Greetings from the Rector

Hi

Who could have imagined we would be celebrating Space4's 1st Birthday! It feels only a few months since we were sourcing furniture, negotiating a lease and moving in, yet a year has gone by and I believe it's been a very successful 1st year. The big credit goes to Sue Elsey and all the wonderful volunteers, ably helped by the Space4 committee, the whole team has created a warm, welcoming and dynamic enviroment.

Space4 has grown and developed in ways we didn't imagine, but I feel that this flexibility is at the heart of any good community project. Why? because flexibility means we are listening to and responding to the needs of the local community.

The Saturday CARE group has gone from strength to strength offering fellowship to many who often feel marginalised in society. Get Online week proved to be a great hit and allowed people to access new skills that have the power to transform lives. One lady described it as having wings! So in response we hope to develop a regular weekly Get Online session.

Tommy's Story, the exhibition linked to WW1 has also proved to be extremely popular and from this we hope to develop a Space4 Men's group: so watch this space! Sue and the team face issues such as problems with benefits, mental health, loneliness and debt on a daily basis, as well as managing the Credit Union deposit point. And there are lots of stories of how Space4 is helping to tackle poverty both financial and relational. If you are interested in helping as a volunteer and may be discovering some talents you didn't know you had, please pop into Space4 and chat to Sue Elsey.

A really big thank you and congratulations to everyone who has contributed in any way to a great first year and I look forward to seeing you at the Space4 Birthday Coffee Morning this Saturday 25th October from 10am-12 noon at Space4.

On Saturday afternoon it's going to be a delight to marry Clare and Jeff at St Michael's. Clare leads our Young Church and I'm sure there will be lots of support in church on their special day. Congratulations and every blessing.

With all good wishes

Rector Sue