News Update: 8th Feb 2026 | FORCEM

It was a bitterly cold day; however, our hardy annuals still came out to work for a short while and managed to get quite a lot of tidying up done. They also hatched a plan for future sessions, including work on the old section. Well done, everyone. We are trying out the hand warmers kindly given to us by our friend Sharon (RCBC).

Eileen O’Henly Bruton, who is a well‑known fundraiser, has once again supported us. Last time, she helped us raffle a signed Middlesbrough football, which Josie — another of our fundraisers — won and then generously gifted the money back to us. This time, Eileen has raised £ 230 by selling sweetie boxes. Here are Ged and Anne receiving the cheque from Eileen and her husband Steve. Well done, and thank you.

Thank you also to everyone involved in setting up our book and jigsaw stall at the Darlington Building Society on Redcar High Street. Books are 50p, and jigsaws are £2.00. We will be topping the books up regularly, so when you’re passing, it’s worth popping in to see if your favourite author is there. Here are Soo, Dot, Wendy and Carole — thanks to them and to all the helpful staff at the Society.

We need help. Please join us if you can, even for an hour. You can make a difference too.