The Association of Bexley Charities '78
The Association was originally formed in 1962. It changed its title in 1965 when the old Bexley Borough was absorbed into the London Borough of Bexley and was reformed in 1978 under its present title.
The idea of forming an Association of local charities was mainly that of two friends who were both prominent in the local branches of national charities and generously saw the benefit of sharing their fund raising abilities with smaller local branches of charities who might not by themselves have the ability to run fund raising and publicity events such as quiz nights and jumble sales. The Association is a voluntary self-funding one.
At the present time there are eight Member Charities or voluntary organisations and one associate member. The affairs of the Association are conducted by a Committee consisting of a representative of each member charity. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Publicity Officer are elected annually. Five Committee meetings are held during the year, the Annual General Meeting is held in March and any urgent business arising between meetings is dealt with by the officers in consultation and duly reported to the next meeting. Meetings are held at the Falconwood Community Centre, Welling.
For fundraising and publicity the Association organises two annual fairs, in the spring and autumn. We also hold an annual Toy and Train Fair at Falconwood, Welling, in August. Any money raised by the Association from other sales and joint ventures, such as the Erith Model Railway Society Exhibition in January, is distributed to members on the recommendation of the Treasurer. Over the years the Association has kept together a small group of local charities and voluntary organisations in friendship and mutual help, and the original concept is important to the continuation of several local charities and voluntary groups.
Members are expected to actively participate in the running of events and the Association.
The Association of Bexley Charities ‘78
Members
The Alzheimer's Society
Bexley Downs Syndrome Group
Bexley Smile Club
The Children's Society
Demelza Care For Children (HCfC)
Irish Community Services
Lupus UK
Spirits Rest Dartford Horse and Animal Sanctuary
Associate Member
Motor Neurone Disease Association