Foresters Friendly Society launches its 2025/2026 Annual Charity Appeal for Alzheimer's Society

Foresters Monthly Charity Appeal Roundup – July 2025

Welcome to the first edition of our monthly roundup, tracking the progress of Foresters Friendly Society’s 2025/2026 Annual Charity Appeal in support of Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity.

Why Alzheimer’s Society?

The 2025/2026 chosen charity was selected by our newly elected President (High Chief Ranger), Gail Lancaster, who shared:

“Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, and its impact can be devastating. By supporting Alzheimer’s Society, we aim to raise vital funds and awareness – and ultimately, bring hope to thousands of families.”

With nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK today, and one in three people born now expected to develop it in their lifetime, this work has never been more urgent.

July Roundup

July was an exciting month with the launch of our new charity appeal for Alzheimer’s Society. Here’s what’s been going on across Foresters.

Summer Fete

On the 9th July, our wonderful staff took part in a fundraiser at our Southampton Office organised by the Staff Engagement Group. They held a bake sale, raffle, sweet stall and more, all to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society!

Staff raised £180 on the day – well done to everyone who got involved.

Foresters Branch Visits

Our Foresters members have kicked off the campaign with multiple events including fundraising activities. Our President Gail Lancaster was thrilled to be invited along and here’s her account.

“I can’t believe that I’ve been High Chief Ranger (President) for a month already! It’s going so quickly. My first invitation was from Branch 4938, Semper Fidelis, to attend their Annual Dinner on the 4th July. 

I must confess I suffered from opening night nerves worrying about forgetting the regalia, my speech and the charity merchandise. Luckily Chris, my trusted helper, was there to set up my charity stand. As Foresters always do, Margaret and the other Branch members immediately put me at ease, and it was a fabulous evening with amazing food. I also met the Area Chief Ranger, Mike Chapel, and a raffle raising money for my charity appeal supporting Alzheimers Society took place. I wish to thank everyone for making me feel instantly at home and for their generosity towards my charity.

The second invite from the Foresters Northwestern Area was rather different; a Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool – Liverpool I hear you all say, the series was set in Birmingham. You are correct on that point, but much of it was filmed in Liverpool because it was cheaper. We travelled by bus all over the city and looked at doors, gates, park bridges that were transformed into whole buildings for the television screen. We also visited Port Sunlight which was an inspirational place.

Thank you, Brook and the Northwestern Area, for a totally unique experience.

August is looking like another busy and enjoyable month, getting to meet, talk with and listen to more of you, the members. You can catch up on my adventures each month. 

P.S. if you hold an event for our Annual Charity Appeal, please send in details and photos so they can hopefully be included in my monthly roundup blogs.”

Spotlight on Dementia Awareness

Through our social media, we’ve shared key information from Alzheimer’s Society to help members understand more about early signs, support options, and how dementia affects all age groups. If you’re worried about dementia and require support, call the Alzheimer’s Society dementia support line on 0333 150 3456.

Coming Up in August

On 30th August, three fantastic Foresters employees are taking part in the Alzheimer’s Society 26-mile trek on the Jurassic Coast. Stay tuned for more updates!

Getting Involved

If you’d like to fundraise with us, here’s how you can get started:

You can learn more about the Society’s Annual Charity Appeal here.

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