Foundry Street Community Centre Newsletter – March 2025

March in a Nutshell
March was a steady month, but we kept busy behind the scenes! With several sub-meetings about publicity, funding, and upgrades, plus a flurry of bookings and Easter holiday adjustments, there’s been no shortage of planning.
Some groups have taken a seasonal break (hello sunshine! 👋☀️)
Our Trustee Meeting was held on March 3rd – the next is on April 7th.
📣 Spreading the Word – Marketing & Publicity
Social Media Stats 📱
•    Facebook Group: 866 followers (up from 842)
•    Facebook Page: 63 followers (up from 56)
💡 We’re designing a slick new promo folder to attract sponsors and local support – set for review at April’s Trustee Meeting.
🎨 Our new Spring Timetable leaflets are in! And we joined the PCN Open Day on March 31st – a fab chance to showcase Foundry Street and support our user groups. We even raised a little (£4!) with tea & coffee donations ☕💖
💓 Free Defib Training – coming up Thursday, 15th May, open to all thanks to VSI/PCN Community Anchor Project Grant.

🛠️ Maintenance & Upgrades
Indoor Updates:
•    Kitchen prep underway for our refurb!
•    Eric Taylor Lounge is getting colourful with Willow Green accents 🌿
•    Electrical updates include new sockets, emergency lighting, and improved access to the disabled toilet alarm reset.
Leaks? Sorted!
•    Ladies' toilet and Undercroft sink both fixed up by our plumber heroes 💧🔧

Floor Refresh Incoming!
•    PAT testing booked for April
•    Floor sanding plans in motion – Leslie Godfrey Lounge first, the Hall likely in December 🎄
Fob System Feedback
•    A few teething issues, but overall, it’s going well – groups are loving the extra security 🔐
Outdoor TLC:
•    Handrails painted, litter picked, and we’re getting ready to re-point the building’s front with lime mortar, weather permitting 🌤️

🎉 Groups & Events – Who’s Been In?
Big shoutout to our regular user groups! From yoga to boxing, art therapy to mental health support, YOU make this place thrive 💪🎨🧘‍♀️
Non-Regular Guests in March:
•    Reed Wellbeing 
•    Tai Chi Social 
•    Sowerby Bridge Town Board
•    Healthy Minds 
One-Off Highlights:
•    NHS App Help Desk – low numbers, but high praise!
•    Wine Tasting 🍷 – 22 happy guests, thanks Ellie!
•    Brig Royd Social Prescribers’ Open Day – 27 guests, 21 hosts, lots of buzz!
Free Community Session:
•    Clothing Swap cancelled, but Wellbeing Network held a great meet-up!

📅 What’s Coming Up?
•    🥊 Boxing schedule changes for April
•    🎵 Sound Baths starting 1st April
•    🛶 Halifax Canoe Club booked on 5th April
•    🗣️ Community Voice, Council AGMS 
•    Tai Chi for Dementia sufferers and their carers from mid April
•    🧘‍♀️ Keep Active Fitness adds a second class
•    📚 French Classes restart on 23rd April
•    💆‍♂️ PCN Stress Awareness Workshop on 28th April

🧡 Volunteer Shoutout!
We couldn’t do it without you!
March Hours Logged:
•    Trustees: 147.25 hrs
•    Volunteers: 32.25 hrs
•    Group Support: 242.5 hrs
You’re amazing. THANK YOU! 🎉👏

🤝 Local Connections
We’re working with Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club on the kitchen refurb and getting expert input through Calder & Ryburn Community Anchor events. Watch this space for exciting developments!

🔮 Looking Ahead
Coming up in the next few months:
•    More decorating 🖌️
•    Outdoor painting & repairs (weather gods, be kind!)
•    Equipment upgrades on the Trustee agenda
•    Kitchen refurb ready to roll pending April approvals!

Want to hire space or get involved?
📧 Email us: info@foundrystreetcc.org.uk
🌐 Visit: foundrystreetcc.org.uk
Let’s keep building a vibrant, connected community together 💙