Southport Citizens Advice Bureau

Southport CAB Volunteers John & Cynthia Cotterill complete the Rotary Club Annual Canal Walk ...

Volunteers at Southport CAB, John, Adviser and his wife Cynthia, Admin worker, decided that they would walk the 10 mile Southport to Maghull Canal side walk for the CItizens Advice Bureau, in May this year.

The walk was completed in under four hours; John states that this was at a pleasant and steady pace and had nothinng to do with stopping off for drinks along the way!

In John's own words, "We commenced our walk at at about 11.00 am; the sun was shining but there were a few clouds to keep the temperature at a reasonable level for pleasant walking. There are some 4 - 5 pubs en-route and we had been recommended one, The Ship, which happened to be half way so we were looking forward to partaking of some of the local brews. We were soon into a good rythm and completed the first two and a half miles by 12.15 pm and The Ship at the halfway stage by 1.30 pm. Although we were drawn by the thought of a beer we really didn't feel thirsty or hungry so decided to press on; after all there were at least another three pubs to go!

"The sun kept shining and the canal looked so peaceful with martins flying low, catching flies and skimming the water, drinking on the wing, an amazing sight. Our interest was kept up by the quiz which ensured we kept alert. We kept going, keeping a good pace and passed the penultimate pub. At the 8 mile point the final pub appeared and we weakened; after all we had promised ourselves a pint so we stopped for some 45 minutes, sitting on the banks of the canal, drinking in the atmosphere!

"We completed the most enjoyable walk at 3.30 pm and made our way to Maghull station for the rail journey home to Southport.

"Our sponsors generosity helped raise approximately £271.00 which will be put towards a new computer for the bureau. The new item of equipment will help us to improve our service to the people of Southport so thanks to all our sponsors and Southport Rotary Club. It's a great way to raise money and what is more, most enjoyable!"

John & Cynthia relocated to Southport from Bognor Regis two years ago and John a CAB volunteer adviser at Bognor for many years, decided to transfer to Southport CAB. Cynthia also voluteers as an admin worker, assisting the team of volunteer advisers by maintaining leaflets, photocopying documents and making tea.

The manager of Southport CAB Gail stated that she was very grateful to John and Cynthia for offering to help CAB fundraising in this way.

Gail, together with members of bureau staff completed the walk last year to raise funds for new computers. Many people do not know that CAB is a charity and needs to fundraise to maintain its income. We have a strict budget to work to and if we need new equipment we have to raise the money ourselves.

If you would like to find out about Volunteering for CAB or assist in fundraising, please contact the bureau.

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