September 16, 2024
by Caroline Woollard
0 comments

Blooming great time in September

On Saturday, August 31, we held our End of Summer Hols BBQ and Thanksgiving Party at 7Corners Lane from 2.30 pm onwards. The BBQ a great success, was held to say thank you to volunteers who give up their time throughout the year to help us. A number of young people, Trustees and Volunteers attended which brought everyone together to celebrate the work we do and the weather was fair too!

Message from Huw Morgan, one of our Trustees at 7’s …

Weekly Prayer for 7Corners – as you may know there is a regular prayer time at 2.30pm every Tuesday at 7’s for the work and people involved. Many of us who support 7’s in various ways cannot make this regularly, but by simply entering the time (Tuesdays 2.30pm) in your smart phone’s calendar, you can get a weekly reminder of the meeting and pray as and where you are for a few minutes at that time. Give it a try!

Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust – AGM

The AGM took place on Saturday, September 7, at 9.30am at the 7Corners Centre. At this meeting the Chair’s Annual Report and Accounts for year ended March 31, 2024, were ratified, which means that they can now be uploaded onto the Charity Commission Website. Thank you to all who attended.

Other News . . .

On Tuesday, September 10, Alison (chair of Trustees) and Ange (Centre Manager) attended the Rotary Club Dinner at Monmouthshire Golf Club where Ange gave a presentation. The outcome of the evening was a cheque donation and pledged financial support upon application.

Congratulations . . .

On Friday, September 13, Ange attended Wales in Bloom, Abergavenny in Bloom 2024 Lunch at the Angel Hotel – she was presented with a rather nice certificate: ‘Your Neighbourhood Award – Level 3 Advancing’.

Dates for your diary . . .

24-7 Prayer Room 2024 – Wednesday, October 30, to Wednesday, November 6.

Final thought: Keep smiling . . . it makes people wonder what you are up to.

August 19, 2024
by Seven_Corners_AGV
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August news

IYE Festival 2024 . . . Feedback

IYE Logo

During the Festival a number of questionnaires were given out and completed. This is the second year that we have undertaken this, providing excellent feedback for the Charity and also aid with grant funding applications.

There was various feedback on things that was liked most about the festival the following are just a sample:

Young People involved
Great atmosphere
Family Friendly
Entertainment/Music
Community Involvement
Location
Cost friendly ie FREE

Feedback on things that were disliked –

68% said that there was nothing that they disliked – 20% increase from last year.

Other comments were

Weather
Toilets
Lack of advertising
More activities

The above are just a few of the comments for the event the full report including statistics will be reviewed by Ange and the Trustees and any improvements that can be made will go towards next year’s IYE Festival – Yes, Ange is already planning the next one!

Sorry for the delay with photos these are being processed.

Rooms for hire

We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office or pop in for more details.

The counselling suite is just one of the rooms for hire at 7Corners, you can also hire larger spaces for small meetings.

Dates for your diary . . .

Saturday 31 August 2024, End of Summer Hols BBQ and Thank You Bash – 2.30 pm onwards. All Volunteers and Trustees are invited to attend.

The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust – Annual General Meeting

This will take place on Saturday 7 September 2024 – 9.30 am at the 7Corners Centre.

Help us get September off to a great start for The Bridge To Cross Charitable Trust by signing up to support us for FREE on #easyfundraising. You can raise donations whenever you shop online with over 8,000 retailers including John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Argos and M&S. Plus, once you’ve raised your first £5, easyfundraising will double it! Please sign up today – it all adds up and will make a BIG difference to our fundraising total: https://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/bridgetocross/K2U7Y1/c2s/tNiQPbve/CR138/facebook/246.53

Final thought…

July 16, 2024
by Caroline Woollard
0 comments

IYE Festival a success

IYE Festival 2024 . . .

