A DEFIBRILLATOR has been donated to Bilton School in memory of town schoolboy Joe Spooner.
The medical machine that can restart a heart is the latest to be handed over by Joe’s parents Tracey and Stephen as part of the national cardiac charity SADS UK Big Shock Campaign.
The couple pledged to raise money to get the machines in as many locations as possible since their son died aged 15 back in at the age of 15 from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) after a cricket match in 2005.
Last year we reported how Rugby and Northampton Athletics Club had been given a defibrillator as part of the campaign.
Anne Jolly, founder of SADS UK, said: “Using CPR alone provides a five per cent chance of survival but using the defibrillator as well increases the chance of survival to over 50 per cent.”
THE greenfingered villagers of Bruntingthorpe will be throwing open their back gates for their annual Open Gardens day on Sunday.
More than 10 gardens will be opening, ranging from pretty cottage gardens to extensively landscaped gardens between 10am and 5pm.
The event, which has been running for over 10 years, also includes a children’s trail and a plant stall with tea and light lunches served in the refurbished village hall.
The £3 charge will go towards the ongoing refurbishment of the hall.
MOTORCYLISTS can take a free test to assess their skills.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Advanced Motorcyclists is running the sessions at Shilton Village Hall on Sunday, May 18.
To book a slot call 07765 663514 or email [email protected].
THE 8th plant, food and craft fair at Misterton Hall takes place on Sunday, May 18.
Lutterworth Rotary is running the event to raise money for its various charities.
It opens at 10am until 4pm with entry £3.
FOURTEEN model railway layouts will be the centrepiece of Lutterworth Railway Society’s annual exhibition.
It will take place on Saturday, May 17 at the town’s leisure centre from 10am until 4pm when there will also be trade stalls and demonstrations.
Entry costs £5 for adults, £2 children or £9 for a family ticket.
THE WIDOW of a Warwickshire firefighter remembered the support she received in her own time of need by donating £400 to the Firefighters’ Charity.
Diana Banks received financial support from the charity when the death of her husband Redvers Muggleton in 1957 left her alone with two small children under the age of 18 months.
The Fire Services Benevolent Fund, or Firefighters’ Charity as it is now known, made monthly financial contributions until her youngest child was 16.
The £400 donation was raised by the Rokeby Masons Lodge 4118, of which one of Diana’s relatives is a member, with a raffle at its March Ladies Night and donations at a subsequent meeting.
She said: “I was so grateful to the Firefighters’ Charity for helping me out at my time of need.
“Once the lodge said I could choose who the donation would go to, my mind was made up.”
THE first Rugby Bikefest will be held in the town centre on Sunday, May 18.
Bikers will be showcasing a variety of motorcycles from vintage to modern as well as revealing the fascinating history of their bikes.
An eclectic line-up of live music has been lined up by the Vault nightclub to provide a rocking soundtrack to the event.
Performing on the day from 11am onwards will be Banned, Blank Paradigm, Morningstar, The Rattletones, Keltik Fish, Hollie Aires, Go Primitive, Dead Frequency and Spitfire.
There will also be food and children’s activities, including a bouncy castle, quad bikes, the ‘unrideable bike’ and face painting.
Rugby First managing director Aftab Gaffar said: “Even if you are not a bike enthusiast, the event promises a great day for all the family with a superb music programme, family entertainment, food and of course an amazing array of old and new motorcycles.”
The Bikefest will take place in Market Place, High Street and Sheep Street between 10.30am and 3pm.
