This work, sponsored by the six churches is now run under a specific charitable trust called the Cottingham Churches Schools Trust, charity number 1137341. The trust currently employs Merry Springate on a three year contract as a Student and Family Support worker at the Highschool in Cottingham, although she is presently being covered admirably during maternity (congratulations Merry!) by Andrea Simpson who has been seconded from the Beverley Churchers Schools Trust. Merry is an experienced youth and social worker and in this role works with the school pastoral team. Merry is unique in the school setup, as she is able to offer both students and their families support and also to cross the East Riding Hull boundary when offering care. Merry works with many issues that the students encounter such as confidence issues, anger management problems, substance abuse among others. She is also offering training in parenting skills and assisting the school in developing their records systems. Merry has also started a fledgling Christian Union.

We are actively seeking funding to support further years of this project, as it has been extremely warmly welcomed by both school, governers and parents and pupils alike. Although the project deals with the issues of individual students and their families, the knock-on effects of reducing disruption for whole classes has been remarked upon by the staff at the school.

BrainTeaser Charity Quiz Nights

In order to raise money locally towards the High School worker, the Churches , through the Trust are also running monthly quiz nights. With several rounds, including topical questions and picture round the evening will be challenging and fun.

The Quizzes will be held at Cottingham Parks Golf Club Woodhill Way, Harland Way, Cottingham, East Yorkshire.

Tickets are £6.00 per head including a buffet supper. Tickets will be on sale at Manna Café King St, Cottingham and from representatives of the six churches
              
For More Details and Ticket Sales
       Contact Keith Gibson Tel: 01482 842597 E.mail: gibo1@supanet.com
Trust Chairman Bob Duerden 7, St Margaret’s Close, Cottingham, East Yorkshire. HU16 5NG Tel: 01482 849500

  
Wednesday Nights from

November 24th 2010

December 15th 2010   

January 26th 2011

February   23rd 2011

March 23rd 2011

April 27th 2011

One way in which we seek information and support in helping our community is by joining the local Neighbourhood Action Team. This team consists of representatives from council, police and other interested parties in the village. Having identified that, particularly on a Friday and Saturday night, there is little in the village to occupy young teenagers we decided, as Churches, to begin a youth group. Rock Solid, now in its fourth year uses Youth For Christ material. In a new guise from 2010 it has now extended its age range from 11-14yrs to school Years 6-11. The program is now as follows.

7:00-8:30 Years 6-8

The evening will now be split into two times. The first session from 7-8:30 is for those in Year 6-8. This time will include the usual period of silly games, challenges, quizzes, crafts and freetime

8:00-8:30 Mixed Time Years 6-11

From 8:00-8:30 this group will be joined by those in Years 9-11 for food and some reflections.

8:30-9:30 Chill Zone Years 9-11

From 8:30 until 9:30 the time will be restricted to years 9-11. We will continue to make available drinks and food items to purchase, but also Wii, pool table, table tennis etc for the teenagers to chill out together. We will also have facility to play music.

We are always interested in more help, whether adhoc, or regular- all regular leaders are required to have a CRB check.

dates for 2010-11

11th September, 9th October, 13th November, 11th December

At Christmas particularly we like to celebrate together, and seek to entertain the crowds and raise a little money for charity. Whatever the weather we meet on the steps of the Methodist church and regail the village with carols.

Hope 08 and Hope +

Hope 08 was the starting point of many of our new joint activities, and we remain actively involved in Hope +, which in the Hull and East Riding Area is the group, which is continuing to seek ways to coordinate and enable churches to work together for their communities.

Cottingham Cleanup Days

Having discovered how much fun, and how appreciated it is, we now commit twice a year to a village cleanup day. This may mean hacking vegetation, picking up litter, or painting out graffiti, but it is enjoyed by all ages.