IN the aftermath of the Asian tsunami, the generosity of people, the British people in particular, has been outstanding.

From a bucket collection at the Exeter match our supporters have raised more than £1,500. As a club, we matched that so there is a considerable sum going from here and rightly so with so many lives devastated.

It must be a real headache, however, for the local fundraisers for charities in and around Hereford.

There is only so much money available and so many times that people will put their hands in their pockets and a lot of the local schemes must have been hit by the amount donated to the tsunami appeal.

So we are delighted that we have some money to give out again to local charities from the FA's Charity Shield.

In the past we have supported the Martha Trust, Belmont Abbey, St Michael's Hospice, the Plynlimon Trust and Shopmobility and now we're pleased that nearly £9,000 will be shared out again between local charities.

It's another important aspect of a football club in the community. If we were not here that money would be lost to our community.

When we were in great need of financial help, there was a willingness among supporters to put their hands in their pockets to save the club.

One of the schemes was the Back the Bulls fund which was set up for contributions from individuals with half going into a draw and the other half going into the club.

We now have sufficient financial security that the money has been set aside. If there is a major project then that money can be used and people who have made a contribution will be able to see where it is going.

We've had all sorts of fundraising events ourselves and on occasion we are competing with the other local charities. There are initial plans for a concert at the ground in early July in conjunction with the Christian Trust in order to raise funds for the poorer countries in Africa.

We've also done the usual things such as auctions, concerts and dinners. Our next dinner, at the Three Counties Hotel on February 17, will feature guest speaker Duncan McKenzie who, I am told, is very entertaining.

We've had some great nights at the Three Counties. I've never heard any complaints about these well-attended events which have gone off ever so well. Tickets are available from the club offices in Blackfriars Street.