A small but growing congregation in a challenging parish in North Yorkshire has opened a weekly drop-in for local people offering support for young parents and older people in the area.
St Cuthbert’s Drop-In centre in Hipswell Parish, Catterick Garrison was officially opened by County Councillor Helen Grant (pictured right)
and is open for business every Wednesdays morning offering a welcome and more than just an opportunity to meet others over a cup of tea. From soft play equipment and activities for parents with toddlers to pool, darts, dominoes, and card- and board games, a variety of craft activities are being offered, on a week-by-week basis. A group of volunteers are running the drop-in, providing the activities and refreshments including their own home-baked cooking. It is anticipated that courses will be offered, including basic cookery targeted at young parents and older folk living alone
The Rev Andrew Cromarty, Vicar of Hipswell, said, “I was appointed in May to ‘re-imagine mission’ in this challenging parish, and discovered within the two tiny congregations a group of individuals longing for permission to engage more fully with this needy community. Following the recent Edwardian Weekend, people’s confidence has grown significantly. This new venture is the fruit of their long-term desire to reach out. In opening our doors, we hope to provide a warm and welcoming space where friendships can be forged and the seeds of faith sown. Councillor Helen Grant’s words of support were of great encouragement to our little group, several of whom are not yet church members. We trust that as word gets round, this will become a thriving hub of networking and support in Colburn.”
The drop-in has got off the ground with a grant of £300 from Colburn Town Council, along with a generous gift of £2000 from an older parishioner. “ We are grateful for the support of Canon Adrian Alker and Andy Ryland of the Diocesan Mission Team” added Andrew. “Significant moral and practical support have been offered also from the Colburn Children’s Centre, the George Nickling House homeless unit and Colburn Town Council. With recent widespread publicity, including house-to-house distribution, Facebook and on our website (www.hipswellparish.org.uk), we trust that word will spread, so that we can reach those most in need of support locally.”