By Mark Griffin | Project Leader
‘Great news’ exclaimed John excitedly, ‘Kirklees Council has agreed to transfer ownership of The Mission to us for community use.’
When an inspiring person enters your life, great things can happen. Meet John Murgatroyd, trustee at The Mission. John has inspired myself and many others to get involved. Between us we’re eager to let you know how we’re getting on with our project.
As one gets to know John his thoughtfulness, generosity, calmness and good sense, shine through. Attributes that served him well during a career in health and social care. On retiring John has remained an active volunteer in our community. He supports fellow trustee Susan Edwards with her wonderful Wednesday group. Between Sue and John they have created a social space for conversation and companionship at The Mission. With your generous help, we are now doing more to support our older residents.
During January we have strengthened our relationship with two local schools - Batley Girls High School and Windmill Lane Primary School. Students from the High School are developing an Oral History Project that will encourage our older residents to share their memories. The school is also helping us with new and improved signage for the Mission.
Our friends at Songsational are working with Windmill Lane Primary School on, ‘Sing-Out, Reach-Out’ a Kirklees Council inspired project. The project involves some 20 schools across our district, working alongside community groups. The school children choose a song, the community group chooses a song and they come together to rehearse and perform. Class 4 from the primary school will be visiting us in March to share their voices. We're looking forward to inviting local residents, parents and grandparents to the Mission to hear and cheer.
Songsational’s ‘Rock and Pop’ sessions will be the first of our new day time activities, starting in March. These are participatory sessions featuring songs from the 1950s to the present day. An opportunity to share memories of songs and their associations with special moments in yours and other residents lives. Plus a cuppa and a good chat too!
We are currently working on our ‘What’s On’ leaflet, featuring all of our spring activities at the Mission. Our band of helpers will be out delivering 2,500 of them to local residents during February. Great exercise!
We’re looking forward to sharing more news about our project as it progresses over the coming months.
Once again, thanks so much for your generosity.
Mark and John
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