This year will find many people struggling due to the energy crisis, ongoing illnesses and the pressure of expectations. Please be kind, a kind word or gesture will mean a lot. Never underestimate an act of kindness. Kindness is a gift that anyone can give.
The 24-7 Prayer Room was open from 7pm on October 26 to November 2. It was lovely to see familiar and new faces throughout the week. In total there were 93 young-at-heart people and Young 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: On October 29, Bailey Park Bandstand this evening event was very well supported with a good number of Young People and volunteers and I am pleased to report that there were no tricks only treats. Special thank you to all who provided snorkers and CAKE!
Building Maintenance . . . All the exterior painting of the Centre has now been completed and our diligent Handyman Mark has been paid.
Fundraising: Thinking of buying your Christmas presents? Please support The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust on #easyfundraising, you’ll raise FREE donations with your everyday shopping. It’s quick and easy to sign up!
On October 22 I had the privilege to volunteer with the HotSpot Caravan. As previously we sited at Bailey Park ‘back wall’ with Young People waiting for us to set up. The weather was not good to put it politely and the Young People were very grateful of a ‘warm and cosy’ space to chill and relax. Hot drinks, biscuits and Uno were the order of the evening.
HotSpot is an important part of our outreach having a presence in the Community. A crew of 4 is needed each time the Caravan goes out. We need volunteers! We’d love to hear from you if you feel you can help out in any way with the HotSpot outreach team. Pop in and see Ange in the office or telephone 01873 855414.
Mayor’s charity: This year 7Corners is one of the Mayor’s chosen Charities and a collection was held on Saturday, November 19, during the Christmas Lights Switch On. On Sunday, November 20, Ange plus a member of the Prayer Team attended the Mayor’s Civic Ceremony @ St Mary’s.
Date for your diary:
Christmas Party – Saturday December 17 – from 2.30 pm at the Centre.
Last month I asked if you would pray for our Treasurer Alan who is unwell at this time. Please include Peter our Chairman who has had a stay in hospital and is now on the road to recovery.
There is definitely a nip in the air as we are now in the season of Autumn. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says: For everything there is a season. A time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go. The falling leaves are nothing more than Summer saying goodbye.
Will be open from 7pm on October 26, to November 2. Don’t forget to book your place to avoid disappointment.
Living in the Light Party October 29, Bailey Park Bandstand 7.30 pm onwards to include snorkers, cake and music!
7’s Caféupdate – open as usual. A number of ‘old clients’ have been to visit, some of whom have not been seen since before the pandemic.
Building Maintenance . . . Mark has almost completed the exterior painting of the Centre. This job has proved to be far more work than originally anticipated!
You can support us for FREE when you shop online with over 7,000 retailers via easyfundraising. Sign up here:
The HotSpot Caravan had it first outing at Bailey Park ‘back wall’ on September 24. Young People visited as soon as it was sited and made themselves at home. This proved to be a good night and an excellent training session! The HotSpot team goes out around Abergavenny, to meet the Young People in the community – this is an important part of outreach having a presence in the Community. We need volunteers! We’d love to hear from you if you feel you can help out in any way with the HotSpot outreach team. Pop in and see Ange in the office or telephone 01873 855414.
Bespoke Counselling and meeting rooms for hire. Do you know of anyone who wants to hire rooms? Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office or pop in for more details.
Three reasons for creating music include: ceremonial purposes, recreational purposes, and artistic expression. Research findings have demonstrated that music supports our physical, mental and emotional health. Whilst writing this month’s newsletter a number of melodies have come to mind.
Building Maintenance . . . Did you guess the colour of paint for the Centre? The official name is Raspberry Valley – this reminds me of my first song which was sung by Prince and the Revolution, Raspberry Beret. I think you will all agree that Mark the painter has been done a sterling job and gone over and above for 7’s.
You can support us for FREE when you shop online with over 7,000 retailers via easyfundraising. Sign up here:
On Saturday, September 3, we held our End of Summer Hols Thanksgiving Party and BBQ, at 7Corners Lane. This provides different musical genre from the musical Oliver! – Food Glorious Food. The BBQ, a great success, was held to say thank you to volunteers who give up their time throughout the year to help us. It brought everyone together to celebrate the work we do and the weather was fair too! A number of young people attended and the event brought everyone together to enjoy some food and music by our special guest Cxmmi.
