The Mayor's Charities

The Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Nicola Linacre has chosen to support two local charities during her year of office; Harpenden Friends of Cancer Research UK and The Daylight Club.

Harpenden Friends of Cancer Research UK

Brief History of the early days of Harpenden Friends of Cancer Research UK, previously The Imperial Cancer Research Fund

'Early in 1977, The Imperial Cancer Research Fund phoned me to say there were three of us in Harpenden regularly raising funds – Pat Kent at The White Horse, Jean Pritchett who did an annual Safari Supper and myself, so it was suggested that we combine our “talents” as a fund-raising group.

We met Roy Deller from ICRF  and formed Harpenden Friends with Pat as Chairman, Jean as Secretary and myself as Treasurer. We were to concentrate on small events, which provide a regular source of funds thus enabling the Charity to budget and plan ahead. This idea has continued to the present time. 

The Harpenden Friends is a small local group with a committee of 6 ladies. A former Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Pat Kent was the Founder Chairman when the group was formed in March 1977. We raise money throughout the year with various events ranging from coffee mornings, coach outings, and our Spring and Christmas Fairs. We hold a special fundraising evening every  February and have enjoyed such events as a Silent Auction, Wine Tasting, Quiz evening, Beetle Drive and Ferret Racing.

Since the merger in 2002 of The Imperial Cancer Research Fund with Cancer Research Campaign  we have sent over £120,000 to the charity.  We retain the title “Harpenden Friends of ….” as we have all felt it is important to stress the support we have had locally over so many years from so many people who we regard as our Friends....'

                                                                                                                                   Sally Ramshaw  - May 2012

The Daylight Club (Harpenden)