GOOD News: 23rd June

It’s Armed Forces Week and although there aren't too many large-scale events you can still show your support ...

Rick Clement from Fleetwood Town Community Trust, dropped into our information centre at Affinity this week. He had a chat with Craig Harrison of Lancashire Adult Learning, a veteran himself, and took part in some of the CPR training taking place on the day.At 8am this Sunday morning, Rick will be setting off in his wheelchair from Blackpool Central Pier to cover the 10 miles to Fleetwood, raising awareness of the issues facing veterans.

Anyone is welcome to join, if possible wearing a forces charity shirt or camo. The half-way point is JD Gym at Cleveleys, who are also kindly donating water for those taking part.To contact Rick about his work with veterans email rick.clement@fleetwoodtownfc.com

Also this weekend, on Saturday 26th, members of the North West branch of the Royal British Legion Riders (that’s motorbike riders) will be at Affinity to mark Armed Forces Day.

Our best wishes to everyone attending and supporting events this week and our thanks to members of the Armed Forces for their service. > See the Armed Forces Day website

The Inside Out exhibition has opened this week at the Fleetwood Hospital building to rave reviews.

Many of the rooms on the second floor have been transformed into gallery spaces while still hinting at their past life as treatment and care wards. Pop along on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to see this fantastic, creative collection of work from Fleetwood residents and it's free admission!

Performing arts will be taking centre-stage next month with the first 'Fleetwood Moves' event on Saturday 24th July at Marine Hall Gardens.

This is a medley of entertainment, jam-packed with dance, live music and circus … anything from aerial dance to live folk music, from clog dancing to stilt walking! Pre-booking is required for some of the activities which cost from £1.50pp. Visit the LPM Dance website for further details or see their Facebook page.

Community groups may want to look at Round 2 of the Local Connections Fund which supports ideas to bring people together in a safe and secure way, either physically or virtually.

The emphasis is on reducing loneliness and supporting better mental health. Healthier Fleetwood will not be making a bid but if you 're a group leader interested in working with others on a joint-bid, please contact us and we'll put you in touch with interested parties. > Full details of the Local Connections Fund can be found on the National Lottery website.

Once again Fleetwood has been contributing to the discussions about how to involve communities in decisions that affect them.

In the last week Flakefleet Head, Dave McPartlin; Lucy MacNeill of Westview Community Association and Dr Mark Spencer of Mount View Surgery attended the prestigious NHS Confederation Conference to share the Fleetwood story. Among other speakers at this on-line event were the Health Secretary and senior members of the NHS so it’s a great compliment to the Town to be included, and residents and community leaders will be attending more events in the future.

Until the next time, take care.