Suzanne Fletcher's Blog

The finale of months of work, with the John Owen Tournament for schools. Six Stockton Schools took part along with a team of African youngsters that Apollo trains. Apollo, a former professional goal keeper in his native Burkina Faso, had done what might be grandly called diversity work, but for the youngsters in was interesting and exciting insights into world football. Where various famous footballers had come from, with a theme of uniting, with fun, through football. John's mayoral chain caused quite a stir when he arrived, a number of the youngsters clearly amazed that they were going to be presented with medals from the Mayor. The medals had been kindly sponsored by Connexions and Apollo, and it clearly meant a lot to them as each child who took part was awarded one, and John happily did a presentation of 70! There are more facts on The Mayor's Blog, and also photos that will appear on Monday. I was particularly pleased to see the Cup awarded as it was one that I had donated whilst I was Mayor.

There were the usual disputes that arise after a match about the ref! But one hard thing that youngsters have to learn is that much in life is, sadly, unfair.

In the evening it was the Daisy chain dinner dance (again see Mayor's Blog  for details and pictures). I just love the "Wild Cats of Kilkenny". However I am concerned at how Charities like this are beginning to feel the pinch because of "credit crunch", and I do wonder how many people cutting back are actually affected by all the talk of it rather than actual effects. And if people are needing to spend less what goes first ? As in the previous item life can be very unfair, and I do feel that charities like this should not be having to raise as much money as they do and should get more help from Government towards the basics of work they do.