Newsletter

Our Newsletter is produced on a regular basis and you will find here afew of our current articles. If you would like to receive a copy please contact us.

Charity Farm Update: Community Payback continue to make good progress

While the lawyers work on the merger of Valley C.I.D.S. with The Turner Educational Trust (the custodians of Charity Farm) the refurbishment work continues. The Community Payback Team have already pruned back hedges along Turners Lane which leads to the farm. Pot holes in the road approaching the farm have also been filled in and the farmhouse garden has been cleared. Both the cottage and farmhouse are being painted by teams of workers for which the owners are grateful. To date 436 hours of unpaid work has been done! The work done by the team?s counts towards qualifications team members are working towards. The skills they are acquiring include, Gardening, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Preparation Work and Problem Solving. Their continuing and highly valued efforts are gradually transforming this picturesque farm to prepare it for the work of serving the local community.

Rammie Scores at the Lighthouse !!

Derby County's Official Mascot "Rammie" opened our twelfth Lighthouse Charity Shop on 25th February. Chaddesden Lighthouse Charity Shop is located at St Mary's Retail Park, Nottingham Road, Chaddesden, Derby. DE21 6PE. This is the sixth shop opened since May 2008 with more to follow. The Reverend Wayne Stillwell of St. Mary's C of E Church, Chaddesden prayed a blessing over the shop. Subway provided free rolls and cookies for the opening which were very much appreciated by those present. St. Mary's Retail Park provides ample free parking for visitors to the shop. Volunteers are currently being recruited and anyone interested should telephone 01332 663546 or 01773 609603.

Chesterfield shop opened by 2 Chesterfield footballers on Thursday 29th January

Chesterfield Lighthouse Charity Shop located at 172 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield. S40 2AR. Had its Grand Opening on Thursday 29th January. Two Chesterfield footballers, Jack Lester and Gregor Robertson opened the shop to the public, Jack cutting the ribbon which made a change from scoring goals for Chesterfield! The Reverend Andy Broom from St. John's Church, Walton prayed a blessing over the shop. With free parking available adjacent to the shop it is handy for both dropping off and collecting items from the shop. Other shops are planned to open in the near future on of which is in Matlock in July. Staff and volunteers are currently being recruited for these new shops which will provide further support for our work with children in local schools and young people in and around Derbyshire. If you are interested ring 01773 609603 for more details.

The Saltpot Cafe Burns Nights another a great success

Two atmospheric evenings along with quality cuisine was enjoyed by diners on Friday 23rd January and Friday 13th February at The Saltpot Cafe in Swanwick at a Burns Night. The home made haggis was superb, and the roast sirloin of Scottish Beef with mushroom and whisky sauce a culinary delight. "We wish oor best tae every guest, The same to very brither, An' mey his be the happiest nicht, We've ever spent together." The guests were full of praise for what proved to be a delightful evening. For details of our next event please ring 01773 607056 to book or for further details.

Quest Children?s Work goes from strength to strength

The Quest Children?s Team has had a busy November as a number of schools acknowledged National ?PrayDay?. A variety of prayer workshops were experienced by the schools which took part. The different subjects covered included, What is Prayer? The Lords Prayer, and Peace Builders which covered individual, community, and world peace. The workshops were well received by both children and staff alike. We hope to run these workshops again next year. The Silhouette Theatre Company brought the house down with their performance of a ?Christmas Carol.? A mixture of songs and puppets combined with elaborate scenery made this classical tale come to life. Thanks to all who supported the event. All the proceeds went to support the work of Valley C.I.D.S.

BLEND YOUTH PROJECT

The third successful Essence Programme that was written by two of the Blend Youth Workers is currently in full swing. Two more are planned to run each year for the next two years. Essence has proven results in increasing self esteem, understanding and living a healthy lifestyle, and empowering young girls to take more control of their lives and their decisions. It runs as a 10 week course covering everything from Hair and skin care to relationships and aspirations. A high number of girls have been referred from other agencies. The Turntable Project is our newest project and is still in its first programme. It is based around 11 young men having the opportunity to express their feelings and emotions through socially acceptable urban art forms, such as Music Production and Turntablism. They are working to an accreditation in Turntablism and consequently engaging with learning. The young men receive praise, encouragement and will achieve total success in all aspects of the course. So far we have seen a real difference in a number of the young men, particularly when listening to the music they have created.