The "Three Charities"

In 1996 a small group of St. Jude's parishioners, led by Mrs. Nora Fillingham, decided to organise "Knitting Aid", to provide a supply of warm clothing - mainly for babies and toddlers - and knitted squares for blankets, for needy people in the troubled regions of the world.

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At the time, the group was inspired by the success of a "Shoe Box for Bosnia" appeal by the Little Church of the Parish (See "Little Church"), and by the regular appeals from all the major charities.

Later in 1996,  Nora got in touch with Mrs. Schickoff (St. Mary's, Wigan), who, for many years, had been the local contact with Mother Teresa and her charity. As a result, the members of St. Jude's group became Co-workers of Mother Teresa and garments that were made were sent to her  worthy cause.

In 1997, the St. Jude's Knitting Group decided that they would send garments also to Sister Margaret's Chidren of Bosnia appeal and also to the Premature Baby Unit at Billinge Hospital, Nr. Wigan.

Sister Margaret (on the right) - still going strong at the age of eighty-five. Here she chats with a carer and one of the patients at a home for the handicapped in Bosnia.

From then on the St. Jude's Knitting Aid group became known as the "Three Charities" group.

During most of the year, at the back of St. Jude's Church can be found the "Three Charities" table, on which can be found wool, knitting patterns and needles - all of which have been donated. Anyone willing to help with the knitting is free to make use of these. Finished garments are also displayed on the table prior to despatch to their charities, along with the "Three Charities" Book that outlines their work.

The Knitting Group also raise money for St. Jude's Church by producing garments to sell at the annual Christmas Fayre. Thus the Charities' table is "closed" from November until after the Christmas period.

Since the group began their work, St. Jude's co-workers have clothed literally hundreds of children in the world. Hopefully they will continue to do so for many years to come.

If you are able to help the "Three Charities" in any way, or if you wish to find out more about their work, please ring Nora Fillingham on 01942 233710.

The following is a recent letter of thanks from "Charities" Organiser, Mrs. Nora Fillingham:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped our Charities since we started the work, especially the co-workers and the people who help me to distribute the garments.

Our Charity work has been very successful since we started and has now expanded into five Charities. We now support The Third World, Bosnia, Romania, Billinge Hospital and the Lourdes Shop in Wigan.

You will be pleased to know that our charity table is now back in the church to display samples of the items that we send to the needy. If anyone requires any assistance with our their work, especially our house bound, please don’t hesitate to call me on, 01942 233710 or you can email me on: doug.filli@virgin.net.

We are making an appeal for buttons and, of course, new wool. We are always glad of these items and they can be left on the charity table in the church.

We have many children and babies to clothe this year, and, with your help we will do so.

God bless you and thank you all