Camel racing at Doncaster Racecourse has become a familiar sight as Yorkshire law firm Simpson Millar LLP invited the racing herd back for a second year running to help raise money for charity.

The 'Simpson Millar Arabian Camel Race' kicked off the law firm's annual day at the races in great style. The camels were ridden by professional jockeys and visitors were given the opportunity to see them up close after the race.

The four camels took the crowd by storm on the turf but according to Caroline Kelly, Marketing Director of Simpson Millar who organised the event, the real winners are Communication Workers Union Humanitarian Aid (CWUHA) and Just a Drop. Donations are still being collected and the total will be divided equally between the two charities.

"The camels were a huge success when we introduced them to visitors at Doncaster Racecourse last year. As they help us raise awareness and money for our two chosen charities we couldn't resist having them back again this year," Caroline said.

Mark Spincer, Managing Director at Doncaster Racecourse added:  "The Camel Race brought a smile to everyone's faces and I think even the jockeys enjoyed the challenge. Racing is a great day out and this particular event was certainly worth a visit."

Carl Webb, CWUHA National Secretary said: "Simpson Millar has always been hugely supportive of our work -

RACE IS ON TO GET BEDS TO ABANDONED CHILDREN

A race is on by volunteers with the union’s humanitarian aid charity (CWUHA) to raise money towards specially made beds for orphans and abandoned children in a Bulgarian orphanage who are sleeping on the floor in boxes.

Following a request that appeared in the union’s magazine the Voice, CWU HQ’s Chris Bennett and Steve Fishwick are thanking everyone who donated knitted children’s clothes for them to take along to the youngsters they will see at Gradina in September when the charity’s next convoy of essential aid heads for Bulgaria.

But since that appeal, they’ve received the official “wish list” of basic needs as assessed by partner organisation Lora’s Foundation, and after seeing heart rending photos of sick children of all ages tightly packed into wooden boxes, Chris an

d Steve have teamed with fellow volunteers Francis Banks and Richard Tribe from the South West Region on a mission to buy 80 beds, water resistant breathable mattresses and bedding.

Owing to space constraints, the beds must be slightly smaller than regular ones, and, as expected, the bespoke beds and mattresses cost more than off-the-shelf ones. However, Chris is grateful for the assistance he received from Stephen Eccles of Mattison Contract Beds in Ipswich who will be manufacturing the beds and mattresses for the children at a cost of £183.60 each

“When I saw the pictures of how the...

BT Commits to support CWUHA for a further 5 years

CWUHA are delighted that BT have given CWUHA a massive boost by signing a new improved 5 year agreement giving CWUHA logistic and financial support.

The new agreement commits BT to supplying vehicles twice a year for convoys, annual donations, plus provides telephone and broadband for the CWUHA Office and communications for use on the convoy.

BT has been with us since day one 16 years ago and the signing of this agreement is a massive vote of confidence from one of Britain’s biggest companies.

The trustees would like to thank Andy Kerr, CWU Deputy General Secretary (Telecoms) and Alex Wilson (BT Director) who both facilitated this agreement on behalf of CWUHA.