GOOD NEWS - 22nd January
We were delighted to support a wellbeing event this week at the newly opened Boathouse Youth centre in Fleetwood.
Hosted by Fylde Coast Medical Services, the Healthy Horizons day was a chance to meet and chat with many organisations working in the area and join in with activities such as gentle exercise, Tai Chi, dancing and crafts. There was also some terrific (and very tasty) cookery demonstrations - ideas for nutritious meals, easy to make and inexpensive.
The facilities at The Boathouse are excellent and will be a great addition to the opportunities available to children and young people ... with over 50 attending Monday evening's first session! The programme of groups for the next 2 months is out now and offers something for Reception to Year 11 on Monday, Wednesday & Friday evenings.
Supporting children and young people also plays a huge part in the great work of Fleetwood Town Community Trust.
Last Friday, we joined many other partners at the launch of their Strategy for 2025 - 2028, setting out their vision and projects for the next 4 years. The Trust offers so much more than just football-focused activity, there's something for everyone and all ages ... sports & fitness, health & wellbeing, education, training and life skills. There's exciting times ahead, building on the success of recent years including the youth engagement work at The Hub, in the former Fleetwood Hospital Building.
We look forward to supporting the continuing work of the Trust, not least when we move into our own space at The Hub ...
... and we have begun to transfer furniture, noticeboards and literature into what will become the new Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre in the next few weeks. We're downsizing a little from Lord Street but will still be able to share Good News on all the wonderful groups, activities, events and support for local residents in Fleetwood ... there was 150 posters to take down from the old centre!
Plans for the Community Cafe, which will be next door to us, are also progressing well and when everything is fully opened, it's going to be another fantastic place to meet, and to feel happier and healthier!
Staff from Fleetwood Town Community Trust and Wyre Volunteer Centre put on a hugely enjoyable Wellbeing Bingo session this week.
It was eyes down for some fun on 'Blue Monday' at Strive Community Cafe with around 15 local residents attending.
Free to play, with some great prizes up for grabs and all in warm and friendly surroundings plus delicious hot drinks. Bingo is every second Monday at 1.30pm.
> To get involved next time, please email connor@blackpoolvolunters.org.uk or zac.roberts@fleetwoodownfc.com
Trustees and volunteers from the amazing Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs picked up their King's Award for Voluntary Service this week.
Awarded to voluntary organisations, this is equivalent to an MBE. The presentation was made by Amanda Parker, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire and the charity will also be invited to a Royal celebration garden party in the Summer.
> Find out more about Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs on Facebook or telephone 03000 111003
Congratulations also to Shakespeare School athletics team on their sporting success in the last week.
They won the Sportshall heat of the Fleetwood competition and will now progress to the Wyre & Fylde School Sports Partnership Finals, joined by the team from Rossall School.
... and staying with the theme of sporting opportunities for local children, net practice with Fleetwood Cricket Club is returning.
Indoor sessions will begin again on Friday 14th February, held in the Sports Hall at Rossall School. Open to ages up to 15 years, boys and girls, it's £5pp to attend.
> For more info call Jon on 07595 176136 or email amorj@sky.com and see Fleetwood Cricket Club on Facebook
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Adult Courses Drop-in
Fleetwood Library
Thursday 23rd January, 10am to noon.
Find out more about the many Adult Learning Courses with Blackpool & Fylde College, and also the support available while you study. Jenny from the College will be at the Library to chat with you. No need to book, just come along on the day.
Martin's Monthly Quiz Night
Friday 24th January, 7.30pm for 8pm
Enjoy a friendly, fundraiser at Fleetwood Conservative Club, Lowther Road supporting Fylde & Wyre Community Defibrilators, Fleetwood Festive Lights and Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs.
> Teams can join on the night or call 07738 686337, more on Facebook here
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th January is the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2025, the annual survey to better understand and protect the Country's birdlife.
We've teamed up with The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery and the Friends of Fleetwood Memorial Park to host a FREE Fleetwood Birdwatch on Saturday. Join us from 1pm to 2pm, meeting at the Cenotaph in the Park, to learn about the birds you can see and how to identify them. We'll also have binoculars and will be listening out for the birds' songs. We'll also have printed copies of the RSPB recording sheet to use on the day or take home for your own garden survey.
> Copies of the recording sheet are also available to pick up from Fleetwood Library or visit the RSPB website for all the details of the weekend.
It's a busy day for the team from The Bay, as they will also be hosting the first Fleetwood Beach Clean of the year on Saturday 25th January.
Meet on the Promenade by the Central carpark cafe, just along from Marine Hall at 10.30am. You'll learn more about the natural environment of the coastline and help to keep it clean and tidy for visitors, wildlife and plants. All the equipment is provided, please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions. Accompanied children are welcome.
It's Joy Fest 2025 on Sunday 26th January ... FREE family fun at Marine Hall.
Packed with activities and workshops based on the Five Ways of Wellbeing and loads of entertainment including a DJ and a wrestling match! There's no need to book in advance, the event is 11am - 4pm.
Healthier Fleetwood will have a table, please come and say hello and we'll also have some treats to give away, thanks to Fleetwood Wellbeing Way.
Looking further ahead, several of Fleetwood's biggest community events have now confirmed their dates ... follow the links for all the latest news!
Fleetwood Carnival
Saturday 21st June
Fleetwood Festival of Transport ...
Tram Sunday
Sunday 20th July
Fleetwood Community Comic Con
NEW FOR 2025, also Sunday 20th July
Other volunteer committees are working hard on planning their events and will be announcing dates and details soon ... watch this space!
And finally ... we're two weeks away from our first Open Meeting of the year, on Wednesday 5th February at Emmanuel Mount Church from 6.30pm.
Looking back to February 2024, it was one of the busiest meetings we've had since they started over 8 years ago. There were around 30 different voluntary groups and organisations represented, each sharing updates on their wonderful work or making suggestions for something new.
One of those attending their first meeting was Julie from Alchohol Free Women.
She had recently launched the group and this was one of the first times Julie had presented her ideas to an audience.
The last 12 months has seen the group go from strength to strength with many workshops, events and a range of support for local residents wanting to make a positive change to their lifestyle.
Please take a few minutes to find out more about Julie's inspirational story ...
Maybe an idea you mention at the next meeting will be the start of your journey?
Everyone is welcome at the Open Meetings, it's very informal and friendly. Our chair of residents Pauline invites you to speak or just listen as you prefer, there's always something new to learn about and refreshments are available too.
Keep sending in all your GOOD NEWS news to share with the community ...
... until the next time, take care.
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