GOOD NEWS - 10th August
If you missed the big news from last week, Fleetwood is celebrating the award of £1m funding for new youth provision in the Town.
The Fleetwood Trust has been awarded the grant by the Youth Investment Fund to create a new facility in the former hospital building, supporting young people to gain confidence and skills, and to enjoy a brighter future. The Trust hopes to be able to open the doors to the new centre next year and complete the revamp by 2025. > Read the full announcement of this exciting plan on our website here
This week Fleetwood Town Community Trust are celebrating a funding award that will support sporting opportunities for young people and adults with special needs.
The grant from Sport England will enable the Community Trust to deliver new inclusive activities such as Multi-Sport, Futsal, Boccia whilst also encouraging people to mix in new environments through an open youth club.
And with perfect timing the Trust's PAN Ability football squad recently took part in their first-ever tournament, playing at the Liverpool Academy in the LDSA Cup and they won the trophy without conceding a goal throughout the competition! Well done to everybody involved.
Thank you to Adam and Kevin from 'The Big Swim Team' for calling in to our Information Centre at Affinity Lancashire earlier this week.
Fleetwood is a coastal town, our beach and waters are a wonderful, natural asset for this and future generations to enjoy, contributing to healthier and happier lives. The concern over the poor quality of sea and river water is not exclusive to Fleetwood, it is a national issue but these members of the Fleetwood community are leading the campaign to bring about positive change. They have been busy recently on TV, radio and with the press raising awareness, specifically how it is affecting the training programme for Adam and his fellow members of GB Triathlon - unable to swim in open water ahead of major championships this Summer and next year's Olympics.
There's an event, 12 noon, Saturday 14th October, on the beach by Marine Hall and The Big Swim team want to see as many local residents there as possible. The seawater will be tested and if safe to do so, it's all in for a dip but if there are any concerns, the idea is to show the strength of feeling within the community.
So why is this Good News? Healthier Fleetwood was formed to help connect our community, to encourage residents to take control of their health and wellbeing, and to help the voices of individuals and groups be heard. We fully support The Big Swim Team and all their partners and thank them for their efforts on this hugely important topic. For more information and how you can get involved, see the Facebook event page and The Big Swim Team Facebook page - sponsors for and organisations with access to water testing equipment are invited to show their support.
Healthier Fleetwood is one of the partners hosting another event on the beach ...
On Saturday 26th August from 11am to 1pm join volunteers from Fleetwood Museum and ourselves to create a huge replica of Fleetwood's famous mermaid using pebbles, driftwood and found items.
The mermaid or The Fish Queen to be precise dates back to the 1930's when a young woman from the Town was chosen for the ceremonial role in an annual parade, closely associated with the Town's thriving fishing industry. A stunning gown and crown worn by the Queen is on view at Fleetwood Museum and as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, artist Laura Kate Draws has created a new graphic representation.
The beach craft event is FREE to attend, for all ages (children to be accompanied) - please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather and terrain. Wheelchair users are directed to our friends at Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs - telephone 0300 011 1003
It's a busy day on the 26th as Dolly's Kiosk also has a Fun Day from 11am.
It's a fundraiser for the fantastic Wyre & Fylde Defibrillators group who have provided life-saving equipment at dozens of locations across the local area. The fun & games, stalls and more goes on until 5pm at Dollys, Laidleys Walk, Fleetwood.
And just announced ... the new Enchanted Forest Nursery in the former Emmanuel Church building, Lofthouse Way has an open day too!
Call in to see the newly renovated facilities and to meet the team - more news soon!
A reminder of some other community events coming up over the next week ...
There's a full-day charity fundraiser at the Rossall Tavern on Saturday 12th August supporting the prevention of self-harm and suicide. Raffle, penalty shoot out, bouncy castle and much more from noon and a Meatloaf tribute act in the evening. > Call Sharon on 07956 078058 for more information.
Also on Saturday, Fleetwood Methodist Church holds its second-hand Primary and High School uniform event. Loads of pre-loved and kindly donated items including blazers, dresses, skirts, trouser, shoes and coats - all available on the day, FREE of charge. > Fleetwood Methodist Church Facebook page
On Tuesday 15th August, Westview Community Association and Rebuild With Hope host a pop-up sale of quality high street goods - clothing, accessories, toys, homeware and gifts. The sale of heavily discounted items is on from 1.30am to 4pm.
> Westview Community Association or Rebuild With Hope on Facebook to find out more
Two drop-in events at the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre ...
Tuesday 15th August, 11am - 12.30pm, fathers-to-be and new dads can enjoy some conversation and a cuppa with Eric from Dad Matters AND on Friday 18th, 11am - 1.30pm, there's FREE tech advice from West Fleetwood Computer Clinic.
Many of Fleetwood's historic buildings will be welcoming visitors for the very popular Heritage Days 2023 in September. Margaret of Fleetwood Civic Society has kindly passed on some copies of this year's guide for us to display, they are also available from Fleetwood LIbrary and other venues across the Town. And you can also see details of all the local locations involved by visiting the Heritage Open Days website here.
Many of the groups and events above have links to Facebook - if you don't use social media but want to know more, please contact us at Healthier Fleetwood by email to listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk, call 07399 093835 or pop into our Information Centre - opening times are below. We look forward to seeing you soon and keep sending in your Good News to share. Until the next time, take care.
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