Kaleb for CATS

On 3 December Sibford village hall saw the fourth year of talks for charity with a lovely party atmosphere to go with it. This year was marvelous. Kaleb Cooper was our star, funny, kind, wise, naughty and interesting. Mark Pougatch was masterful at keeping the conversation on track. The donations of delicious food were beyond generous and helped feed the Lunch Club the next day. Feedback has been that a really good time was had by all.

As a community we have been astonishingly successful at raising funds during the week of The Big Give when we have doubled every donation and every pound has gone to children who need our help.

Christopher Stockwell, Julie and Sue have tactically managed the huge sum of £21,000 raised by the community with added donations from generous friends. Thanks to doubling by The Big Give and fulfilling the requirements of Spacehive we have transformed £21,000 into £90,000. This huge amount will go directly to the schools which Cotswold Arts Through Schools, CATS, is supporting. The government only pays one pound per student per annum towards arts education. Art in all its forms has healing power, helps communication, mental health and thus the community itself.  Our children need a break. We believe that the Sibfords’ efforts have given them one.

Sue, Christopher and I cannot thank you enough for your support. We shall keep you posted as things progress and let you know where you can help and participate. We can begin with the sculpture show in Kingham this coming May when the children will be exhibiting their work alongside professional artists.

Our very best wishes to you all for Christmas and for 2025,
Sue and Julie