WHO DOESN’T LIKE A CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE?

One of the many contributions we make to the wellbeing of our NW Ipswich communities is by staging events. Whether it’s an event at our Skatepark, a Dog Show or at our Community Garden, they are all well supported by our residents.

So, in December when it was suggested we hold an evening Carol Concert around our Friendly Bench at Castle Hill Community Centre we had a bit of a dilemma. Bearing in mind Covid-19 was still top of the agenda, after a lot of planning we decided to go ahead and it turned out to be a wonderful event.

Under a starry sky, with mince pies and mulled wine, we were led by Ipswich Hospital A&E Choir, raising the roof with the best of the Christmas songs.

We did a collection for the Children’s Appeal at Ipswich Hospital towards which our residents generously donated and we topped it up with money from our Lottery funding. The £200 donation was gratefully received by the hospital charity with thanks to everyone who donated. The exciting construction of the new Children’s Unit is planned to begin in April

North West Ipswich Big Local Trust was delighted to celebrate with various organisations and groups the work they had achieved together over the past three years within the Whitton, Whitehouse and Castle Hill areas

This first Celebration evening was held in early December at the Meeting Place in Limerick Close and was attended by representatives of more than thirty organisations, schools and local groups.

The event showcased the different projects that NWI Big Local Trust had been involved in, especially the main project of a Skatepark in Whitehouse Park, which was completed late 2015.

To be more visual and readily available to the community NWI Big Local Trust explained that there were plans to open an office in Meredith Road in the near future.

The event was a great opportunity for these groups and organisations to discuss their past and present work in the community with NWI Big Local Trust. They showed great interest and support for the projects that NWI Big Local Trust were considering for the future to help increase involvement by the local community.

During the buffet break excellent entertainment was provided by Tommy with his Punch and Judy show.

NWI Big Local Trust wanted to acknowledge the tremendous work done by individuals within this community. Their dedicated work ranged widely from raising funds for sick children, helping local groups to grow and thrive, introducing nature areas, improving football club facilities to helping their next door neighbour.

Reverend Jutta Brueck was pleased to present these awards to these remarkable and outstanding individuals.

A special award went to Leah Douglas who was instrumental in forming NWI Big Local Trust three years ago and helped the resident members to continue the work of the Big Local Trust.

The evening ended with rousing carol singing from members

With such an successful evening NWI BLT is looking forward to making this an annual event.

Back…BLT recently took a look back at the last year and all that has been achieved in that time. For a group of local residents, all volunteers, we’ve not done too badly in our ongoing efforts to improve our community for everyone living in it.

For a start, more than £61,000 of funding has been awarded to local groups and organisations delivering services and projects to the residents, and then there is the new skatepark too of course!

To get things moving we also split into sub groups each concentrating on specific groups: Seniors, Young People, Social Investment, Skatepark and general Publicity, working with professionals from a huge range of backgrounds  to guide and support us along the way.

Then there’s the new website where so much info can now be found, including how to apply for funding, info on the project itself, details of community events etc

Forth…we looked at what the aims should be for the next year, out of all the things that residents have been telling us they would like to see improve.

Hard work, but worth every minute.

Would you like to get involved? Get in touch via the contact page on the website or give us a call on 07976 565329

Funday to be held at the Flying Horse, Waterford Road on Sunday August 30th from 12 noon.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is hosting Scam Awareness Month in July and, in conjunction with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, is aiming to raise awareness among consumers around the issue of scams. This year the theme is Don’t be Rushed, Don’t be Hushed’. I have included a link below.

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/trading-standards-for-consumers/suffolk-scamnesty/                

Please share with your friends and colleagues.

The first North West Ipswich ‘Suffolk Assembly of Youth’ ( SAY) event was a great success.

Held on the 13th May at The Meeting Place in Limerick Close, young people from Whitton, Whitehouse and Castle Hill got together to discuss issues that affect them.

Core topics for discussion included:
– Mental Health and Well-Being,
– A place to meet
– The environment
– Safety , including e-safety.

The results are currently being collated so watch this space for more information following this event.

The NWI BLT will continue to offer these and other young people from the area an opportunity to voice their opinion and make a change to their community.

The event was a partnership between, NWI BLT, Suffolk County Council, Children and Young Peoples Services and ‘Giving Young People A Voice’ www.gypav.co.uk

More information on SAY can be found here: www.thesource.me.uk/leisure-and-getting-involved/suffolk-assembly-of-youth-say/

3.4 miles, 6899 steps and a mountain of sacks later…but surprisingly, it was actually fun!

Thank you to the Big Clean Community Heroes for all their hard work in helping to clean up litter between Castle Hill Community Centre and Whitehouse Park today.

It was great to be involved, and see community spirit alive & kicking. NWI BLT got to speak to many residents along the way and the feedback was great. In the park a young guy (in the customary hoodie) joined in too. Who says our youth don’t care?!

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the East of England Co-op and Community Action Suffolk and hopefully it won’t be the last.

Get in touch if you would like to see your road get the Big Clean treatment.