At our May meeting we were pleased to welcome Chris Barnes, who gave an illustrated talk about Youthscape, an inspiring charity project which involved purchasing and converting an old flour mill in Luton into a Youth Centre. Chris emphasized that from the beginning, through prayer, God was involved in everything relating to the project. Youthscape evolved from an earlier organisation, the Luton Churches Education Trust, which started out in 1993 as a scheme to help the young people in the area. As its popularity increased there was the need for larger and more suitable premises. In what seemed an exceptionally optimistic project to take on it was decided in 2013 to buy Bute Mills, a derelict flour mill near the town centre. Through grants and other fundraising a total of £3.2 million pounds was spent on the purchase and refurbishment of this building. As well as a lot of voluntary input from many others the young people, mainly teenagers, were involved in the planning, to ensure that the appropriate facilities and décor were provided for their needs. The result was a wonderful building, used for a variety of activities and can be used for up to 250 people. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury is Patron of the charity and the project was officially opened in 2016 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. There are lots of activities and the social, emotional and spiritual development of the young attendees is the main aim. A café is included, which serves as a useful hub for all.
On Wednesday 1st June we will be joining members of Old Brampton WI for a visit to the Technique Stadium, the home of Chesterfield Football Club, meeting there at 11am.
As the visit is on the date originally scheduled for our Jubilee celebration, this will now be our July meeting, on Wednesday, 6th July, when we will be celebrating The Queen’s 70 years on the throne. There will be a strawberry tea, plenty of red, white and blue, music, plus photos and memorabilia which members are invited to bring along.
Trish Law