GOOD NEWS - 20th March
Since 2020 local residents have been able to call into The Pantry for support and food parcels for themselves and their families. In an ideal world, such a service wouldn't be needed but while it is, the amazing volunteers are there to help and can now look to the future with a greater sense of security and hope.
The Pantry is managed by Faith in The Community and they have received a contribution from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund delivered by National Lottery Community Fund, to support the service and meet increasing demand.
Distribution has temporarily moved away from its base in the Fleetwood Hospital building for alterations and improvements to the rooms. These will include the client waiting area; an office to use as a safe, confidential space for additional support and signposting such as financial advice; purchasing new fridge/freezers; replacing outdated shelving, and adding a counter in the foodbank.
For the next couple of weeks The Pantry will operate from St Peter's church on Lord Street. Volunteers will usually be available to help Monday to Friday from 1pm to 2pm but there may be a few days when that changes. It is expected that The Pantry will reopen at the hospital, on the corner of Pharos Street and North Albert Street, from Tuesday 2nd April.
Faith in The Community would like to thank their funders, the owners of the hospital building - Fleetwood Trust and all the wonderful volunteers who have made the project and the opening of the foodbank possible.
If you or somebody you know needs support from The Pantry, call 07852 989065 or send an email to manager@fitc-fleetwood.org.
Also reopening soon after their hibernation is Fleetwood Museum.
The neighbouring bookshop has been welcoming visitors throughout the Winter months but the opening of the Museum on Tuesday 26th March is eagerly anticipated and it promises to be an exciting year for the attraction!
As well as sharing Fleetwood's rich history and heritage through displays and themed exhibits the Museum also hosts monthly heritage talks, escorted walks and a popular folk music club. In 2023 the Museum Trust acquired the property at no. 8 Queen's Terrace and will be opening this to the public as a fascinating glimpse into local life from decades ago.
To discover more about Fleetwood Museum, their upcoming events and to make contact for volunteering opportunities please visit the website here or follow on Facebook.
On Friday we're delighted to welcome the volunteers from The Walnut Tree for their first dementia awareness drop-in at the new Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre.
These were regular events at our former premises - always friendly and informal, an opportunity to chat with others who know what it's like to be diagnosed with or to care for somebody with a debilitating condition.
Anne from the group says, "The drop-in events are all about letting people know their choices of support in the local area and how a person goes from concern about their memory and brain health to the pathway of support that's available."
The Walnut Tree Dementia Awareness drop-in is from 11am to 1pm, Friday 22nd March - Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre, 1-7 Lord Street, Fleetwood (opposite St Peter's church). It's free to attend, no booking required and refreshments will be available.
If you can't make it along on Friday but would like to know more about local, dementia support email wyrewalnuttree@outlook.com or see Facebook: The Walnut Tree - Wyre.
Last week, we hosted a drop-in event for National Social Prescribing Day, an opportunity to chat with the fantastic Fleetwood team.
It was a lovely morning and great to see familiar and new faces, everyone calling in to find out more about the support available from the two Wendy's and Emma.
And we always like to hear about new activities in the community ...
Thanks to Phil for calling in recently to tell us about his fitness classes starting on Wednesday 27th March at St Nicolas Church, Highbury, Fleetwood. He is a qualified instructor offering a programme for ages 60+ to support flexibility, balance and coordination, and general health.
There is a fee for the weekly sessions or the full 16-week programme.
To find out more please call Phil on 07741 357 690 or visit his website here.
Westview Community Association has been taking donations of prom dresses and suits to pass on to young people.
They still have some left and they can be collected from the Centre on Eden Avenue next week, Monday to Wednesday. Please check the opening times - T: 870133 or E: projects@westviewcommunity.org.uk
If you enjoy a game of bingo, your numbers have come up this weekend among the community events in Fleetwood ...
The Homeless Hounds charity is hosting a Chocolate Bingo evening at The Cons Club, Lowther Road, door at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. There's great prizes to be won, families welcome and refreshments will be on sale. For more info please email chloe@homelesshounds.org.uk
And the dabbers will be out at Jim's Bar, Highbury Stadium, also Saturday, 7.30pm.
Join Fleetwood Town Community Trust for a fun evening of prize bingo supporting the RNLI. Call Sarah on 07519 454038 or email philip.bowker@fleetwoodtownfc.com
There's an Easter Fair on Saturday at the United Reformed Church from 10am to 2pm.
Over 25 stalls of gifts, toys, perfumes, food, sweets and much more including a raffle, tombola and refreshments. The fair is the Fleetwood Hall on the Dronsfield Road side of the church, off Poulton Road.
We've been following Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs volunteer Reece on his 100-miles in March fundraising challenge.
This week the fantastic charity, Reece and his pal Sonny were interviewed by Paul Crone for a feature on Granada Reports.
Keep sending in your GOOD NEWS to share with the community, especially if you've not been included before ... we love hearing from you!
Until the next time, take care.
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