Setting up at the IYE Festival first thing in the morning and one of the bands perform

What a day! Many thanks to all those who took part, either by being involved throughout the day or setting up and packing away … we couldn’t have done it without you! Also thanks go out to everyone for their generous contributions and support, to mention everyone individually would not be possible – you know who you are THANK YOU. The sun semi shone and everyone had a blast! Great fun was had by all on the day with activities and performances to enjoy – there are some very talented young people out there. Ange is busy packing everything away ready for next year! Then it’s a few days break to rest and recover ready for her next adventure . . . watch this space!!

More photos to follow next month.

Funding updates . . .

We have received funding from: Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity – for running costs and GAVO RIF Cost of Living Fund 2024 – for utility bills.

Room hire . . .

Are you fed up of working from home? Want a change of scenery? We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. For more details: Telephone 01873 855414 or email admin@7corners.org.uk

7Corners’ garden now has been visited by the Judges: this year’s category ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood – edible flowers’ – Wales in Bloom. We are waiting the results

Final thought…

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C S Lewis

June 4, 2024
by Seven_Corners_AGV
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Breaking the stigma

Did you know that Mental Health Awareness Week took place from May 13 to 19? Many organisations gave advice, provided links and delivered support for all age groups, this information is still available to help.

A new campaign by Children in Need is The Heaviest Backpack, which focuses on the burdens that follow children and young people around everywhere, weighing them down wherever they go – whether it’s anxiety, problems at home or other issues.

Together we can break the stigma and start conversations about mental wellbeing. Remember it is okay to not be okay.

New member of staff

Last month we reported that there was to be a new appointment subject to references being taken. This appointment will be funded for three years by Children in Need.

We are pleased to welcome Anita Bromley who will be joining the staff at 7’s as the Centre Assistant. Anita has been a volunteer with the Charity since the COVID pandemic both in the 7Corner’s Café and our HotSpot Outreach provision. We very much look forward to working with Anita, congratulations and welcome aboard!

On Thursday, April 25, Ange attended Abergavenny Town Council’s Community Dinner where she signed the Cooperation Agreement with ATC on behalf of The Bridge to Cross for the provision of funding for the 7Corners Project. The funding will help in supporting the continued work of the 7 Corners Project work; the sustainability of the building to make fit for purpose in the 21^st Century and the financial costs of the annual IYE Festivals – A Healthier Wales.

Centre Updates:

¨ New office door fitted

¨ Security – new CCTV system installed

¨ Centre roof repaired

¨ Telephone & Broadband switched to from Analogue to Fibre

Volunteers needed – can you volunteer on a Saturday afternoon? Every other week 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Tel: 01873 855414

Date for your diary . . .

IYE (Integrated Youth Event) Festival – Saturday, July 13

“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear.”

C S Lewis, The Problem of Pain.

April 16, 2024
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

April News

What do you see?

Do you always believe what you see or hear? I am reliably told that it is Spring – however, the weather is somewhat more like late Autumn/Winter … the birds and the plants know the truth. There are always two sides to every story. Please be careful how you comprehend situations and if you are not sure, simply ask for the truth before advocating.

‘Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.’ Proverbs 26:20

Centre Updates:

The new door has been fitted, so no need to lock it anymore to keep it from blowing open. Since the fitting a number of passers-by have called into the Centre who were previously not known to us and our work.
Work has started on installing the new CCTV system.
Our telephone and broadband was due to be switched from Analogue to Fibre on 19^th April 2024.
If the weather is good the roof repairs are scheduled to take place the week commencing 22^nd April 2024.

Charity Personnel:

We are pleased to welcome two new Trustees to be Board of the Charity. Fr Matthew Carney OSB, Parish Priest of Our Lady and St. Michael’s, and Keith Rutherford, retired Chief Officer for Social Care, Torfaen.

New appointment: We are hopeful that there will be a new person joining the staff at 7’s as the Centre Assistant, pending references which are being taken.

Volunteers: We have two people who have stepped forward to volunteer at 7’s, this is excellent news. However, we are still looking for more people! – If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details please make contact.

