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