GOOD NEWS - 14th November
Some fabulous GOOD NEWS to start this bulletin ... Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service 2024.
This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Representatives of the charity will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mrs. Amanda Parker JP, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire and two of the wonderful volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2025.
Michael Gray, Chair of Trustees & founder of Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs said ...
“The Trustees are delighted that their hard work and the dedication and devotion of our volunteers has been recognised at the highest level. This honour demonstrates what can be achieved and recognises the leading part our town has played in providing this valuable service.”
Congratulations to Mick, all the Trustees and the volunteers, thank you for helping to make memories for your visitors and the role you play in the Fleetwood community.
> To find out more about Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, visit their website and to book a chair, telephone 03000 111 003.
> For full details of the awards please see the official KAVS website here.
Healthier Fleetwood has something to celebrate too ... winning the 'High Street Hero' category at the Wyre Business Awards 2024.
Our founder, Dr Mark Spencer and chair of residents Pauline Kennedy attended Tuesday's Wizard of Oz-themed ceremony at Marine Hall, to receive the award. Thank you to everyone involved and of course to all the incredible local residents, community groups and organisations it is our privilege to support - the award is accepted on your behalf.
Among the other winners at the Wyre Business Awards 2024 were Glazey Days and Sarah at Fleetwood & Larkholme Slimming World. Well done to them, all the winners and nominees - see the Wyre Council website for more updates.
Congratulations also to Fleetwood Gym Boxing Club ... they've announced funding from Sport England to support the Club's move to a new, purpose-built facility.
This funding will provide 2 new training rings plus additional cardio, strength & conditioning equipment at the Victoria Building on Poulton Road. The Club say, "We really believe this funding will help us in our goal to be one of the best training & events facilities in the area."
More details will be announced soon ... follow Fleetwood Gym Boxing Club on Facebook
There was a great turnout for the 'End to End' film at Fleetwood Library this week.
Around 60 people enjoyed the specially created documentary telling the fascinating story of the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry, both past and present. The film's writer and director Anton Arenko says, "It was amazing. Thank you to everyone for coming and for all the support from the Community."
There's more GOOD NEWS coming from Fleetwood In Bloom.
The Larkholme Wombles is a new volunteer group for the area. They will meet at 2pm on Tuesday 3rd December for activities by the precinct shops ... deadheading & weeding the planters, weeding pavements and litter-picking. You decide how long you want to help for. Sensible footwear and gardening clothes are recommended. Further dates will be Tuesdays 17th December and 14th January 2025.
Fleetwood Town Wren Ladies Football Club host a weekly walking football session.
It's ideal for ladies who want to try something new or get back into playing. Great fun and good for mental and physical health. It's every Thursday at Poolfoot Farm Sports & Leisure Complex from 7pm to 8pm.
The latest newsletter from Fleetwood Town Community Trust is available online now.
Find out about the success of their first-ever Charity Dinner, the popular football development programme, the latest Friends of the Trust and more.
Thank you to everyone who picked up a hand-made poppy from us last week.
Local resident Janet kindly created them and over £50 was raised, this has now been donated online to support the official Royal British Legion appeal.
This week is a year since the launch of Fleetwood's Little Book of Hope.
Local resident and mental health professional Liz Loftus, worked with poet Nathan Parker and creative artist Tina Dempsey to put together the publication, inspired by thoughts, memories and hopes from members of the Fleetwood community. The initial print run was a huge hit and the stock ran out within days so a reprint soon followed. If you've missed out so far, we've some copies of 'The Little Book' available from the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre, at 1-7 Lord Street, opposite St Peter's Church.
Pop in on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm to pick one up - they are free but a donation is appreciated, funds will be used for local mental health projects.
WHAT'S ON AT THE HEALTHIER FLEETWOOD CENTRE
West Fleetwood Computer Clinic is back on Friday 15th November from 11am to around 1.30pm.
The friendly, knowledgeable volunteers can help you make the most of your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone ... staying safe online, storing data and much more.
There's no need to book, just drop-in!
Jenny from Blackpool & Fylde College is also with us on Tuesday 19th November from 10am to 12noon.
Call in for a chat about the many adult learning courses coming up and also the wide range of support available while you study. Opportunities include improving your maths skills to help you gain employment.
Some of the courses are delivered right here in Fleetwood at The Hub (the former Hospital building) on North Albert Street and Strive Community Cafe at Flakefleet.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
If it's Christmas presents you want, there's a Shopping Evening today, Thursday 14th November.
Margaret and Karen from Jars of Joy invite you to join them at Fleetwood Cons Club from 6pm to 9pm ... it's a fundraiser for the Joyfest 2025 event.
On Friday 15th November there's a choice of musical events to enjoy!
Fleetwood Museum hosts their monthly musical afternoon, from 1pm to 3pm. Pop along to sing, play or just listen, Doors open at 12.40pm, the session takes place upstairs in the museum's Education Room.
We hope everyone has a great evening at the Kindness Counts Talent Show. Youngsters aged 5 to 17 years will be on stage at Fleetwood Rugby Club from 7pm at this event, supporting the Charity's work spreading anti-bullying messages.
> To learn more about Kindness Counts UK, please see visit their website here
Lancashire Night at Fleetwood Bowling Club is one of the highlights of the Friends of Fleetwood Museum’s event calendar. Great entertainment will be provided by 'Trouble at’ Mill' with featured guests and there's a Lancashire Quiz with prizes. The evening starts at 7.15pm. Tickets including a hot pot supper are on sale from the Museum Reception at £8 for members and £10 for non-members ... they're selling fast!
And finally, something a little different back at Fleetwood Library ...
Candlelight, Crumpets & Crooning is a joyful and thought-provoking piece of immersive theatre which deals with the subject of dementia.
Barbara and Bernard invite you, their esteemed guests, to an evening of a bygone era featuring music, polite conversation and exceptional hosting ... "It's a warm and affectionate show featuring plenty of belly laughs and a good sing-song, Barbara sensitively explores dementia, revealing what it means to care for someone you love when they lose their way. Sound-tracked by a plethora of tasteful tunes and with plenty of crumpets, join us for a captivating evening that's sure to warm your heart."
Candlelight, Crumpets & Crooning is at Fleetwood Library on Thursday 21st November, starting at 5pm - tickets are 'pay what you can' and should be booked in advance online or by telephone to 0300 123 6703.
Places are likely to be limited and at the time of writing, we do not have information if they will be available on the day.
Please do keep sending in all your GOOD NEWS news to share with the community.
Until the next time, take care.
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