Maltby councillor visits palace

Coun Stringer and members of his family are heavily involved in fundraising for National Autistic Society.

As well as organising events to raise money for the charity, which help, advise and assist those and their families who suffer from autism, Coun Stringer was also invited along to their 50th anniversary celebrations at St James Palace.

Coun Stringer said of his day at the palace: “It was a special day for me and it’s a date that will always live in my memory.”

He added: “I met and spoke to a number of people and a few of them seemed to be taken aback when they learned that I didn’t work for the Nation Autistic Society but was just a mear fundraiser who stands outside shops and supermarkets in the Rotherham borough doing collections, although I did speak to two people who did the same as I.”

At the event both the charity’s parton, The Countess of Wessex, and president Jane Asher spoke to guests.

“In her speech the countess included on just how far the National Autistic Society had come since a number of ladies had met around a table in the 60’s and had formed the society,” said Coun Stringer. “She went on to thank all the staff and volunteers who give up so much time to help others who are less fortunate then ourselves.”

He added: “I didn’t get to meet or speak to either the Countess or Jane Asher but it doesn’t take away the fact that I had attended a celebration in St James Palace and I will always maintain that I was representing Rotherham and its borough whilst I was there that day.”

After returning from his trip to London, Coun Stringer presented a £100 cheque on behalf of The Scarbrough Charitable Trust to Sandra Waterhouse, from the charity’s Rotherham branch, at Hilltop School in Maltby.

“Unfortunately neither the Earl of Scarbrough or Lady Scarbrough will be unable to attend our forthcoming charity fundraising event planned to raise money for the National Autistic Society.”

“Instead, the Earl of Scarbrough has donated a cheque for £100 from The Scarbrough Charitable Trust,” said Coun Stringer.

Coun Stringer’s granddaughter, and fellow Maltby Town councillor, Lauren Astbury, who also fundraises for the charity, attended the cheque presentation.