GOOD NEWS - 26th June

Plans to create a fantastic trail of large-scale murals across Fleetwood have taken a step forward in the last week.

The Big HeArt Projects aims to transform the Town through art, using murals to connect with community organisations already doing amazing work in the area and spark conversations around topics like mental health, addiction, inclusion, and community resilience ... all while making the place look brighter and more colourful!

A fundraising target has been reached for the first piece of work and planning can start on the creative stage. Fleetwood residents of all ages will be involved through their suggestions for the design, attending workshops and as volunteers.

Check out the Big HeArt Projects display in the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre, 1-7 Lord Street for more! Thank you to Christian, Hayley and all the team for their inspiration and hard work so far

> Keep up to date with the latest news and volunteering opportunities on Facebook here

Congratulations to Helen Gould of LPM Dance on the award of an MBE in the recent King's Birthday Honour's list.

Many of you will know LPM through their inclusive weekly Dance Fusion class held in the Barbara Jackson Centre at Farmer Parrs, Fleetwood. Helen has been recognised for "charitable services to people with Parkinson’s" - LPM has hosted many groups and events in recent years for people with the debilitating condition.

On hearing the news Helen said, "I'm extremely grateful and humbled to have been nominated for such a prestigious award. I'm exceptionally lucky to work with a committed, talented and passionate group of colleagues and members of the Parkinson's community, all of whom contribute significantly to the work, so this recognition really does feel like reward for a team effort."

Follow the LPM Facebook page or visit the LPM Dance website for more information on their classes and events including the Fleetwood Moves Festival, and perfectly timed ...

our Roving Reporters Reece & Sunny have been to meet the LPM Dance Fusion group.

> Read how they got on and some comments from the members on our website here

LPM Dance also joined local partners attending a launch event for the Wyre Moving More programme this morning.

Wyre Council, YMCA Fylde Coast, Fleetwood Town Community Trust and The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery are also among the organisations involved in this new initiative which encourages people to be more active and enjoy the benefits to their health and wellbeing. Look out for information on Wyre Moving More in the weeks and months ahead ... and there's a chance to get involved in a new event next month.

A few weeks ago we met with Luke and heard about his idea to bring together all ages and support the local community.

It's a 2K, family fun run and instead of an entry fee, a small food donation is greatly appreciated in aid of the Fleetwood Pantry foodbank. Similar events, called 'Ron's Run' have been held successfully elsewhere and with the support of Wyre Council, Wyre and Fylde School Sports Partnership and Healthier Fleetwood you can take part in the Fleetwood event on Friday 12th July from 6pm on the Promenade.

> Find out much more about Ron's Run and pre-register for the event here

It's Armed Forces Week and Fleetwood has a proud history of supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Victrex PLC are an industry-leading company based just up the road in Thornton and they work closely with the community on a number of projects. Staff chose to give their volunteer hours to help alongside Fleetwood Town Community Trust with the Veterans Community Garden at Norcross. They have also raised funds to buy equipment for the garden ahead of judging for Northwest in Bloom.

COMMUNITY EVENTS TO ENJOY AND SUPPORT

There's still time to book your tickets for Bring On The Men - Monty's Encore at Marine Hall, tomorrow, Thursday 27th. This is the sequel to the 2019 event when local women bared all for MIND mental health charity, now it's the men's turn!

> See the Marine Hall website for full details and to get your tickets

On Saturday 29th there's a Summer Fair at Lakelands Lodge on Laidley's Walk. Lots of fun things to do ... bouncy castle, tombola and raffles, market stalls, food and entertainment. It's a fundraiser towards activities for the residents and on from 11am to 3pm. For further information please call Terrie on 07938 867486.

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT ...

The Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry is a much-loved local service dating back to 1841. A group of enthusiasts have been putting together a short film and need local support to complete the project and host a special screening event. Anton is one of the team behind the project and says, "Our film charts the Ferry's incredible history as well as the people connected to it through the past and the crew that run it today. We wanted to document this piece of living history before it was too late. We have been very grateful for the knowledge and support of the local community both in Knott End and Fleetwood."

> See a taster of the film so far, find out more and donate to the project which includes receiving a digital copy of the finished production

GOOD NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS

Well done to Shakespeare Primary for winning the Last Choir Singing Competition in the last week. They were judged to be the best in Lancashire at the finals held in St George's Hall, Blackburn.

Achievements like this happen thanks to the hard work and dedication of the school staff, inspiring the children to enjoy singing and make memories ... congratulations!

Children at Larkholme Primary School enjoyed a visit by staff from Ideal Dental Care Fleetwood last week. They had a go at filling a tooth (hopefully not a real one), learnt a little bit about oral health and how to start on the road to a career in dentistry. The Ideal Dental Care team said the children were lovely, kind and polite and it was a pleasure to be part of the day.

Westview Community Association has launched their School Uniform Bank.

They are looking for donations of clothing and shoes and help to identify families that require the uniform.

Donations of clean items in excellent condition are welcome and distribution of the uniform will begin in mid-August. Drop off items to Westview at 2 Eden Avenue, Fleetwood - please call 01253 870133 or email projects@westviewcommunity.org.uk with any questions or to check opening times. You can also hand items into the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre during our usual opening times - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 3pm - and we'll pass them on. Please do not leave items outside the Centre at other times.

WHAT'S ON AT THE HEALTHIER FLEETWOOD CENTRE

We have the lovely volunteers from The Walnut Tree joining us on Friday 28th. Call in from 11am to 1pm for friendly conversation with Anne and John around the local support available for people with Alzheimer's, dementia and other debilitating conditions. There's no need to pre-book, it's all very informal and relaxed and as well as the tea and biscuits, we're also sometimes treated to John's delicious baking!

And a reminder that every Tuesday morning is the Armed Forces drop-in and the Camerados public living room ... call in for coffee (or tea) and conversation!

The next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting is also only a week away on Wednesday 3rd July at Emmanuel Mount Church from 6.30pm to around 8pm.

Always an inspiring and enjoyable evening, full of positivity from local residents, community groups and organisations working in Fleetwood. All are welcome to attend, just turn up to get involved or to listen, refreshments are available. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please keep sending in all your GOOD NEWS to share with the community, we love hearing from you.

Until the next time, take care.

> See a copy of The GOOD NEWS bulletin with all the images and features here

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