The end of the school term marks the end of another successful year for the Haddenham Youth Club, and we continue to see numbers grow among our senior group.
Two years ago the local authority withdrew its provision for youth services in most areas – especially in the villages. They looked for voluntary groups to take over this role and provided some start-up funding.
A few concerned folk in Haddenham who were determined to ensure that some form of youth provision was maintained then created 'Haddenham Youth & Community Centre' – a company limited by guarantee (effectively, a charity). We have taken on a 25-year lease for the building, and are very grateful for financial help from the Parish Council, the Beer Festival and the various organisations who make regular use of the Y&CC.
Providing activities for the young people in Haddenham, we have two evenings per week:
Junior Youth Club – Tuesday sessions run by Youth for Christ, from 4pm-6pm
Senior Youth Club – Thursday evenings, from 7pm-9pm.
These sessions all take place in the Y&CC, and will re-commence after the summer break, in the first week of September 2013.
The senior club is open to boys and girls – just come along and join in. As well as being able to join in a wide range activities, it's also a great way of keeping in touch with friends as you move on to different schools at secondary level.
There may be an opportunity for girls to join a female-only group later in the year, if there is sufficient interest.
Activities on offer include:
- Indoor games – including pool, table tennis and various video/console games. There's also a manicure box for the girls to do each others' nails
- Outdoor games – including basketball, cricket, football, etc.
There's also a chill-out space in the TV room.
For the term just concluding, the committee also paid for the use of the junior school's Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
And the Youth Club wouldn't be a Youth Club without a tuck shop(!) – supplied and run by a small but dedicated group of mums.
From time to time we also have competitions and tournaments – plus some special treats! On the final evening of this term, for example, the youngsters enjoyed Ice Cream Sundaes. Sometimes we make Pizzas.
The mums currently looking after the Youth Club are Helen Lewis, Karen Bryson, Karyn Finch and Tina Carless – any of whom would be pleased to provide additional information. Our young Youth for Christ leaders are Ben, James and Kevin, who will also be happy to chat if you come along at the start of next term.
