• FUND-RAISING is never easy at the best of times and in the current economic climate every penny is getting harder to find. It is frustrating to those who have plans and designs to bring amenities to our village and it is to the credit of teams of dedicated volunteers that progress is being made on several home grown projects.
  • CROSSWAYS young peoples forum have been very busy not only with plans for a new skatebowl, multi used games area and shelter but also in raising funds as their contribution to the costs. In September many of them were involved in a youth fun day held on the playing field in Dick O’Th Banks Road.

I previously mentioned the event and how the young people involved had given up part of their summer holiday to organise the attractions as well as delivering leaflets door-to-door in the village. They received some generous donations of raffle prizes, cakes and items to sell.

Many local people had been involved in supporting the young people and they picked a glorious hot day. Crossways Scout Group provided the barbecue and donated the proceeds to the funds. The Playgroup loaned their collection of ride on cars and there was a toddlers ‘grand prix’ in full swing on the field.

The idea of a challenge encouraged young and old alike to have a go at various skills tests around the field and there was a selection of activities to participate in. For those who consider themselves more of a recycled teenager there was refreshments and a chance for a sit down and watch the fun and games going on.

Magna Housing very kindly sponsored a bouncy fun castle and there were ice creams and a Punch & Judy show to fill the afternoon for those who like a chance to shout and have fun. The refreshments stall was kept busy all afternoon with a constant demand for drinks.

Jenny Gibson and Angie Colville were on hand to paint eager faces and the playgroup leaders ran a small craft workshop for those who wanted to sit down and make things. The bric a brac stall was very popular and the cakes soon sold out like, well ‘hot cakes’ !

Our newest parish councillor Barry Thomas was on hand with a chance to have a go at archery and was kept busy all day. Being a member of Crossways Archers there is always an opportunity to join. One of the first to have a go was our Rector, Jacquie Birdseye who was very enthusiastic. One slight problem was the Sunday meetings for the archery. The young people benefited once again from the help, enthusiasm and support of Kris Hallett our community development worker and our local police support Vicky Hedges. Through Vicky there was a chance to explore a real police vehicle and try out the horn, which was very loud.

As Kris explained to me it is very important that the young people have an idea of the costs of the project and make a positive effort to contribute towards the financial side. Already representatives of the group have been to see Jim Knight at the Houses of Parliament and have made presentations to the parish council about the progress they are making.

One comment made was that the parish council had again charged for the use of the field and facilities but this was covered by an anonymous donation on the day. The young people felt they would ask the councillors to think about this and duly mentioned it at the meeting in September.

Jonny Webb and Stuart Thursfield effectively gave a powerpoint presentation to the council and members of the public about what they had achieved so far, their hopes and aspirations for the future. They spoke with confidence and great respect and explained how they were applying for various grants and support funds with the help of Kris and her team.

Councillors explained that as the event had taken place with a booking at short notice and without the council meeting during August it had not been possible to agree to waive the fee. However by unanimous vote of those councillors present the money was refunded and added to the amount raised.

This was great news as it raised the proceeds for the day to just over £500. There was enough items left over to run a stall at the church and school fete and volunteers to run it. These are also great opportunities for the young people to present the scheme to local residents and to appreciate all the work which goes into something of this nature.

Above all it had been a glorious day and a positive step forward for Crossways in showing that it supports the efforts being made by the next generation. A lot of generous gestures were made which quite overwhelmed Kris and the youngsters.