THIS week I am highlighting some local voluntary fund-raising needs and possibilities. Much good work is done by hundreds of volunteers nationally and in Wyre Forest. They deserve our appreciation whether they have organised carnivals, fetes or garden parties, taken part in charity sponsored runs or bike rides, or worked on their gardens so long and hard that they have been able to open them to the public. Much work is done for us quietly by so many of our neighbours in so many ways and we are very grateful to all of them.

A large amount has already been raised for the Millbrook Suite and there are two more money raising efforts for this cause going on now. First the Kidderminster Hospital League of Friends Raffle for a first prize of £250 and other prizes including folding bicycles: tickets for this are available via Jean Vaughan in the mornings only at 01562 67653.

Second, a novel one-off raffle organised by Shuttle reporter Adam Burling at 01562 633346 – closing date is July 31. For a stake of £2 there is the chance to win a very unusual surprising Christmas or birthday present for the West Bromwich Albion or Wolves supporter in your life. These are original editions of the City Final Sports Argus produced in Birmingham on the nights in 1949 and 1960 when Wolves won the FA Cup and in 1954 when Ronnie Allen and Frank Griffin won the Cup for Albion. Winning the cup for either team is a rarity indeed and long overdue and to win a contemporary report of one of these sporting great occasions is a unique opportunity. The draw for this is scheduled for August 10.

If you have difficulty making contact for these initiatives you may use my answering service at 01562 753333. Please leave your name and address and my assistant will get back to you to help. I went to the opening ceremony of the spectacular Stourport Netball Dome last Saturday and for a mere male who did not even know the positions of the players, to watch the speed and skill of the ladies who demonstrated the game to us was astonishing. The Dome is a superb construction covering two pitches and thus providing a large versatile covered games area which will be a boon to so many people whether at schools or in the community.

I am trying to visit most of the schools in Wyre Forest to catch up with how they are coping with the changes they have had to adopt since the educational review. On Monday I visited Upper Arley CE Primary School as I had been unable to attend the formal opening of their new building by the Bishop of Worcester in June. The building is a great addition to the school and I met the headteacher and some of the children and staff all very happily working together. All they need now is a hall and for a long time there have been efforts to obtain the funding to rejuvenate and enlarge the village hall next door which could fill the double purpose admirably. I hope to find out the current state of this project.

DR RICHARD TAYLOR MP