Final Donations
The trustees of Focus in on Life have made the final donations, and were very pleased to be able to support the following organisations:- British Heart Foundation, Trussell Trust, Tongham Church Eco Project, Salisbury Food Bank and Furzey Gardens. We were very pleased to also support Butterfly Conservation, Tongham Church and Bluesky Retreat by donating greetings cards to enable them to raise further funds.
Focus in On Life
Wednesday, June 22nd will be the final day for Focus in on Life. We have been in existence now for ten years, we have given away just under ninety grants and supported many projects. We have worked with many schools in Wiltshire and beyond, local artists, the RSPB, Butterfly Conservation, Andover Trees United, Sparsholt College and elderly friendship groups. We have met many wonderful people and received a huge amount of support and we are very grateful for everyone's kindness. Thank you.
School Visits
During February and March of this year, fifteen schools have received butterfly kits, so this summer the pupils will be able to witness the caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies and fly away into their school grounds. Some of these schools will receive a visit from a member of Butterfly Conservation who will talk to the pupils about moths and butterflies and the importance of habitat. Eleven schools have each received a collection of eleven bird and bat boxes to place in their school grounds. Three of the schools who received bird and bat boxes last autumn will receive a visit from a representative of R.S.P.B. who will talk to the pupils about the birds they see in and around their school and homes, and advise on the siting of the boxes.
In memory of Doreen Rolling
Focus in on Life were very grateful to receive a donation in memory of our dear trustee and grandmother to George, Doreen Rolling, who passed away in July. Doreen's family are still reeling from their sudden and very sad loss, and she is great missed by her fellow trustees and friends.
Annual General Meeting
September 17th 2021.
Notice is hereby given that a virtual Annual General Meeting of the charity Focus in on Life will take place on Wednesday, September 29th 2021 at 6.15 pm. Should you wish to participate please contact Jane Emden who will provide you with the logging in details - candjemden@hotmail.co.uk.
Doreen Margaret Rolling
It with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doreen Margaret Rolling on July 10th. As George's grandmother, Doreen was a trustee and active member of Focus in on Life, helping to organise card sales and run fund raising events. It is only two months ago that Doreen was working with friends running a fund-raising event for Focus in on Life, where she lived at The Chapters in Salisbury.
The photograph shows George working with Doreen in her garden.
Fund-raising event at The Chapters
On the morning of May 20th, a fund-raising event was held at The Chapters, Platinum Skies, in Salisbury. The morning was a great success, many wonderful prizes were donated for the raffle, plenty of George's cards were sold, and an amazing £290.45 was raised.
The trustees of Focus in on Life are very grateful for the hard work, kindness, generosity and support that went into making this event such a great success.
Annual General Meeting
Written in March 2021.
Notice is hereby given that a virtual Annual General Meeting of the charity Focus in on Life will take place on Saturday April 10th 2021 at 11 am. Should you wish to participate please contact Jane Emden who will provide you with the logging in details - candjemden@hotmail.co.uk.
Christmas cards donated to Trussell Trust in Salisbury.
In November 2020 we were very pleased to be able to donate to Trussell Trust 350 Christmas cards which will be made freely available through the food bank.
A friendship group based in Woking.
Written in Jan 2020. Posted in Events
CAMEO is an acronym for ‘Come And Meet Each Other’, a friendship group which is based in St Mary of Bethany Church in Woking. The group provides the opportunity for elderly people in Woking to meet up once a fortnight and spend time together, share a meal, listen to a guest speaker or maybe have a day out together. Focus in on Life was very pleased to be able to fund a boat trip along the River Thames from Runnymede to Windsor. The day trip included lunch on the boat.
Wylye Valley School, Codford
Written in Jan 2020. Posted in Events
Wylye Valley School was one of nine schools which took part in the butterfly project in 2019, the staff and children thoroughly enjoyed both aspects of the project, seeing the caterpillars hatch into butterflies, as well as the visit from Butterfly Conservation, which included moth identification and a discussion on conservation, the visit proved very inspirational and initiated another project. Behind the school is a wonderful area full of mature trees and scrub, edged with a stream, the school is currently using the area as a forest school but some of the staff wanted to enhance the area and so a new project began involving the RSPB. A volunteer from the RSPB visited the school and discussed the best sites for various bird, bat and owl boxes and spoke about the possibility of the site also being favourable for swift boxes. Focus in on Life were very pleased to provide the school with eleven bird and bat boxes and to donate to RSPB in thanks for their help with this project.
Beginners, Please!
Written in May 2019. Posted in Events
Once again Focus in on Life were very pleased to be able to fund Pitton School’s participation in ‘Beginners, Please!
Supporting mental health and mental health issues
Written in May 2019. Posted in Events
For several years an artist local to Woking has been running art-based drop in sessions to promote and support mental health.
Sparsholt College Countryside Day and a very generous donation.
Written in April 2018. Posted in Events
Focus in on Life are once again very grateful to Sparsholt College for giving us the opportunity to hold a stall
Butterfly Kits
Written in April 2018. Posted in Events
March 2018 saw the delivery of butterfly kits to ten schools across Wiltshire and Hampshire
Pembroke Park School
Written in April 2018. Posted in Events
In 2017 Pembroke Park School applied for funding to buy bark chippings...