HotSpot goes out around Abergavenny, to meet the young people in the community – this is an important part of outreach having a presence in the Community. We need volunteers! We’d love to hear from you if you feel you can help out in any way with the HotSpot outreach team. Pop in and see Ange in the office or telephone 01873 855414.
Can you predict my next musical offering?
(Dean Martin – King of the Road)
Bespoke Counselling and meeting rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office or pop in for more details.
Advanced Notice
Dates for your diary October 30 to November 6. Don’t forget to book your place.
My musical choice here is obvious, Aretha Franklin I say a little prayer.
I hope that I haven’t given anyone an earworm! My final words come from Psalm 98 v 4: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Living the dream: Two of the three DJs at the IYE Festival
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 shone and everyone had a blast! Great fun was had by all on the day with a wide range of activities and performances to enjoy – there are some very talented young people out there.
Stop press . . . work at the 7’s. Have you noticed the lack of weeds and Ivy on the walk outside? This is thanks to Danny who offered his services and cleaned out windows – nice one Danny.
If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414.
Did you see our new caravan at the IYE? Just a few soft furnishings to fit and it will be ready to go out.
We have rooms for hire. Competitive rates and flexible availability. Call the office or pop in for more details.
Don’t forget if you are shopping online or booking a holiday, you can donate to us. Links how you can donate:
June . . . the Platinum Jubilee celebrations are now over, so what next? Have you been watching the England Test Cricket? Are you excited about Glastonbury or maybe you are looking forward to Wimbledon or to a holiday you have booked? Whatever your interests remember that kindness is free, sprinkle it everywhere.
Presents…The IYE Festival – Saturday, July 9, in Bailey Park, Abergavenny, 11am to 6pm
Just 3 weeks to go… and so the madness begins! Have you seen the banners and posters that have been put up around town and the advertising on Abergavenny Voice? Check out 7Corners FB for updates. Ange has gone all out this year, after 3 years of no festival she is rediscovering boxes of equipment that has been forgotten plus spending grant money on new things. The DJs are busy learning and practising in their workshops, the new generator has been tested. New T shirts have been purchased along with bunting and pennants plus a geodesic dome is being made. We are also hoping to present the new HotSpot Caravan on the day. This is a free event open to the general public, providing a platform for the Young People to showcase their talents, an integrated event forming and strengthening bonds between Young People and local Youth Organisations. Pop along on the day and join in the fun whilst supporting 7Corners. I have been told that there will also be an Ice Cream van – go on spoil yourselves.
We have rooms for hire. Call the office or pop in for more details.
If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414.
Don’t forget if you are shopping online or booking a holiday, you can donate to us. Links how you can donate:
Don’t forget to use our registered name – The Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust.
Stop press . . . We are pleased to announce that the Mayor Tony Konieczny has nominated 7Corners as one of his charities for this year, Ange met with Tony at the end of May.
Thought for the day… Be the reason that someone smiles today.
Are you having or going to a street party? Whatever you do let’s give thanks as we mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen’s reign. We celebrate seventy years of her sovereignty and service. Whatever our feelings toward the monarchy and nobility, we can all look to Queen Elizabeth with respect and gratitude for her life of faithful service.
IYE Logo
IYE Festival – Saturday 09 July 2022.
Preparations are moving at a pace! Ange has been busy sourcing and buying various banners, bunting and equipment. Our new generator has been delivered – all go at the Centre.
HotSpotupdates – the weekend that the Circus was in the park we did a walk about and recce of the various places that the caravan could visit. Ange had her trusty set of keys and tried the different padlocks to ensure that entrance could be gained. Whilst out we met with Young People for a chat and gave out the famous lollipops. Last Saturday back at the bandstand in Bailey’s Park with the Fair in the carpark we had 36 Young People visit us. Not so many hot drinks this week but plenty of Pot Noodles, fruit, biscuits and drinks of squash.