Money Matters:

We are now starting a new financial year. Our Treasurer is busy finishing off the accounts for auditing. Did you know that it takes approximately £40,000 to £45,000 to run the Charity per year? Securing funding for running costs is extremely difficult in the current economic climate especially dealing with the cost of living crisis which is affecting us all. Any assistance with this would be greatly appreciated. The accounts will appear on the Charity Commission website in due course. We are still dependent on regular contributions from supporters like yourself to meet the day-to-day expenses of the Centre. Any additional help you can give, would be much appreciated.

Dates for your diary . . .

Save the date

IYE Festival – Saturday 13th July 2024, Bailey Park, Abergavenny (IYE stands for Integrated Youth Event)

March 23, 2024
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

A new age for Ange

7Corners Centre Manager and Salvation Army youth group leader ANGE SAMPSON explains how an unexpected encounter helped her escape from domestic abuse, addiction and the occult

Interview by Emily Bright

As drug-dealing new age travellers and chronic addicts, Ange Sampson and her partner lived a nomadic lifestyle. In their early 40s they trucked across Wales, selling the Big Issue. Then, while in a car park in Aberystwyth, an unexpected encounter changed Ange’s life.

‘A tattooed woman in boots and dreadlocks rocked up in an ancient Land Rover and came over to our truck,’ she recalls. ‘I chatted to her, and Jan began dropping by every few days for a cup of tea and a chat.’

At that time, Ange couldn’t find anywhere to park her truck for the winter. Her new friend offered her back garden as a parking bay. When Ange popped by her friend’s home, she was shocked to see crosses on the walls.

‘I felt as if I was melting, like the Wicked Witch of the West,’ she jokes, ‘because I was an occult practitioner. I read runes, tarot and crystals. My involvement in occult practices kept me deep in making poor choices, especially with my addictions. Seeing all these crosses, I was like: “Help!”’

Jan explained who Jesus was and invited Ange along to her Salvation Army church on Sunday. ‘I went to the meetings, often drunk, weeping and in a terrible mess,’ says Ange. ‘Yet people made me feel welcome.”

As she began attending church, her partner’s behaviour grew more dangerous. She left the area to protect those closest to her, and the couple travelled across northwest and mid-Wales for the next year, with Ange sneaking out to early morning church services. By the time they moved to Monmouthshire, she was growing desperate.

‘I got tired of looking for God because things hadn’t got better,’ she says. ‘I started to drink again at night, and I had been a heroin user for quite a while.

‘One night, we had all been drinking at a fire pit, when my partner threw me in the fire and attacked me with a machete. Another chap there jumped on him and said: “Call the police.” I did.’

Ange fled to the woods, without a phone or shoes. The police arrested her partner, but he was released the next morning. Ange says that he was ‘raging’ and ‘went for me again’.

To read more of this compelling article click here or read in WAR CRY • 16 March 2024

Other news . . .

Ange is back from her week’s leave!

Centre Updates:

New door is to be fitted on 28 March 2024

New CCTV system scheduled for 11 April 2024

Dates for your diary . . .

Save the date

IYE Festival – Saturday 13 July 2024

22/03 – 09/04 School Easter holidays – goody bag drop on Easter Saturday with the HotSpot team.

29/03 Good Friday Walk of Witness with Churches Together – meet at 10 am outside Tesco.

February 23, 2024
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

All change at 7s…

We are sad to report that Peter Nuttall MBE has stepped down as Chair of the Bridge to Cross Trust as from January 31, 2024.

Peter was approached in 2009 to join the Trustees of the Charity and has supported the Charity’s work for many years in this role. In November 2020 Peter Millward stepped down as Chair and we welcomed Peter Nuttall as his successor.

In any role—Chair, Trustee or friend—we thank him for all that he has undertaken over the many years and hope that he will continue to visit the Centre and not be a stranger.

