Those of you who know me well, will also know I have my fingers in many pies.I didn't realised the importance of community spirit until I moved to a small town that local councils forgot. Its one minute from a London Borough, and on the very edge of an other.
Since I moved in (literally) I have got myself stuck well into local affairs. Its a run down, nothingy area. Kids and grown ups alike have nothing to do. Poverty is high, and morale is low.
My main pie is the Methodist Church up the road from me. Being a Christian played a part in this obviously, but I was also totally captivated by the drive and vision that the church members had to reach out into the local community. By outreach I am not talking about evangelicals walking the streets trying to get people into church. The motivation and objective behind their vision is to provide community facilities and services to improve the lives of the individuals living in the area. Their aim is to build a community centre on the grounds alongside the church. They want to do this in partnership with the local forum, a group made up of people from the local community. I also have a finger in this forum pie. This facility would dramatically change the lives of the local folk, they need it badly.
This past two weeks have been made even busier by these ventures, but they are a labour of love.
To me, community spirit is a hugely powerful thing. Something society today seems to have lost. On my estate there is a rising, a bubbling. Its only faint, but its there. And its growing. And when you see it its inspiring. The picture above was taken at our sponsored walk through a local country park. For me, this picture captured the essence of community spirit. Local twits had burnt a fallen tree. We helped each other climb over it. 'Each other' being people working in the local school, church folk, children, forum members, friends... After the walk we had organised a free BBQ for anyone and everyone, with free bouncy castles for the kids.
Free?!?!? weren't we trying to raise money not spend it? Indeed we was, but again, the best way to change lives is to demonstrate it. Community spirit is about everyone, looking out for everyone else. Sharing with each other, socialising with each other. Cutting down the divisions. Its hard to convey to people that this is not a church project, its an everyone project. But were getting there slowly. Feasibility studies have been done, as has an official survey been taken. Final plans are being drawn up to be submitted for planning permission. We have a professional fundraiser. Its all quite exciting :)
The reason for mentioning it here? well I guess its too much of a part of me not to mention!
I think a lot of it comes from the same place within me that wants to be a nurse.
Making lives better. Healing hurts. Saving lives.
And if this sounds all selfless and goody goody, do not be mistaken. A lot of this is very selfish! I get a real kick out of it, I love it. I feel alive when I see a positive difference being made to someone else's life. I get excited about the prospect of joining forces with others to make good stuff happen.
2 comments:
It's great to see you interested in your local community. Sounds like the area is ready for a transformation, which you are becoming a big part of. You can literally experience the lives of thousands, by bringing your awareness, love, and interest to this matter. You're awesome!
Awesome eh? Big grins :) thanx so much for reading and taking the time to post a comment. It means a lot!
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