to help fund equipment to benefit Idris from extra therapy and specialised equipment to aid his treatments for his Cerebral Palsy.
Ax Skatepark young representatives
ACS was pleased to provide sponsorship for the Axminster Skatepark Young Representatives, encouraging good manners and responsibility at the skatepark.
Donation to ARC May 2023
ACS have been instrumental in funding ARC bereavement and counselling service since it was founded in 2007 by clinical lead psychotherapist Catherine Davies and GP Dr Barry McKenna, ensuring they have been able to continue with offering the specialist mental health and trauma care to all their referred patients at Axminster Medical Practice.
The donation of £3900 will fund the reinstatement of their clinical placements following the disruption of the pandemic, which will increase the number of counselling hours by 700 hours.
Dementia Awareness Course March 2023
A number of ACS Volunteers attended the Dementia Awareness Course held at the Waffle House. The course was provided by Siobhan Pickering of Dementia Friendly Axminster and which our Volunteers found very interesting and informative, assisting them in their volunteering roles when dealing with the public both in person and over the phone.
Axminster Community Shed February 2023
Our Trustees were delighted to present Axminster Community Shed with a cheque for £500, which will go toward their transition to portable tools enabling those with physical difficulties to engage with projects more easily.
Axminster Skatepark January 2023
ACS donated £500 to Axminster Skatepark, which went toward improving the drainage at Willhay Lane recently, not just for the skatepark users but also for the Axminster community who regularly use the lane for access to the town which has been an ongoing issue for many years.
Christmas Tree Festival December 2022
With thanks to our Telephone Volunteer, Louise, for decorating our Christmas Tree Festival entry. Taking pride of place next to the pulpit for the duration, it was much admired.
Telephone Ladies Coffee & Catch Up 22nd November 2022
ACS Telephone Ladies enjoyed a catch up over coffee this month at the George Hotel. An opportunity for sharing ideas, experiences, and good company!
Dalwood Fair AGM Sunday 30th October 2022
Our Vice Chairman, Mervyn Symes, gratefully received a cheque on behalf of ACS from the Dalwood Fair Committee for £462, and gave an update on ACS activities to the gathering. The AGM was preceded by a thank you supper for the Volunteers of the 2022 fair, the proceeds of which were distributed to local charities.
ACS Welcome a New Trustee
ACS are pleased to welcome Mrs Thelma Collier to the team! Thelma, who was born and bred in East Devon, has lived in Axminster for over 46 years. As a town Councilor for over 19 years, Thelma served as Town Mayor from 2005 to 2007. With this and also having retired as a Compliance Manager with a local law firm, Thelma brings with her an accumulation of knowledge of both the town and its people, and we look forward to working with her.
Behind the Scenes the Work Continues
Our Driver Coordinator and Trustee, Malcolm Laws, attended the recent VCSE meeting organised by the Waffle House and held at the Guildhall. A good opportunity for our charity to network with other local community and volunteer groups, informing each other of what we all do and how we can work together and support each other in reaching out the the wider community.
ACS AGM 15th September 2022
All Volunteers were welcomed to our AGM on Thursday 15th September, which was held in the Bradshaw Room of the Heritage Centre. This was followed by a lovely afternoon tea and time for a catch up. Our Volunteers were the first to receive a copy of the newly revised edition of the ACS Booklet 2022, hot off the press! Copies are avaiable for collection from our charity shop in South Street.
ACS Booklet 2022
July 2022 - Addition to the Team
ACS Trustees are pleased to announce an addition to the team. Mrs Amanda Wlaker has been appointed Shop Manager to our charity shop in South Street. Amanda brings with her over ten years of charity retail experience, as well as an abundance of enthusiasm!
June 2022 - Platinum Jubilee Week
We received a visit from Axminster Town Cryer and a very 'special guest' during the Platinum Jubilee week town celebrations!
Open Day for the ACS Charity Shop
April 2022
Following the refurbishment of the shop interior we were pleased to receive visitors for our Open Day, with our Town Mayor Jill Farrow leading the way.