Here is the GOOD NEWS for Fleetwood!

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- Week commencing 14th September 2023 -
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Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences, all FREE to explore ... and of course Fleetwood has been involved with a number of the Town's much-loved buildings opening their doors to visitors.

Today and tomorrow (14th & 15th September) call in to Marine Hall to browse an extensive collection of heritage photographs and amazing railway posters associated with Fleetwood.
There will be a heritage talk from a local historian and live music from local musician Joseph Boe. The event is on daily from 10am to 4pm and it's FREE admission for all ages.

> Visit the official Heritage Open Days website here for all the national events.

While we celebrate Fleetwood's past it is also important to look foward and Wyre Council has opened a public consultation on the Town's waterfront area.

It's an opportunity to have your say in discussions about how the outdoor spaces might look and be utilised, and also on the operation of Marine Hall and Fleetwood Sports Centre. It could be enhancing what we already have or introducing something new for residents and visitors to enjoy.
> Read more about this and contribute to the online consultation here.

You can also speak to staff from Wyre Council at a number of drop-in events ...

Fleetwood Leisure Centre on Tuesday 19th September from 4pm to 7pm
Marine Hall on Tuesday 26th September from 12 noon to 3pm
Fleetwood Market on Tuesday 17th October from 12 noon to 3pm

See the information boards and pick up printed copies of the consultation from these venues and Fleetwood Library - see the weblink above for all the details.

Please do get involved and help to shape the future of Fleetwood.

It was busy as always this week at Fleetwood Library with residents popping in for books, using the PCs and enjoying the many groups and activities.

Thank you to Andy Mitchell and Sharon Hartley of BBC Radio Lancashire for helping us share some of the many ways local residents can support their health and wellbeing.

Andy called in on Wednesday and we chatted about what's happening, the benefits of getting more involved in the community and the forthcoming Creative Voice Live event which will showcase talented residents with a story to tell.

Thanks also to the lovely Mary from the resident-led craft group, who perfectly summed up what it means to her.

If you missed them live, you can hear the two short interviews on the BBC Sounds app here. The first is from 1 hour 24 minutes, the second around 1 hour 38 minutes in or of course sit back and listen to all the programme.

And there's some new groups and events at the Library ...

Saturday 16th September, 10am - 12noon: Coding Club. Learn how to use basic coding to make games and have fun as part of National Coding Week. All ages welcome, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. No experience needed.

From Friday 22nd September, 10.30am - 12.30pm: Beginners Art Class. If you would like to learn a new skill, come along every Friday. Please bring a pad and a pencil. There is a £3 charge per session.

Every first Thursday of the Month, 10.30am - 12.30pm: Carer's Drop-in Group.
A chance to chat with other carers, swap ideas and information on the support available or just enjoy a break. No need to book, call in and say hello.

Also this week, Adam Diver told BBC Lancashire more about how Fleetwood is a huge part of the GB Triathlon team for the upcoming World Championships.

Three members of the Fleetwood Triathlon Club, which started as a post-lockdown wellbeing group, will be taking part in the Finals event in Spain later this month. Adam explained more about the local group which is for all abilities and experience, and also the training routines needed to reach an elite level in the sport.
> Fleetwood Triathlon on Facebook

Adam's also helping to organise the event next month in Fleetwood, to raise awareness of open water-quality issues.

> Get involved: National Swimmers Against Sewage Day on Facebook

A reminder of two more community events on Saturday 16th September ...

FREE places are still available for the PSA blood tests to detect prostate cancer - these are been taken at Highbury Stadium before the Fleetwood Town match with Oxford United. This support is thanks to Fleetwood Town Community Trust and their partners.
> Find out more, book a place on the Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal website here

999 - Age Is Just A Number at Fleetwood Fire Station on Saturday, 10am to 3pm, is a showcase of opportunities and support available to older adults. There's free eye-tests, advice on safety around the home, you can meet the crew and much more.
> See the event page on Facebook for further information

And a new event just announced for next month ...

Fleetwood favourites, the Karoke Kings Wally & Dion are among the line-up at a fundraiser for the lovely folks down at Willow Garden, joined by Harmony & Health and The Dream Team Singers.

It's a St Nicholas Church on Saturday 7th October from 7pm and will also include a rafffle, with refreshments available. Tickets £5pp, call Joanne on 878008 or buy them on the door.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING CUPDATE ... Friday 29th September

We're delighted that Harmony & Health will also be joining us for the Macmillan Coffee Morning in 2 weeks time, 10.30am to 1pm. Singalong with them in two sessions during the event, just along from our Information Centre at Affinity.

Fingers crossed it will be dry!

> Healthier Fleetwood Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support on Facebook

Our hosts, Affinity Lancashire, have just been announced as the first sponsor for the new Elmer Trail, in support of Brian House Children's Hospice.

The trail of brightly-coloured elephants will be based in Blackpool (we have let them know they are very welcome to extend it to Fleetwood) each with a unique design created by local businesses, community and voluntary groups and artists. The trail launches next April and there's still time to for you to get involved!

> See the ElmerBlackpool website here

A reminder we host the West Fleetwood Computer Clinic in our Information Centre at Affinity tomorrow, Friday 15th September from 11am to 1.30pm and the volunteers from The Walnut Tree will be at The Chatter Cafe from 11am to share their experience and support of dementia and Parkinsons. All free and all welcome!

We look forward to seeing you soon ... until the next time, take care.

The Healthier Fleetwood Wellbeing & Community Information Centre at Affinity Lancashire is usually open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am - 3pm plus additional days to support events at the outlet. Please contact us or see our social media for more information or to arrange working with us at the Centre.

We are also at Fleetwood Library on Wednesday mornings, 10am - 12 noon for a 'drop-in' session to share information and hear your ideas for new activities.

Please do pass on this newsletter and if you know somebody without access to email, perhaps give them a phone call and let them know what is happening - keeping in touch had never been so important. Back copies of the Healthier Fleetwood newsletters are available along with much more on the News pages of our website and if you’d like to include something in a future edition, please email your words and images to us at listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk.

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