Hudson Road Friendship Club
Written in August 2017. Posted in Events
This year, The Hudson Road Friendship Club hired a minibus and visited the badges at Fovant...
Sparsholt College Study Trip
Written in August 2017. Posted in Events
A student report of Dutch study trip, 2017. Assisted funding from Focus in on Life.
Sparsholt College Countryside Day
Written in August 2017. Posted in Events
We are very grateful to Sparsholt College for providing us with the space for our card stand during the College Countryside Day again this year...
Sparsholt College, Hampshire
Written in January 2017. Posted in Events
Once again Focus in on Life was very pleased to be able to part fund the hedge trimming and spraying tests for the horticulture students at the college...
Andover Trees United
Written on 4th May 2016. Posted in Events
Andover Trees United are a community group based in Andover, Hampshire and their aim is to design and create a new woodland which will serve all in Andover as a recreational and educational green space...
George Smith Magnolia.
Written on 4th May 2016. Posted in Events
We are delighted that there is now a magnolia named after George. The magnolia is an F1 Gresham hybrid, grafted on to Kobus rootstock and it was raised by John Gallagher of Verwood...
St Nicholas Primary School.
Written on 4th May 2016. Posted in Events
The spiritual garden is well under way and there are some fantastic plans which will come together this summer. There are plenty of plants ready to go in, the fencing is up and a solar powered water feature will soon be added...
Hudsons Road Friendship Club
Written on 4th May 2016. Posted in Events
In September of last year, the members of the Hudson Road Friendship Club had a day out at the Lavender Farm at Plaitford near Romsey...
Exeter House School
Written on 4th May 2016. Posted in Events
In May of last year Salisbury’s Mayor, Cllr Jo Broom opened Exeter House School’s Grows Wild Environment area...
North Hill House
Written on 20 April 2015. Posted in Events
Last year Focus in on Life was very pleased to be able to support North Hill House School in Frome in the purchase of tools to carry out bicycle repairs and maintenance. We were thrilled when later in the year we received the following update from the school concerning one of the pupils -
Newton Tony Church of England VC School
Written on 20 April 2015. Posted in Events
Newton Tony School would like to say a big thank you for the generous grants we have received in the past two years. It has enabled us, as a small school to participate in the Pippin Project where the children benefitted from planting a community orchard with apple trees native to Wiltshire as well as engaging with a professional artist and musician. Pupils composed songs and took part in an art project which culminated in a wassailing evening.
Project and Fundraising Update
Written on 13 August 2014. Posted in Events
Focus in on Life are thrilled to be part of this exciting project organised by St Marks School in Salisbury. Although the gardens were only started this year the children are already offering their produce for sale in the school shop. A fantastic effort from all involved in the allotment project.
On June 28th Jane and Chris, two of the trustees, kindly ran a stall outside Sainsburys in Salisbury offering for sale George's cards and various hand painted ceramics. A total of £124.50 was raised which was a fantastic result and we are very grateful to Sainsburys for allowing us to hold the stall on their premises. We would also like to thank Splash of Colour in Salisbury and Alison Imlack for supplying and painting the ceramics.
Supporting The Hudson Road Friendship Club
Written on 08 July 2014. Posted in Events
On 14 May 2014 a cheerful group of 8 helpers and 14 senior citizens (some very senior – our oldest member is 103) were take by community minibus and private cars to Heale House for an outing generously funded by Focus in on Life. In ideal weather – warm enough to sit outside, and cool enough for comfort – we enjoyed a splendid meal beside a carrier stream of the Wiltshire Avon before the more mobile guests ventured to explore the beautiful grounds of this ancient estate, aided as ever by our loyal helpers when needed. All too soon – although it was more than four hours later – we had to return to our base at Gloucester House. Everyone was really enthusiastic about the opportunity to experience the wonderful environment in this quite valley, so different from their day-to-day urban life.
Our costs were: £94.50 entrance fee; £300 lunch; £75.29 transport; a total of £469.79.
The pictures below were taken to provide a record, and to show to our sponsors. We are very grateful to Focus in on Life for their support.
Supporting Tamsin Loveday
Written on 11 June 2014. Posted in Events
Local Artist, Tamsin Loveday, presents her project, THANKFULNESS, for Salisbury Art Trail at venue 42, ST. Nicholas’ Church, WInterslow Road Porton.
An ambitions scale, site and context specific, sculptural installation combining paper cuts and drawings developed with members of the church.
Scriptural and prayerful content make this artwork particularly relevant at harvest time, reflecting a literal and spiritual harvest. Rich visual imagery and symbolism resonate with personal and collective expressions of the Christian faith in this stunning work.
Taking the form of a sheet being lowered by its four corners, the curves of the work echo the architecture of the building. An intimate sheltered space is created by the lacy canopy reminiscent of the Tabernacle.
