Wellbeing activities for 150 Residents in Batley

Since my last report our community in Batley and Spen has commemorated the first anniversary of the murder of our Member of Parliament, Jo Cox and celebrated her life. So many wonderful local folk have volunteered their time and skills to organise events to bring people together in thoughtful ways: through Great Get Together events; The Big Iftar; the Run for Jo and many more activities involving faith groups; primary and secondary schools; our local authority, Kirklees Council and community organisations. There has been an abundance of kindness. 

I know that without your generosity and the generosity of others the Mission at Howden Clough Community Centre may well have been shut and empty on Saturday 17th June, 2017. Instead, over one hundred people came together to share tears and cheers at our Great Get Together event. Many of the activities developed with your support were on display. I'd like to share three with you: Let's Sing Rock and Pop; Sing Out to Reach Out and finally the BatleyPoets at Batley's Big Iftar event that Saturday evening.  

Let's Sing Rock and Pop has become a regular feature at the Mission on Thursday mornings. Thank you. There was much tension in the air on this Saturday morning as the group prepared for their first ever public performance. They performed, Can you feel the love tonight. Please scroll down to see a photograph of the group. They did brilliantly and, of course, now want some more public performances! Speaking to Jane from Songsational about the project she shared a heart-warmimg story about a lady who has joined the group, after the death of her husband, and she shared how much this group has meant for her wellbeing. Here's to more of this when the group starts again after the summer break. 

Sing Out to Reach Out. It was a delight to welcome Windmill Primary School's Class 4, their teachers; parents and carers; grandparents and friends to the Mission to perform the two songs they've enjoyed rehearsing over the last six months with Songsational: Don't be anything less than everything you can be and Best day of my life It was really special to see families new to the Mission visiting us. The project's grand finale took place on 5th July. Please follow the link below to hear them sing: Best day of my life.

And finally, I'd like to share Mohamed's performance of his poem, Run for Jo at Batley's Big Iftar event. Please see a photograph of Mohamed on the podium and a link below to hear his live performance. The work that you've helped us bring to fruition is supporting local folk of all ages and particularly a number of older people, who through shared joy and experiences are more active and engaged with their community.

Thank you again, Mark. 

Links:

• Best Day of My Life - WindMill Primary Class 4 and Songsational
• Mohamed reciting Run for Jo