December 2022 - Dec 11, 2022
Approaching the festive season and for gamekeepers/stalkers and ghillies and their families – mostly the busiest season, is hectic and can be very stressful. For those who are affected by the bird flu epidemic and wandering birds, for those battling with an impending grouse licensing, for those directly affected by re-wilding or suffering abuse from extremists, we are sorry and are with you.
There are many positives too, distributing game to the hungry and needy, and educating the young to the joys of nature, game, and wildlife not to mention the camaraderie of shoot days. Our rural communities stand together against all these challenges and look after each other whatever comes down the track and for those in the North that is the winter weather just now.
The get together we recently held at Hawes for the Dales Dinner was one example and we will be holding other events in February and March. Just celebrating and enjoying each others company is good for us (if not our waistlines!). It was a joy to see so many and we thank our Honorary President Sir John Scott for an entertaining evening.
I make no apology for repeating our message – the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust is here for you and your families and there is much we can offer from heating grants to keep warm, to food hampers for those struggling, a listening ear, information and most recently the Nurse Advice Clinic.
A few examples of where this could be helpful:
If you have had an injury and not sure whether you should try A & E or the doctors but don’t want to bother them – give the Nurse Advice Clinic a call.
If your child has a temperature and you are not sure if it is scarlet fever or another issue – give the Nurse Advice Clinic a call.
If you are suffering from a long term illness and just need reassurance – give the Nurse Advice Clinic a call.
There are many instances when something happens and you can’t get through to a doctor, there is a long waiting list for 111 or you are not sure whether you should go to A & E – give the Nurse Advice Clinic a call.
Any health issue, clinics are open Mondays and Wednesdays. Confidential and run by professional nurses.
We are indebted to many individuals and groups throughout the year and will focus on this in another post but I must mention our latest generous donor in the wonderful Clover and Jimmy Shuttlewood who devised and runs Shuttle Socks. Our socks will be on the website to purchase and the whole of the cost has been donated which is incredible. Thank you so much.
Finally have a good Christmas everyone and remember to look after yourselves and your families.
Helen