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Amnesty International - Pitlochry & District Group

At the Group’s AGM in April, much of the Chairman’s review was devoted to details of the Group’s fundraising efforts in 2007. These had been very successful, thanks to the Plant Sale and the street collection; a handsome sum was also donated by the Charity Bookstall at the Pitlochry station, to whom special thanks are due. The Group also benefitted from the fund-raising scheme organised by Sutton’s Seeds, and from the sale of Amnesty goods by a member.

  The Group was fortunate in that David Maidment, who advises AIUK on Children’s Rights, and who founded the charity, The Railway Children, was able to come from Crewe to speak about his work, in October. It was an open meeting, and an impressive and thought-provoking occasion. The Group usually holds at least one open meeting each year, and ideas for one in 2008-9 are now being considered.

A glance over the list of members present at each meeting through the year shows a welcome increase in Group membership, for which the longer-standing members are grateful. The basic purpose of AI lies in the universal protection of human rights, but the time and effort involved for members can be as much (or as little) and as varied as each individual feels they can offer. There is room for a range of talents, too, ranging from fund-raising and publicity to letter-writing; all are greatly valued.

Not all members attend Group meetings but prefer to work in their own homes writing letters using the material published in the Amnesty Magazine, or Action, the campaigning magazine. Groups obtain their material through the Group secretary; it usually consists of case sheets and briefs, any background material, such as the political situation in the country, sometimes sample letters, postcards for signatures and necessary addresses. AIUK’s headquarters use the group secretaries as contacts who are, therefore, of utmost importance in the smooth running of the Groups’ activities.

The Pitlochry Group’s secretary has been in action for many years, and is now retiring from the post. The Group thanks her for the past, characterised by hard work and efficiency on the Group’s behalf, wishes her well for the future, and welcomes her successor with promises of full support whenever she needs it.

For information about the local group, please contact Elizabeth Pyefinch, Upper Broomhill, Ferry Rd., Pitlochry, PH16 5DD. Tel: 01796 472434