In the interim Alison Stroud, Deputy Chair, will be stepping up as Chair.

Centre updates …

Centre roof: We have now received three quotes for the repairs on the roof. The work will be actioned with the successful builders shortly.
New office door: It has been agreed by the Trustees that a new door will be fitted to the entrance to the Office. This will improve security; make savings on heat loss and match the Café door.

IYE Festival . . .save the date

Saturday, July 13, Bailey Park, is pencilled into MCC diary, pending paperwork and permissions. Make sure that you have it in your diary – you don’t want to miss this excellent day! DJ workshops have now started for this year.

Job Title: Centre Assistant – new post funded for three years

Location: 7Corners Centre, Abergavenny

Responsible to Centre Manager and accountable to the Trustees

Hours: 10 flexible (mainly weekend Fridays and Saturdays) to be arranged with Centre Manager to fulfil the needs and demands of the service

Salary: Hourly rate £10.42 per hour (Living Wage)

Purpose: To provide support and assist the Centre Manager, working effectively as part of the team, including volunteers, for the benefit of all the young people attending 7Corners.

Application to be submitted to: admin@7corners.org.uk

Statutory terms and condition apply

For further information, informal chat or visit please contact 7Corners Centre via telephone (01873 855414) to arrange an appointment.

If you could spare some time to help, or would like to know more, details as above.

As Easter is approaching, may I remind you next time you buy something online don’t forget to visit the Easyfundraising website first before you make your purchase. At no extra cost to you, 7Corners will receive a donation from Easyfundraising.

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/step-1/?invite=K2U7Y1&char=22484&referral-campaign=c2s&utm_source=referral-2023

January 15, 2024
by Seven_Corners_AGV
0 comments

Happy New Year Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

Please support The Bridge To Cross Charitable Trust on #easyfundraising this year, you can raise FREE donations when you shop online with over 8,000 brands. It’s simple and only takes two minutes to sign up! This will make a BIG difference to us.

We are hiring . . .

Job Title: Centre Assistant – new post funded for 3 years

Location: 7Corners Centre, Abergavenny

Responsible to Centre Manager and accountable to the Trustees

Hours: 10 flexible (mainly weekend Fridays and Saturdays) to be arranged with Centre Manager to fulfil the needs and demands of the service

Salary: Hourly rate £10.42 per hour (Living Wage)

Purpose: To provide support and assist the Centre Manager, working effectively as part of the team, including volunteers, for the benefit of all the young people attending 7Corners.

Essential qualities/skills of Centre Assistant

Ability to work under guidance
Demonstrate effective communication skills
Maintain confidentiality
Flexible working

Application to be submitted to: admin@7corners.org.uk

Statutory terms and condition apply

For further information, informal chat or visit please contact 7Corners Centre via telephone (01873 855414) to arrange an appointment.

Why not volunteer – If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details as above.

January 13, 2024
by Caroline Woollard
0 comments

Review of 2023

As another year draws to a close, let’s look back at the work which has been undertaken at 7’s during 2023.

During the year we have said goodbye to dear friends – in February, Lt Col Andrew Tuggy our Patron for many years and in June Lieutenant Nick Pryor our Chaplain.

Saying goodbye to Lt Col Andrew Tuggey (right)

Nevertheless, we have also said hello and welcome to Dame Claire Clancy DCB and Major Nigel Collins who have taken up these respective positions within the Charity.

July saw our IYE Festival in Bailey Park – rain didn’t stop play and a good time was had by all who attended.

During September we held the annual Summer BBQ – no rain this time! Fun and food, always a good pastime.

October was a busy month. The 24-7 Prayer Room provided an exceptional prayer space and surroundings that both inspired and nourished. The ‘Living in the Light Party’ took place in Bailey Park Bandstand that included snorkers, cake and music! No tricks just treats.

November we had to report a break in at the Centre! However, the new door has now been installed and we are back to ‘business as normal’.

