Mill News · They also speak powerfully and hopefully about what we can do to help address the situation. The final quote also reflects the work of Romsey Mill, and our values—we

In February, two of Romsey Mill's young leaders attended a special presentation at the Cambridge Guildhall, to be presented with an award from Cambridgeshire’s High Sheriff, Captain V.H. Lucas (pictured above, centre). Mark Findlay (left) and Junior McKnight (right), who are both volunteers and members of our Young Leaders programme, attended the event on behalf of Romsey Mill. Romsey Mill’s Young Leaders programme, which is part-funded by The High Sheriff's Award Scheme and the Local Youth Social Action Fund, has been specifically designed to identify and equip talented young people to support their peers and future generations.

After an intensive introduction to youth work, including best practice and safeguarding, the young leaders are assigned to support a variety of activities and services. Both Mark and Junior have a long association with Romsey Mill, having previously attended youth groups and taken part in other special activities - particularly music related. They are now using their musical talent and youth work experience to help other young people. After receiving the award, the two young men accepted an invitation to perform an impromptu rap in the City Council Chamber, where the presentations were taking place. Romsey Mill loves creating opportunities with young people—but even we were surprised about this one!

Young Leaders Receive Award

Romsey Mill works with young people, children and families in Cambridgeshire. Providing practical and

emotional support, education and activities for families with babies and pre-school children, young

parents, teenagers struggling at home, school or in the community, and young people with autism.

Mill News

Spring 2016

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Each one worthy of our love

Early each year, the US

President attends a National

Prayer Breakfast to deliver

a speech to the assembled

politicians, dignitaries and

faith leaders from several

nations.

Recently, I was reading the transcript of his

speech and was struck by what he said.

Whether we are people of faith, or without faith;

whether we believe in the power of prayer, or not;

I think that we could all echo the sentiments

behind the words that Barack Obama used to

close his speech.

He said: “I pray that our leaders will always act

with humility and generosity. I pray that my

failings are forgiven. I pray that we will uphold our

obligation to be good stewards of God’s creation --

this beautiful planet. I pray that we will see every

single child as our own, each worthy of our love

and of our compassion.”

Then he concluded: “And I pray we answer

Scripture’s call to lift up the vulnerable, and to

stand up for justice, and ensure that every human

being lives in dignity.”

These words seem to acknowledge that things are

not as they should be, nor as we want them to be.

They also speak powerfully and hopefully about

what we can do to help address the situation.

The final quote also reflects the work of Romsey

Mill, and our values—we too want to lift up the

vulnerable, stand up for justice and help to ensure

that every human being can live in dignity, in spite

of the situations and challenges they may face.

In this Mill News, you will find examples of the way

that we go about that work; how young people are

responding positively - growing in self-confidence

and developing resilience; and also, some exciting

ways that you can help to support us in our work.

Neil Perry, Chief Executive

Fullspoon Food and Fun In February, twelve parents from our Children’s

Centres completed the Fullspoon cookery course

- an exciting and practical 5-week course, run in

partnership Gap Learning. Participants learned

how to cook delicious, healthy, low-cost meals,

including cultural dishes, and using herbs, spices

and seasonal goods; and then took the meals

home to share with their families.

The course took place at the Deakin Learning

Centre, on the Addenbrookes site, which has

great facilities, including a state-of-the-art kitchen,

and room for a crèche, for participants’ children.

Romsey Mill’s Family Worker Melisa Freeman, ran

the crèche, assisted by volunteers from Cam-

bridge Regional College, studying for their Health

and Social Care qualification. The children had

lots of fun and the students gained valuable work

experience.

The families had a great time learning new skills,

building confidence and making new friendships.

Michaela (26), discovered a real passion for cook-

ing and she is now volunteering at Friday 'Open

Lunch Café' in Cambridge Community Church

(C3) .

Michaela said: ‘It was a great course, which gave

me confidence and boosted me into doing some

volunteer work. In the future, I hope to become a

chef and set up my own business'.

On completion, participants received a Fullspoon

certificate and a Jamie Oliver cook book, which

had been donated to the programme. The parents

also did further study online to gain their Level 2

Food Hygiene qualification.

Romsey Mill’s Children’s Centre Project Worker,

Rachel Briant said: “Jessica Debnam who runs

the Deakin Learning Centre was amazing, and

accommodated all our needs. Thank you!”

