We have stuff. Lots of stuff. Too much stuff.
Had we got around to marrying earlier, then we’d have been grateful for the usual array of housewares which guests traditionally bring along to weddings. But we didn’t.
So absolutely no gifts please. If you feel you’d like to make some kind of gesture nonetheless, then here are some charities we support – please make your gift to one of them, though really nothing is necessary. After all, we are just inviting our family and friends to join us for walk and a cup of tea on a summer afternoon!
- Amigos – Amigos works in rural northern Uganda to empower people to bring about sustainable and lasting change through education, vocational training conservation farming and access to clean water. Fiona has been involved with this charity over many years and went to Uganda with Phil, its founder, back in 2015, to see for herself the effects of some of their work, including the commissioning of two bore holes.
- Population Matters – Working for a future with decent living standards for all, a healthy and biodiverse environment and a stable and sustainable population size. “All our environmental problems become easier to solve with fewer people, and harder- and ultimately impossible- to solve with ever more people.” – Population Matters Patron Sir David Attenborough.
- The Big Issue – No doubt familiar to all from its roots as a magazine offering employment opportunities for people in poverty (and if you have never bought a copy, it’s a surprisingly good read and was the inspiration for Fiona’s favourite breakfast). Now a large social investment business. If you don’t fancy their charity sleep out under the arches at Vauxhall, you are welcome to stay with us at the Hott in winter. Our guest room is safer but not necessarily warmer!
- Centrepoint – Supporting homeless young people in the UK as well as those at risk for nearly 50 years. A greater need than ever, visible whether you are in the north or south of the country.
- Royal British Legion – Christopher has spent the past five years publishing his grandfather’s WW1 diaries, transcribed from the original shorthand by Denis, Christopher’s uncle, who is regrettably unable to join us on the day. Christopher has spent a lot of time learning about the First World War and its legacy. The Royal British Legion does important work supporting ex-servicemen and women and we are also enthusiastic supporters.
If the above are not your cup of tea, we also support Princess Alice Hospice, who helped to care for Fiona’s father, the Alzheimer’s Society as Fiona’s mother now has to live in care due to this disease and, if you’re an animal lover, we have a surfeit of cuddly toys relating to sponsored animals from WWF as part of our “stuff”!