Charity Spotlight_
Last week I took the train over to Lancashire from London to visit Ms Sylvia Tallys at the Magical Children’s Refuge in Mere Sands Wood. I met Ms Tallys outside of the cosy yet spacious cottage that forms the headquarters of her charitable organisation – dressed in a modest green dress, Ms Tallys is at first glance unremarkable, until one notices the wand at her hip and the red squirrel sat on her shoulder. Over tea and scones, Ms Tallys and I discussed her charitable work in the magical community.
The Sentinel: So, Ms Tallys, or may I call you Sylvia?
Sylvia Tallys: Sylvia is fine, thank you.
TS: Sylvia then. Tell us about your organisation.
ST: Well, the Magical Children’s Refuge is a small charitable group devoted to providing an independent environment for dispossessed children with magical ability, as well as teaching young wytches how to use their magic responsibly.
TS: Fascinating. The UK government and HMMR have many institutions in place that aid and teach wayward magic users, why do you feel like your organisation is necessary?
ST: We of course approve of the official state endeavours, and where appropriate even recommend them to young wytches. However, some of our children have come from hard backgrounds – they find it difficult to integrate with wider society and with normal children. We offer a place for wytches, particularly geomancers and nosomancers, who find it hard to fit into wider society, and we try to teach them how to cope in the ‘real world’.
TS: An admirable goal indeed! If you don’t mind me saying, some people have pointed out that the services you offer are beyond the capacity of the facilities you possess, what do you have to say about that?
ST: Ah, yes. Well, our staff are highly efficient and work very hard. What we have to work with is exactly what it says on the paperwork – we sometimes find it hard to make ends meet, but we do our best, and I personally feel we have made great progress.
TS: Sylvia Tallys, it’s been a pleasure.
ST: Likewise. Say goodbye Sean.
Sean (the squirrel): Goodbye Sean.
- Interview conducted by The Sentinel newspaper