The 2025 Annual General Meeting held on Monday 06 October included the presentation of cheques to the club’s two nominated charities – Macmillan Caring Locally and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – this year, the committee agreed to give each charity £2,000.
The money being presented (by treasurer Ursula Bonner) was mainly raised at the club’s annual day at Athelhampton House and was supplemented by income from various other club activities and a sale of goods.
Collecting the cheque on behalf of Macmillan Caring Locally was Clare Kyrillou, theirCommunity and Events Fundraiser, who said: “Thanks to everyone’s efforts and support, more families will be able to make the most of precious moments together, and more patients will be able to achieve their final wish of dying in the loving comfort of their own home.
“Over 200 patients are benefiting from our Hospice at Home service every year. Not only is Hospice at Home receiving huge appreciation from patients and their families, but it is also helping to improve services at Royal Bournemouth Hospital and in our community, where it is reducing the need for hospital admissions, and taking some of the pressure off District Nurses and Paramedics.
“It is really good news when a new service improves so many areas of healthcare. And that’s thanks to the members of Bournemouth and Poole MG Owners Club, you have made a truly meaningful difference to our charity, and for that we are extremely grateful.”
Representing Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were volunteers Jill and Martin Andrews who have been to 1020 events in the past (Martin is himself a former MG owner).
Martin explained how the helicopter service operates as a mobile hospital where each mission costs around £3,500, so every amount donated is vital.
He explained that the main fund-raising efforts at the moment are on finding £1 million in the next eight to nine months to purchase a second helicopter which would be able to provide cover when the existing helicopter is either being serviced or repaired. Having their own reserve helicopter would save on the cost of hiring a back-up.