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Are you up for a challenge?

In 2014, a fantastic team of Romsey Mill

trekkers took on the 24 Peak Challenge in

the Lake District, and helped to raise

£20,000 for our work with disadvantaged

children, young people and families.

Having conquered the highest range of mountains

that England has to offer, we are now turning our

attention to the principality— and the Welsh

3000s!

And we are looking for people who want to join us!

Romsey Mill’s Welsh 3000s Challenge takes place

over the weekend of Friday 24th — Sunday 26th

June.

Recognised as being a tough challenge over

rugged terrain, the Welsh 3000s is a strenuous 35

mile walk over 14 peaks in Snowdonia, which

walkers aim to complete within 24 hours, over one

or two days, depending on fitness.

Accompanied by experienced mountain guides,

trekkers will have the opportunity to take part in a

demanding yet memorable event; and also help to

make a difference for local families and young

people who face significant challenges of their

own.

Does that appeal to the adventurous spirit inside

you?

We are asking for a non-refundable deposit of

£150 per person, to cover the costs of the trip,

including two nights accommodation and food,

and experienced mountain guides. We also ask

that those taking part try to raise at least £500 for

Romsey Mill.

The event is open to anyone who is up to the

physical challenge, and wants to help us in this

way. So if you want to take part individually, or as

part of a team—do get in touch. Places are

limited, and it will be first come, first served.

Please also get in touch if you could volunteer for

the event to help us with driving the minibuses, or

if you have a food hygiene certificate, and could

cook for the team.

You can find out more about the Welsh 3000s

Challenge on our website: www.romseymill.org,

where you can also download a copy of the

booking form.

Alternatively, give us a call on 01223 566492 to

talk to a member of our Fundraising team, and we

will send details to you.

Romsey Mill trekkers taking on the 24 Peak Challenge in the Lake District in 2014

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Time to Shine

At the end of last year, Romsey Mill took eight young parents to Queens’ College for afternoon tea, to celebrate the end of their Shine self-esteem course.

Queens’ College’s chaplain, Tim Harling, very kindly hosted the group and showed everyone round the historic grounds, including the chapel.

It was a memorable, special afternoon. A great way to celebrate the young parents’ achievement.

Comments from the young parents included:

‘It made me feel really special’.

‘OMG, I’ve totally fallen in love with this place.’

‘It’s well snazzy’.

‘It was dead posh.’

“I thought I’d feel uncomfortable, like I didn’t have the right to be somewhere like that, but my self-worth has improved so much, that I really felt I belonged.’

Our thanks go to Queens’ College and to Tim Harling for making us so welcome.

Enterprising Entrepreneurs

Step-Up is an alternative education course run by

Romsey Mill. As part of the course, a couple of

our students interviewed two local entrepreneurs,

who generously gave up their time, to discuss the

skills and qualities required to be a successful

entrepreneur.

Kate Nation, who used to work at Romsey Mill,

runs Turtle Dove Cambridge, a social enterprise

providing work experience combined with youth

support for young women, between 15-22. They

work at various events across the city from charity

fundraisers to private functions. Alongside this the

young women have opportunities to host art

workshops and events for the elderly.

Angie Powell runs Relevant Records Café with

her husband. They do a great job, serving the

Romsey community with what we consider some

of the best brownies in Cambridge – and other

lush refreshments and of course loads of vinyl.

Our two young people had many questions to ask

and came away with a much better understanding

of what it takes to run a business. We had really

positive feedback all round.

For the next stage of the course our young people

put all of their newly acquired knowledge into

practice and launched their own enterprise. They

decided to create and sell Mothers’ Day gift sets,

and having met some of our young entrepreneurs

Angie Powell kindly offered to sell some of the gift

sets at Relevant Record Café.

Youth Development Worker Naomi Message said:

“A big thank you goes out to Kate and Angie for

their kind generosity. The young people found it

very interesting and learned a lot about what it

takes to run your own business.”

If you would like to know more about some of the

other alternative education work that we do,

particularly if you would be interested in being a

maths tutor for some of young people, please get

in touch with Mike Farrington on 01223 566392

or email: [email protected]

5

At Romsey Mill’s Thanksgiving Service, Tuckz, one of the young people who has been part of our music programme, performed one of his own songs. Several people commented on the song afterwards, and Tuckz has kindly agreed

for us to reproduce his lyrics here:

Can't describe how I'm feeling Emotions taking over I can't stop grieving, God took away my grandma how could he do this Tears in my eyes I can't see to get through this.

