GOOD NEWS - 7th May

What a fabulous Bank Holiday weekend we enjoyed in Fleetwood!

The community came out in huge numbers to support the Family Funday at Memorial Park on Saturday and Fleetwood Day in Euston Gardens on Sunday. Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for their hard work, and to everyone who attended.

There's two terrific videos of the events on the Fleetwood In Focus YouTube channel ...

> Watch the Family Funday video here and > Watch Fleetwood Day video here

Fleetwood's commemorations for VE80 continue this week ...

VE 80 Beacon Lighting

Thursday 8th May, 8pm

The Mount, Fleetwood

With music from The Flat Cap Three, reflective poems from the community, beacon lighting and a commemorative badge for everyone who attends. There's no need to book, turn up on the night and join the celebrations.

VE Day Tea Party

Friday 9th May, 11am

Community Garden, Thornton

Armed forces veterans and their families are invited to a special tea party to mark VE 80. Sandwiches, cakes and refreshments with the sounds of the 1940's and a fundraising raffle.

> For more information please contact tony.codling@fleetwoodtownfc.com

There's a new Memorial Garden at Larkholme Primary School ...

The space was created by the pupils, parents and staff with support from Fleetwood Town Councillors, the Armed Forces Wellbeing lead for Fleetwood Town Community Trust and other local partners. The school say, "We'd like to thank all the volunteers who dedicated time, energy, and care to help create our memorial garden. This is an area we want all children and visitors to enjoy and respect."

> Follow Larkholme Primary on Facebook for news from the school

Organisations looking to create a new facility or improve an existing space are directed to the ASDA Foundation Local Community Spaces Fund, open now!

Grants of £10,000 to £20,000 are available for projects which must be an accessible place where members of the community can interact, seek support and access a variety of services and activities.

Applications close no later than 28th May.

> Full details of the fund and how to apply - the ASDA Foundation website

Congratulations to everyone at the Wyre Volunteer Centre ... last week they celebrated three years of incredible work in the community.

Hundreds of local residents from 16 - 64 have found further education, training or employment opportunities through job fairs and workshops hosted by the team. The Positive Futures programme boosts skills and self-confidence to support prospects and wellbeing, and the free Wellbeing Bingo at Strive Fleetwood every other Monday is a big hit with everyone who goes along!

> Follow Volunteer Centre Wyre on Facebook for more about their work

If you are looking for volunteering opportunities in the Fleetwood community here's a couple of suggestions ...

... there's a wonderful new open space being created at Eden Gardens, just across the road from Westview Community Association on Eden Avenue. Started with the support of a number of organisations and volunteers from a similar project in Blackpool, now's the time for Fleetwood residents to get involved.

Sessions are every other Wednesday, the next is on 14th May, 10am to 1pm. Tasks for all levels of experience, equipment is provided and there's refreshments too. Plans for the space in the future include growing vegetables and fruit for cookery lessons and meals at Westview, building an outdoor oven to cook food for community events and plenty of on-going volunteering opportunities.

> To find out more: call 01253 870133 or email projects@westviewcommunity.org.uk

> Watch a video about the project on the Healthier Fleetwood Facebook page

Fleetwood Festival of Transport on Sunday 20th July is asking for your help ...

The event needs at least 40 volunteers across a variety of roles, to suit all abilities and on different shifts. It’s a really fun day, you get to be in the thick of the festival action and food & drinks vouchers are provided. Full training will be given nearer to the festival.

> If you’d like to get involved please email FY7tramsunday@gmail.com

Thank you to Tina for sending through more information on the Spring Transitions exhibition at Fleetwood Market.

Earlier this year the group of artists visited venues across Fleetwood, taking time to look at the natural colours, patterns, textures, sound and activity they found. Notes, sketches and rubbings formed the basis for the work created in a variety of media, now on display. Spring Transitions is on in the Gallery at Fleetwood Market until 31st May.

We're fortunate to have some amazing singing groups and choirs in and around Fleetwood and there's a new addition ... the Local Vocals.

Singing sessions are Tuesday mornings at Fleetwood United Reformed Church Hall, Dronsfield Road from 11am to 12.30pm. It's popular, feel-good songs from across the decades supported by a choir leader. The group also attend community and charity fundraisers, and organise a busy calendar of social events.

You can book for a FREE taster session then it's a monthly subscription.

> For more information and to book your first session with the Local Vocals Fleetwood, please see the website here

We gave out 100 bags of seeds for the 'Grow the Tallest Sunflower' challenge at Fleetwood Day ...

... and the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way team passed on many more at their 'Sunset Walk' on Sunday.

Seeds and a height record sheet are now available from the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre in The HUB, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.

If you are reading this bulletin in time, a reminder of the Open Meeting this evening, Wednesday 7th May from 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount Church.

As always we are looking forward to a fun and inspiring evening, hearing Good News from the Fleetwood community and new ideas to support resident's health and wellbeing.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 12th to Friday 18th May and the theme this year is 'Community'.

The Mental Health Foundation say, "Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone."

We couldn't agree more and Fleetwood is a fantastic example of a connected community.

Please keep sending in your GOOD NEWS to share, 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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