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February 10, 2020 4:59 am
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Queen Mothers Guild Interview
We spoke with a president at Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild, Mary Guppy!
Can you tell me about QMCG and what it is all about?
Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild is all about helping people in need. During the summer months all the charities on our current list are contacted by the Secretary asking them to send in a list of the type of clothing they would like to receive. We collect new items, such as clothing, gloves, scarves, towels and give them to people who need it. We only collect new items because many of the recipients have never owned anything new. For them to receive new items gives them warmth, comfort and dignity.
How long has it been running?
Queen Mothers Clothing Guild was founded in 1882 by Lady Wolverton, so it’s been 136 years.
Can you tell me about the work the organisation does?
So, Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild Donates new clothes to 69 different charities in England and Scotland, in order for us to keep doing this and for the organisation to carry on going we have to raise a very large amount of money per year. All clothing and linen donated during the year arrives at St. James’s Palace on the first morning of Packing Week. Everything is then unpacked and counted before being distributed to its stall. There are stalls dealing with Neonatal, Babies, Children 2-5 years, Children 6-16 years, Women, Men, Linen and also a collection called ‘Various’ which has shoes, knitted blankets, bed socks, bed jackets, hats, scarves and many other things.
How did you become involved with QMCG?
I was introduced to it by a friend of mine who was a president for QMCG, I started off as a helper, then I became vice president and 5 years ago I become a president.
As a president and Executive Committee, could you explain your roles?
Along with other people we go and visit anyone who may need help, we work out the financial arrangement and we have the responsibility of choosing the people who need help the most. Two presidents have to visit the charities.
When did you become an Executive Committee?
I became an executive committee at the beginning of 2017, I was elected by the other members of the executive committees.
What’s it like being a president and Executive Committee?
We are very busy, we try to help as many people as we can, but the role is very satisfying and rewarding, I enjoy it very much.
Does QMCG have any goals for this year?
Our goal is just to carry on what were doing and raise as much money as possible and help as many people possible.
We are grateful to anyone who would like to donate. By helping us you really are helping so many others, a gift no matter how small, for example a pair of gloves or socks can make somebody’s day! If you want to contribute items, then you can contact the QMCG secretary at secretary@qmcg.org.uk who will put you in touch with your nearest group.
How To Prepare Your Car For Winter
Winter is here, and we all know the difficulties that come with driving during winter months; frozen windows, snow on the windscreen, freezing steering wheel and foggy weather. It’s not just frustrating and time-consuming to fix, it can also be dangerous when traveling in these conditions. We have put together 8 steps you can follow to prepare your car for winter.
1: Get your car serviced
If your car is due a service within the next 3 months, consider doing it before winter really sets in. The winter weather can cause problems for cars but servicing your car before the winter can prevent many problems that may occur otherwise. Some garages will offer a discounted, sometimes even free winter service, so take advantage of this.
2: Top up the engine coolant with antifreeze
Engine coolant is supposed to be a 50% mix of water and antifreeze. It is common that people tend to top up the water over the course of the year, meaning in cold temperatures the antifreeze gets over diluted and freezes. If you don’t top up the antifreeze, you could end up with a large repair bill due to the engine overheating.
3: Clean your lights
Its important in the winter that lights, indicators and rear reflectors are clean and in working order. For example, in foggy weather, if your fog/ full beam lights are not working it can be dangerous as other drivers may not see you. Clean all lights and if needed, get them fixed so they are in full working order.
4: Check the battery
Checking the battery should be one of the first things you do. The winter weather and cold temperatures mean you increase the use of lights and the heater, which puts extra strain on the battery. Your battery should last around five years but if you’re having trouble getting your car to start it’s best to get your battery checked.
5: Check the condition of your tyres
The car tyres are especially important in the winter as steering and braking in snow and icy conditions can be of difficulty and dangerous if not done carefully. Check the tyres for pressure and tread depth. Compared to the legal limit of 1.6 mm in normal weather conditions, it is recommended there should be a minimum of 3mm depth during the winter to ensure a better grip.
6: Wash your windscreen/wipers/windows
Clean your windscreen and windows from both inside and out. Make sure to top up your screen washer fluid as well. Its important your windscreen and windows are clear so that you have the best vision possible. In the winter it is easier for your windscreen/windows to get dirty, so keeping the screen washer fluid topped up is important to ensure they are clean at all times.
7: Carry a winter breakdown kit in the boot
Carrying a winter breakdown kit will ensure you are not stuck in the freezing cold with anything to keep you warm and safe if you should breakdown. The kit should include a shovel, blanket, luminous vest, screen wash, food and drink, de-icer, spare coat, a charger for your mobile phone and a torch. These kits are available on many websites and can be bought at a good price at places such as www.amazon.co.uk.
8: Use a foil windscreen cover
To avoid your screen freezing up or potentially getting covered in snow, purchase a windscreen cover so that you can keep your screen clean and protected during winter. Windscreen covers can be used all year round, including summer, to protect your car from getting too hot.
We hope this article has helped and you now feel confident in preparing your car for winter.