I'm just praying for a better day I know she's in a better place, She always told me to follow Jesus And now in here fixing up the pieces.

Of what we had, and what we shared, You was my heart and soul and now you're not here But you're in my heart and watching over me, tears in my eyes so I can't see.

You was a woman of Christ loving, caring, blessed so nice Wrapping me warm when I was cold as ice, Always stuffing me with that peas and rice.

Always. Always reading from the bible, Always telling me that I should be a disciple. Even on your death bed you didn't think twice you was so brave living a Christian life.

I remember on your birthday you told me you were blooming, And now you're in heaven and I know you're still blooming.

So much blood pumping from my veins, Reflecting on life while I'm sitting in the rain. Every night I look at a picture of you then go to sleep, Since you passed away grandma I rarely ever eat.

I love you from the bottom of my heart, When I was low you was the light in the dark. Remember you always telling Johnny clean up his room, Reflecting your light on us, just like a moon.

I cry myself to sleep and pray for a better day, People say wassup but I just never ever say. Always say I'm tired I'm hungry or okay... They won't get it their pain is like my best day.

I wish I was there just to say goodbye, I wish I was there when God told you to fly, I wish I was there when he took you to the sky, I wish I was there just to say good bye.

I wish I was there just to say goodbye, I wish I was there when God told you to fly, I wish I was there when he took you to the sky, I wish I was there just to say good bye.

Praying for a better day

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Romsey Mill’s Charity Shop

We have been looking at the history of the

Romsey Mill Charity Shop. It started over 30 years

ago under the banner of Rom Church and 15

years later took on the name Romsey Mill Charity

Shop. Originally situated on Thoday Street, the

shop moved to its current location in May 2013.

The shop is managed by Terri Oxford with about

20 regular volunteers. Last year the shop made a

profit of £24,071.85. We love our charity shop and

it would not be possible without your donations

and the work of our lovely volunteers.

On May 17th, our longest serving shop volunteer

will be turning 80 and sadly retiring. Victor

Selmes (pictured right) has been volunteering at

the shop since 2000. That’s 16 years of

dedicated service for which we are very thankful. I

am sure you will join us in wishing Victor a Happy

80th birthday and a richly blessed retirement.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Charity

Shop, please contact Romsey Mill.

You might like to donate some unwanted items to

the shop. Contributions are always gratefully

received. Some companies, such as Redgate,

have collection days, where their employees bring

in unwanted items which are delivered to our

Charity Shop. Is this something you could

suggest at your place of work?

If neither of the above appeals maybe you could support Terri’s Sponsored Skydive? In mid March- mid April 2016 (weather permitting) Terri will be throwing herself out of a plane in a duo skydive to raise funds for Romsey Mill. Terri hates heights so will be conquering her fear whilst raising essential funds for the work we do helping people in real need. Your support will spur her on, so please check out her page www.justgiving.com/Terri-Oxford

Nerf Wars

In February half-term, Romsey Mill’s Sports Hall

was transformed into a foam-gun (Nerf) play

area for some of our Aspire groups, for young

people with autistic spectrum conditions.

The young people took part in the innovative

team challenges, which were devised by our

youth development workers.

Pickfords donated the removal cardboard boxes,

which helped to create the right atmosphere and

setting for the event, which was enjoyed by all—

even the leaders!!

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Walking the Walk

I am sending a one-off donation

I would like to give a regular donation

£10 £30 £50 £150

Other £……...

Name and address ...................................

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Please tick to Gift Aid your donation

I confirm that I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax

and/or Capital Gains Tax for each year (6th April to 5th April)

that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all charities or

Community Amateur Sports Clubs that I donate to will reclaim

on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such

as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand that the

charity will reclaim 25p tax on every £1 that I give. I will advise

Romsey Mill Trust if these details change.

Cheques payable to ‘Romsey Mill Trust’

Signed: ……………………………………...

Please detach this form and return with your donation

to the address below.

ALTERNATIVELY:

Fundraise for us or donate online at

www.justgiving.com/romseymill

Text: MILL12£5 or MILL12£10 to 70070

to give £5 or £10

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EVERY PENNY COUNTS—THANK

YOU!