We are still looking … do you know of a convenient and safe space to house the Caravan? New Cushion covers are being made.
If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414.
Other updates – Ange has been busy she participated in an interview with Matt Perkins from the Salvation Army, which will form part of 7 x 10 minute videos for youth workers’ project. On Saturday 14th May she attended a gathering/training event in Merthyr as a Consultant for Street Based Youth Work – prospective Salvation Army Volunteers. Starfish Mentoring at Kind Henry School is still ongoing. First round has been completed with afternoon Coffee and cakes. New Young People now started and others waiting to start.
In need of a room? Our Counselling Suite is now ready for hire. Call the office or pop in for more details.
Don’t forget if you are shopping online or booking a holiday, you can donate to us. Links how you can donate:
We’re pleased to report that Ange is now back in work – originally she had booked holiday however, the dreaded Covid struck and she has been poorly. Covid free but still a little fatigued and back at 7’s now.
Save the date: IYE Festival – Saturday, July 9, 2022.
The new DJ/MC equipment has arrived at the centre and workshops for the Young People have started and are going well. This will enable 7’s Young People to perform at the IYE Festival.
We have also had notification from the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust who have awarded us a grant to help fund this event – for those who know Ange she is already pricing tents!
Invitations and save the dates will be sent out shortly. If for some reason we do miss you off our mailing list, please make contact with us.
Easter Saturday – a walk about town and the surrounding area took place again this year where Easter Eggs were distributed to the Young People who were out and about.
In need of a room? Our Counselling Suite is now ready for hire. Call the office or pop in for more details.
If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414.
Don’t forget if you are shopping online, you can donate to us. Links how you can donate:
With the horror going on in the world, it is fitting that this month’s letter begins with a prayer.
‘You Decide – Abergavenny’
Thank you to all who voted in the ‘You Decide Abergavenny’ in person.
We are pleased to announce that we have received £500. This will go towards costs of this year’s IYE Festival.
IYE Festival – Saturday, July 9, 2022
The new DJ/MC equipment has arrived at the centre and workshops for the Young People are arranged which will enable them to perform at the IYE Festival.
Statistics …
Number of visits made by Young People during the month of February:
7’s Centre – 136
HotSpot outreach – 69
In need of a room? Our Counselling Suite is now ready for hire. Call the office or pop in for more details.
If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414.
Fundraising
Thank you for using Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile in February we received £16.21 and £9.32 respectively – every little helps.
Don’t forget if you are buying an Easter Treat, or thinking of booking your holidays – you can donate to us.
I trust that you are all keeping safe and warm from our latest weather storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin. High winds and lashing rain seem to be the order of the day . . . week! Did you know that the next storm will be called ‘Gladys’?
Centre updates …
Last month I wrote that our Counselling Suite is now ready for hire. We have now received some bookings – plenty of room in the diary if anyone else needs a quiet place.
Grants: We have been awarded money from two pots of funding recently. One grant is to help with core costs—securing funding for these costs is extremely difficult in the current economic climate and any assistance with this is greatly appreciated. The second pot of money is from Cash4U which has enabled us to purchase DJ/MC equipment to provide workshops for the Young People at 7’s and enable them to perform at the IYE Festival.
IYE Festival update: Ange has been busy networking and booking various people and services for the day – make a date in your diary, don’t miss this event we believe post lockdowns that there is genuine need in the community for this event.
Save the date:IYE Festival – Saturday, July 9, 2022 in Bailey Park.
Thank you to all who voted in the ‘You Decide Abergavenny’ online. We are pleased to announce that we are one of the three finalists. Thechosen projects will either win £500, £1,500 or £2,500. This means that we are guaranteed at least £500.
Next round is to Design a ‘Mood board’ which illustrates the heart and soul of our project.
The mood board will be exhibited in the entrance to the Town Hall in the week of February 28 and projects will be voted for by members of the public. There will also be an online voting survey available for those who aren’t able to vote in person.
Voting will end on March 3, and the winning order announced on Friday, March 4.
Have you any spare time? If you could spare some time to help or would like to know more details, please contact the Office 01873 855414.