December – 7’s Christmas Party, a celebration for all – Young People, Staff, Volunteers and Trustees. A big thank you goes out to Maureen and John Powell for their contribution of mince pies and sausage rolls.

Funding updates through the year funding has been secured from:

March – Gwent High Sheriff’s Community Fund restricted for Core Costs. Pictured left are Centre Manager Ange with High Sheriff Prof Simon Gibson and Mrs Sue Gibson.

May – Cllr Tony Konieczny, Mayor’s Charity restricted for IYE Festival.

June – Localgiving, Magic Little Grants and GAVO restricted for Utilities costs.

July – Children in Need – restricted to fund new post, Centre Assistant (3 years funding).

September – Postcode Lottery restricted for 6 months Salaries, plus . . .

The Archbishop of Wales Fund for Children restricted to fund the next DJ Workshop.

October – Voluntary Youth Work Organisation Support Scheme provided restricted funds for ‘Chips’ on Film Nights.

December – we presented to the Policy and Resources Committee Abergavenny Town Council and at the Christmas party it was confirmed that we had been successful to receive restricted funding for 3 years.

“It takes a village to raise a child” is an African proverb that means an entire community of people must interact with children for those children to grow in a safe and healthy environment. Our little village @ 7’s is continuing to reach out and help many Young People. Heartfelt thanks go out to everyone for your continued help and support for The Bridge to Cross Charity with donations of time, money and food. Special thanks go out to all our Volunteers who are very flexible and continue to give their time each week. Our work is much needed and everyone plays their part.

May the closeness of friends and the comfort of home, renew your spirits this festive season. May you and those you love find true happiness and peace this Christmas and into the New Year!

From all here at 7Corners

November 20, 2023
by Seven_Corners_AGV
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November news

The young love and cherish people and places from which they receive the skills and the emotional support which enable them to make it int he world or to meet their basic human needs. The same people and places are often the first recipients of the frustration and anger – violence, vandalism, disrespect – of young people who are not making it well in the world.

On Wednesday 15 November 2023 – 7’s Centre was broken into. No one was hurt, it was a blessing that the building was empty and nothing seems to have been taken. The Police and Insurers are now dealing with this.

The 24-7 Prayer Room was open from 7pm on 25 October 2023 to 01 November 2023. It was lovely to see familiar and new faces throughout the week. In total there were 82 people attending various sessions throughout the time. Numerous positive and encouraging comments were received about this exceptional prayer space, the surroundings both inspired and nourished. Well done Ange – nice one!

Living in the Light Party 28 October 2023, Bailey Park Bandstand – no tricks just treats and dancing!

Funding approval We have been successful with another two funding grants the first will provide the opportunity for more of our Young People to undertake DJ Workshop sessions and hopefully DJ the IYE Festival and other planned events for 2024. The second has provided income to enable us to continue with our Friday Film nights with chips – for those of you who are unfamiliar with film night, Young People meet at the Centre to watch a video. During this time ‘chip butties’ are available to all. The reason for giving double carbohydrates is that hopefully the Young People feel full and contented, going straight home when the session finishes. However, if they did go onto further venues to consume alcohol or other substances they would have a full tummy which would hopefully lessen the effects.

Back to School – as part of the funding agreement which we received from Children in Need we were required to undertake training via zoom – with homework! Both of us thought that this was a very interesting and a worthwhile activity. Those of you who support CIN each year will be pleased to know that your contribution is supporting 7’s. Thank you

The Centre Roof update

The latest update on the roof is that we have now received 2 quotes awaiting the third to be submitted. Our Treasurer has met with the Abergavenny Council and local Builder who has advised with regarding to the Old Town wall behind 7’s Centre.

Only 5 weeks to Christmas!

Help raise donations for The Bridge To Cross Charitable Trust with #easyfundraising! Every donation makes a difference to us so please sign up & share today.

We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office or pop in for more details.

And finally . . .