Welcome to our latest newsletter!
Inside, you’ll find loads of inspirational stories and updates about what we’ve been getting up to over the last few months. From exciting events taking place at Down Town to what’s coming up soon, we’re always busy working with the amazing communities around Burnley and Padiham.
In March, the Future Leaders of the Burnley Bond Holders held an event at Down Town to raise money to support Burnley Leisure & Culture’s ‘Young MasterChef Programme’.
The aim of the morning was to showcase the ‘Young MasterChef Programme’, which empowers young individuals to develop their skills and knowledge in cooking, whilst helping to reduce food waste.
It was a morning filled with inspiration, collaborating and spreading the word about the wonderful work that happens at Down Town.
Partners from Community Grocery, Calico Homes and Burnley Leisure & Culture provided some history and a presentation around the facilities and services provided. The guests, who came from a wide range of private businesses, then enjoyed a tour of Down Town and chatted over breakfast.
We would like to thank everyone who attended and donated. This successful event exceeded our fundraising target of £850 – which will help support many more young individuals attend the programme over summer!
On Thursday 21st March, we hosted our very own spoken word night.
We’d like to say congratulations to Mark Gornall on a fantastic evening and the launch of his collaborative poetry collection, One Day at a Time. All proceeds from his book are donated to local mental health charity, Casual Minds Matter.
The event is proudly supported by the ‘Mechanics Theatre Presents’ project, an Arts Council England funded programme that helps local people access arts and culture and develop local artists.
As well as entertainment, we also served up some delicious hot food which everyone enjoyed. What a fantastic night!
Amy’s Down Town volunteering story
Every volunteer gets something different from their volunteering experience. Whether it’s making a positive difference to people’s’ lives, improving their self-esteem and gaining invaluable work experience, volunteering can open many different doors and opportunities.
Just ask Amy, one of our dedicated volunteers.
Since starting her journey at Down Town, Amy has gained vital workplace skills, new-found confidence and work experience by helping people from all walks of life. Not only that, but she also loves going to work every day; a feeling many of us dream of.
To find out more about Amy’s experience, training and plans for the future, make sure to read her full volunteering story here.
Flipping good Pancake Day at Down Town
Wow, what an incredible Pancake Day we had!
Over 100 people came along to Down Town to celebrate with us. From art and crafts, early years play and face painting to tasty pancakes with scrumptious fillings, coffee and breakfast from the cafe and a chance to pop in to the Community Grocery, we had an amazing day of tasty food and fun activities.
We’d like to say a massive thank you to our partners, staff and volunteers for pulling off such a fantastic event! Calico Homes Burnley Family Hub Burnley FC in the Community Foodbank Community Grocery Burnley Burnley Leisure & Culture.
Last but not least, a huge thank you to Warburtons for their kind donation of pancakes (they were delicious!)
Coming up soon…
We’ll be cooking some delicious budget-busting with Kristina and enjoying loads of fun events at Down Town.
Make sure to check out our latest timetable for more information.
Down Town timetable