Don’t forget if you are buying a gift or something for yourself or thinking of booking your holidays – you can donate to us.
The 7Corners Centre is a project funded by the Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust and is dedicated to offering hope and hospitality to all young people and to meet the mission statement of providing ‘a centre where young people can meet in safety, find help for personal development and support if in crisis’. This is how we fulfilled that mission in 2021…
JANUARY:
Despite the Covid pandemic, the 7’s Centre remains open, although all face-to-face work with young people is postponed. Zoom meetings take place, although numbers are low.
Fare Share goods continue to be collected, some of which goes to our regular beneficiaries, the rest is processed and/delivered locally.
The fit out of the Hotpot caravan begins.
Grants means new ‘white goods’ are purchased and are to be fitted shortly. General maintenance and tidying up is planned. New Café chairs are expected shortly.
We say farewell and a huge thank you to our volunteer gardener, who has undertaken the care of the garden for several years, as he ‘retires’.
FEBRUARY:
Ange and Julie continue to work at the 7’s Centre, although face-to-face work with young people at the Centre is still not happening.
The work planned for the kitchen and the general maintenance of the building is completed, although during that the builders find some of the roof tiles were missing and some facia boards needed replacing – a roofer is found.
The new Café chairs are delivered.
Work on the Hotspot Caravan continues as the carpentry and internal fittings are completed – next step is painting the interior.
Ange makes a video about the work of 7Corners for King Henry VIII school’s virtual Careers Fair.
MARCH:
7Corners is selected by Waitrose to receive funding from ‘Give a Little Love 2’ – the store also offers to donate Easter eggs and treats for some of our Young People.
The Centre boiler is inspected and passes with flying colours – a Smart Meter is set to be installed in April.
Painting work on the caravan is still expected.
Planning starts for the IYE Festival for 2022, which will take place in Bailey Park on Saturday, July 9.
APRIL:
As Wales begins to ease lockdown restrictions, work begins on strategies to restart the 7Corners and HotSpot (detached youth work) outreach.
Youth detached work from 7Corners at Bailey Park
Hotspot starts again at Bailey Park bandstand on April 24 and meets on subsequent Saturday evenings, complete with chip butties.
A plea for volunteers goes out as some of our valuable volunteers are shielding because of Covid or are unable to help because of other health problems. Prospective volunteers are asked to ring the office on 01873 855414 if they could help.
Large Easter eggs donated by Waitrose are distributed to Young People who called at the Centre. Smaller packs of Easter eggs are split up and used to make Easter Goodie bags, which were distributed on Easter Saturday evening in Bailey Park and surrounding areas. Our volunteers come alongside over 35 people, who love receiving the chocolate and encouragement.
Easter Egg goodie bags, with thanks to Waitrose
While out-and-about that day, we go on a litter pick in the Park.
Ange meets with the painter and is hopeful work will resume on the caravan soon.
MAY:
As further lockdown restrictions are eased, the 7Corners and HotSpot outreach continue to get out and about meeting Young People. 7’s outreach resumes on Tuesdays.
A new volunteer starts and the Centre reconnects with a Young Person volunteer who returns to help us.
Ange sows wild flower seeds in the raised beds in keeping with the less ‘formal’ previous look of the landscaped area in Seven Corners Lane now that our volunteer gardener has retired.
Everything starts to look more optimistic.
JUNE:
The weather turns warm and sunny and things start to look even more optimistic.
Seven of our volunteers undergo training in detached youth work via Ange’s connections with the Salvation Army street-based youth work and the Federation of Detached Youth Work. Feedback is very positive and Ange is invited to give an interview with Matt Perkins, Youth Specialist (Development Leader) Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit, Salvation Army, London, on the work which 7Corners undertakes.
We meet young people three times a week – Tuesday late afternoon/early evening at Bailey Park Bandstand; Thursdays late afternoon/early evening at 7’s Tent, outside the Centre; and HotSpot, again in Bailey Park in the evenings. During one week, over those three sessions, we receive 74 visits, meeting approximately 50 individuals.