Each September, the community of Cambridge

comes together to take part in the annual Open

Cambridge Walk, previously known as Bridge the

Gap. This special fundraising event gives people

the opportunity to explore the beautiful Cambridge

Colleges whilst raising money for local charities.

We are delighted to be able to announce that

Romsey Mill will be a Charity Partner of the Open

Cambridge Walk, together with the Arthur Rank

Hospice, and we look forward to working with the

University of Cambridge Public Engagement

Team and other partners on the project.

Last year’s event raised over £47,000 for local

charities, with more than 2,000 people taking part.

We hope that many of our supporters, and their

families and friends, will be able to join with us this

year, to have a great day and help raise money

for Romsey Mill and the Arthur Rank Hospice.

The event is ideal for families of all ages and is

supported by many local businesses who sign up

places for their staff to take part. Romsey Mill is

already looking at options that will make the event

accessible for many of the families with whom we

work.

If you think that you could help us with this, by

paying the entrance charge for someone else to

participate, we would love to hear from you.

News of the partnership has been welcomed by

Neil Perry, Romsey Mill’s Chief Executive. Neil

said: “This partnership is a very exciting

development for Romsey Mill and we are already

looking forward to helping to make the event a

memorable occasion for all involved, including the

young people and families we support, and raising

vital funds for our ongoing work.”

He added: “Romsey Mill’s work is all about

walking alongside children, young people and

families, here in Cambridge, who are experiencing

difficult times and offering them much needed

practical support, encouragement and hope.”

More details about the event, and information

about registering your interest, will be published

on www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk and our own

website (www.romseymill.org) in the near future.

But, for now, just enter the date in your calendar:

Sunday 11th September (am) and invite others

to join in!

8

Romsey Mill, Hemingford Road, Cambridge CB1 3BZ T: 01223 213162 E: [email protected] W: www.romseymill.org

Registered Charity (No: 1069905) Company Limited by Guarantee (No: 03556721)

Visit - www.romseymill.org

DONATE NOW to support the work of Romsey Mill!

Please write a cheque and send it to us, make a donation

online via www.romseymill.org/donate or text MILL12 (plus

the amount you’d like to give) to 70070

Soul Food

“I pray we answer Scripture's call to lift up the vulnerable, and to stand up for justice,

and ensure that every human being lives in dignity.”

Barack Obama

News in brief from the Mill

A new playgroup Fun for Twos started in January.

Many families who qualify for a Funded 2’s place

do not access the service. There are a number of

reasons for this but Fun for Twos is there to

support families to take up their place. Children

gain confidence and social skill. Parents learn how

their child learns through play, can gain information

about the funded 2’s offer and get advice about

applying for nursery places. Fun for Twos meets at

Romsey Mill Children’s Centre Fridays 10am—

11.30pm. For information call the Children’s Centre

on 01223 566102 or email

[email protected]

There are two new members of staff in our

Fundraising team: Georgina Forbes has come

from the local Wildlife Trust and will be focusing on

Individuals and Community whilst Liz Harrison has

come from HemiHelp and will be focusing on

Trusts. Neil Thompson, Communications and

Fundraising manager said: “We welcome Georgina

and Liz to the Romsey Mill. Their complementary

skills and passion for the work of Romsey Mill have

helped them settle in quickly. With a strong team in

place, we are looking forward to the exciting

opportunities ahead.”

As you go down Mill Road and into Cambridge,

look out for our collection pots in our local retailers.

Big thanks go to Cutlacks, Relevant Records, The

Black Cat Café, Heffers Bookshop, Tindalls, and

National Tyres and Autocare, who have recently

taken delivery of our new collection pots. We have

ordered more and they will be out there wherever

local businesses what to support our work. If your

business would like one please contact Georgina

Forbes on 01223 566492

On Saturday 4th June, Romsey Mill be at the

Grafton Centre Cambridge with an information

stand and children’s activities (just outside BHS) If

you would like to help on the day as we promote

the work of Romsey Mill please get in touch. Or

just come and say ‘Hi’.

On 24th January, about 100 people attended

Romsey Mill’s Annual Thanksgiving Service. Thank

you to all those who came and shared in the

celebration.

We always need volunteers to help our

programmes, shop and to do other jobs—contact

Diane Hicks on 01223 213162.