George Wins Photographic Competition
Written on 12 December 2013. Posted in Events
A photograph taken by George was entered in a competition to become the Corporate Christmas Card at Doosan Power Systems. From the many options in George's portfolio we chose the yew tree leaves and berries because of its seasonal appeal and the luminous colours that George managed to achieve from this shot. We recently learned that it was selected as the winner and that the prize money is to be donated to Focus in on Life.
Doosan is a leading global engineering company with centres in Korea, UK, Germany, USA and the Czech Republic.
Sarum College Exhibition
Written on 09 September 2013. Posted in Events
We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to exhibit some of George's work in an exhibition taking place in Sarum College in Salisbury. The exhibition "Stewards of the Earth" is being held from September 5th to December 6th.
For more information please visit: www.sarum.ac.uk
Distribution of Funds
Written on 15 August 2013. Posted in Events
Focus in on Life are very pleased to be able to announce that over the past few months we have been in a position to offer £500 each to seven schools throughout the Bourne Valley, Salisbury and Somerset. The money will be used to fund ventures such as the planting of an orchard, drama, music lessons and a photography club. We have also offered £200 to sponsor an art project offering workshops to children and adults.
We would like to express again our gratitude to all those who have supported us with help and donations, with particular thanks to Harnham Press of Wilton, Hilliers of Romsey, Kiehl's, Whichford Pottery, Kevin Hughes Plants, Heale House Coffee shop, Kings House Coffee shop of Woking, Chris White of Salisbury and Waitrose of Salisbury.
Plant Sale
Written on 30 July 2013. Posted in Events
The plant sale which was held on June 8th at St Michael's church in Winterbourne Earls went very well. The weather was beautiful and many people came to buy plants and enjoy the refreshments on offer. Plenty of cards and notelets were sold, along with painted pots and pictures.
Once again, many thanks to everyone for all their help and support.
Sarsen Trail Challenge
Written on 13 June 2013. Posted in Events
On May 5th Doreen, Tonia, Richard, Alison, Victoria, Ric and Lucy, who are all close members of George's family, took part in the Sarsen Trail. The Sarsen Trail is organised by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, it starts at Avebury and crosses some of the most beautiful Wiltshire terrain to finish at Stonehenge. Between them they walked a total of 116 mile and raised a total of £959 for Focus in on Life. This is an absolutely amazing effort and we are very grateful to our family for their support.
Plant Sale at St Michael's Church
Written on 11 April 2013. Posted in Events
“Focus in on Life” are holding a plant sale at St Michael’s church, Winterbourne, Salisbury SP4 6HA on Saturday June 8th from 11:00 onwards. We will have a variety of wild native flowers such as Knapweeds, Campions, Cornflowers and Ragged robins on offer. We also have two guest nursery men who will be selling from their wide collection of plants - Succulents, Banana plants, herbs, hardy orchids and bedding plants – just a small selection of what will be available. There will be an opportunity to buy mounted, framed copies of George’s photographs along with cards and notelets. There will be a raffle with some interesting prizes to be won and refreshments will be on offer throughout the day with cream teas being available throughout the afternoon.
We do hope you can join us.
Exhibition at The Kings House Coffee Shop
Written on 26 January 2013. Posted in Events
We are holding an exhibition of George’s photos outside the Salisbury area for the first time at The King’s House Coffee Shop, 14 High St. Knaphill, Woking, GU21 2PE. The coffee shop is a charity in its own right and exists to provide the local community a welcoming and non threatening environment to come for food, drink and social contact. King’s House already sells our notelets, but throughout February the volunteers working there will be hosting our exhibition and taking orders for our photographic prints on either paper or canvas. The exhibition will focus on George’s photographs of nature; flowers, butterflies and landscapes, but will also include some of his experimental abstract works.
Exhibition at Salisbury District Hospital
Written on 23 January 2013. Posted in Events
ArtCare, based at Salisbury District Hospital, have offered us space for up to thirty of George’s photographs as part of an exhibition due to begin soon. The photographs will be on view for a month from February 8th onwards and can be seen in the main corridors of the hospital on levels 3 and 4.
George had a wide range of interests and he loved to experiment with different photographic techniques, we have tried to include a wide range of photographs to illustrate this.
Welcome to Focus in on Life’s Event’s Page
Written on 18 September 2012. Posted in Events
The first event held by Focus in on Life was a four day exhibition of George’s photographs. This took place June 22-25th at St Nicholas Church, Porton, a village North of Salisbury. Thanks to a great deal of help and support from family and friends the exhibition was a huge success. The number of visitors was staggering and quite humbling and we managed to keep a steady supply of refreshments going for the full four days. Hundreds of pictures, cards and plants were sold and in total just under £3000 was raised, out of which we were able to make a donation to St Nicholas Church to support their on-going work.
The weekend was a very positive experience for all concerned and we were fortunate enough to have the one sunny weekend in June!
Sally takes on “Total Warrior”
Written on 18 August 2012. Posted in Events
The trustees of Focus in on Life would like to say a huge thank you to Sally Bennett who raised £365 for our charity. Sally took part in an endurance event, “Total Warrior”, a grueling 10 mile run over and through numerous tricky obstacles on a very testing course in Cumbria on August 5th. Sally was a member of a team – “Tilley’s Terminators” – the other team members raising money for their chosen charity.
