The February lunch was attended by 35 members, by one member’s guest, and by our Speaker, Paula Gelling, who has been the Manager of Victim Support, Isle of Man for nearly 12 years. We learnt from Paula that Victim Support is a charity which assists victims to fill in injury claim forms and which provides emotional support for victims of various offences, including physical or sexual assaults, burglaries, and criminal damage.

They also support the families of people involved in fatal road collisions. Paula told us that there were over 200 referrals to Victim Support during 2014 and that, in addition to herself, there were only two part time staff and nine Volunteers to deal with this work load. In addition, the charity's Witness Support volunteers provide moral support to people who are required to give evidence in Court hearings.

Paula's talk was very helpful in bringing to the meeting's attention the important work of this local charity which may not be as widely known as it should be. Although it receives an annual contribution from the Manx Department of Home Affairs, it needs increasing funds to cope with the increasing demands on its service.

Meetings take place at Ramsey Golf Club on the second Wednesday of the month. Membership is open to professional and business men aged 50 or over who have fully or partially retired from their profession or business and are resident in the north of the Isle of Man. If you want to find out more please contact the Club Coordinator, Bernard Pile on 817349 or by email to sueber@manx.net.