Foundry Street Community Centre Newsletter – January 2025
A Chilly Start to the Year!
January came in freezing as heavy snow on the 5th turned roads into ice rinks and pavements into obstacle courses! ❄️ While some sessions went ahead, numbers were down as people sensibly stayed indoors with a cuppa. Hopefully, February will bring better weather and busier sessions!
Welcoming a New Face!
We’re thrilled to introduce Stephanie, our newest volunteer! 🎉, Stephanie has recently moved to Sowerby Bridge from North Scotland, formerly from the Manchester area. She is looking to do some charity work and we are fortunate enough to have her helping us.
She works full time from home, but is available Fridays and weekends. She is experienced in managing a charity and has already given us several ideas for improving ourselves.
Want to Get Involved?
We’re always on the lookout for amazing volunteers! If you or someone you know would like to help out, email us at info@foundrystreetcc.org.uk or visit www.foundrystreetcc.org.uk
Meetings & Updates
🗓️ Trustee Meeting: Held on 7th January (delayed by snow!). The next meeting is scheduled for 3rd February 2025.
🗓️ AGM: Our first Annual General Meeting took place on 22nd January, where we gained two more potential volunteers.
Spreading the Word!
New Chat Room Group: Leaflets printed and distributed locally, including at the library and GP surgery.
Social Media Boom! Facebook Group grew from 798 to 825 followers 📈, with lots of user groups promoting their sessions!
Maintenance & Upgrades 🛠️
Inside the Centre:
✔ Leslie Godfrey Lounge makeover is nearly complete! Fresh paint, green skirting boards, and curtains back up, just the floor left to sand & varnish.
✔ Reception flooring trial clean was a success, full clean planned soon! 🧹
✔ Furniture shuffle! Extra chairs and a table were moved to the Undercroft for Unmasked Mental Health and Forget-Me-Not charity sessions.
✔ Toilet upgrades: New U-handles installed, old handles removed, and a shiny new push plate added to the Ladies’ toilet door.
✔ Leaflet space has more than doubled! More racks were added in the reception area for user group and community info.
Outside Work:
✔ Drain drama! Undercroft downpipe was completely blocked with… miniature spirit bottles?! 🍾 Now all drains are clear.
✔ General tidy-up: Litter picked, pavements swept, and windows cleaned during a rare dry spell.
A HUGE THANK YOU! 🙌
To all our fantastic regular user groups. Your support makes the Centre a thriving community space!
🏋️♂️ Fitness & Sports: Boxing, Karate, Table Tennis, Sweaty Mamas, Keep Active, Tai Chi and Cindy's Stompers Line Dancing.
🧘 Wellbeing & Support: Yoga, Mental Health Support, Narcotics Anonymous and Unmasked Mental Health.
🎭 Learning & Fun: French & Spanish lessons, Family History sessions, Big Hugs, She Kicks, and Little Dribblers.
New & Exciting Bookings for February!
📅 Tai Chi for Dementia Sufferers – coming soon!
📅 Women’s Mental Health Support Group adds a new Tuesday daytime session from 11th February.
📅 Substance Abuse Drop-in Centre – PCNs have booked Monday 17th February (Noon-2pm).
📅 Wellbeing Meeting – Sowerby Bridge & Sowerby Wellbeing meet on Tuesday 18th February.
📅 Tai Chi Social – a relaxed chat before their session on 27th February.
Volunteer Shout-out! 🎉
A massive THANK YOU to our volunteers and trustees who keep the Centre running!
📊 January 2025 Hours
🔹 Trustees: 117
🔹 Volunteers: 15.25
🔹 Groups: 188.75
🔹 People of Groups: 1141
Despite snowy setbacks, our visitor numbers were up from previous months. Great to see more people using the space!
Community Connections
📖 Sheila Eastwood’s Talk: A huge hit with Ryburn Valley Historical Society, earning us a £20 donation! Next stop: Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club!
🔍 Andrew Broadbent’s Networking: Represented the Centre at the PCN Network Workshop in Elland on 29th January.
Want to Hire a Room?
We love welcoming new groups! If you’re looking for space, drop us an email at info@foundrystreetcc.org.uk or visit foundrystreetcc.org.uk.