A Track and Trace system is put in place as we open up more and a supply of Lateral Flow Tests are made available for staff and volunteers. Thanks go to Alun, of Monmouthshire County Council, and David of NHS Wales for their help.
Quotes are received for new windows and painting of the Café.
JULY:
Funding is received from the Arnold Clark Community Fund – unrestricted money which means it can be used for our core costs.
The 7s Tent is visited by 27 Young People on one Thursday evening and craft and painting projects are planned. Tuesdays and Saturdays outreach sessions continue to be well attended.
Another plea for volunteers is made, as our outreach work continues to grow.
An alternative painter for the HotSpot caravan is found and their quote is accepted. Work begins on painting the internal fixtures and fittings.
The new ‘opening’ windows for the Café, office and counselling suite are chosen and the quote is accepted. Painting of the Café area is put on hold until the windows are fitted.
AUGUST:
As part of International Youth Day, which took place on August 12, a Young People’s Consultation and Wellbeing Workshop is held with young people who came to 7’s pre-pandemic. The excellent session includes discussion on the way forward and young people offer their services unprompted as volunteers to help the Centre to function better.
Production of the new windows begins.
Bailey Park is booked for the IYE Festival on Saturday, July 9, 2022.
SEPTEMBER:
Ange and Julie reflect on the meaning of Detached Youth Work: The main outcomes that this project strives to achieve is the improvement in the Young Person’s demeanour, through attending the Centre/Band Stand and over time the Young Person’s conduct changes.
Our work within the Community has no time line – as we continue to work with the most marginalised we are mindful that change within these Young People will happen but not at a specified date or time.
However, there has been a marked difference in the Young People over the last year. The main change is their performance as their attitudes shift from negative to positive – our outreach Detached Youth Work has been adapted and although we are on the Young Persons ‘territory’ there is a respect for us and our work where peers police themselves with regard to behaviour/language and littering therefore their performance and attitudes are shifting gradually.
The Centre continues to be closed while we wait for the new windows to be fitted, although activities have been provided for the Young People to participate in which has provided mutual respect between generations.
It was a pleasure to witness recently the Young People requesting another ‘Light Party’ on the bandstand. The enthusiasm shown by the Young People of the local area endorses this initiative, indicating that it would be completely wrong to attempt to stop it.
Work begins planning the Living in the Light Party on October 30 in Bailey Park Bandstand – no tricks, just treats!
Organisation also starts on the 24-7 Prayer Room which is back this year from October 27 to November 3.
OCTOBER:
Ange completes training for the Pilot Salvation Army Starfish programme – start dates will be arranged with King Henry VIII school to run this mentoring programme.
Ange attends the Civic Service for Tudor Thomas, Abergavenny’s new mayor, and meets and catches up with people post-Covid lockdown at the reception afterwards.
Crickhowell High School year 9 ‘P’ students choose 7 Corners as their charity to support as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Ange visits them on October 15 and gives a talk on the work of the Centre.
Ange speaking to Year 9 pupils at Crickhowell High School, who have chosen 7Corners as their charity to support as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate
Ange also talks to Abergavenny Baptist’s Ladies meeting on October 20.
Replacing the windows starts on October 14.
The Living in the Light party takes place with young people enjoying snorkers, hot chocolate and providing music entertainment.
The Prayer Room opens its doors for the last week of the month/first week of November.
NOVEMBER:
Work on fitting the new windows is complete.
The new windows, fitted and providing ventilation
Planning starts for the 7’s Christmas Party to take place on December 18.
Detached youth work continues.
There’s a reminder that shopping on line can raise money for 7 Corners via Amazon Smile and easyfunding.
DECEMBER:
More work is undertaken on the HotSpot caravan.
The 7’s Christmas Party is a great success, held in the newly painted centre with the logo created by Dan Farington. Thanks to go Maureen and John Powell for the contribution of mince pies and sausage rolls.
The Starfish Mentoring Programme begins at King Henry VIII school, run by the Salvation Army. ]
In the Centre’s December message, Ange and Julie thank everyone who has helped the Centre continue its work during 2021 – and comment that ‘we could have given up, but we didn’t’.
