IT’S fantastic to able to start the New Year with some really positive news for the young people of Marchwood.

As you read this article, the Marchwood Youth Project will be busily setting up in its new temporary home at the Marchwood Sports & Social Club just inside the Industrial Park.

The Sports & Social Club have very kindly allowed us, myself in partnership with the Forest Bus, to use their large Sports Hall on a Wednesday evening from 6.30-8.30pm.

Anyone who has ever been in the sports hall will realise what a wonderful facility it really is and the building has enormous potential for us to work in. Our new home will enable us to enjoy a variety of sports activities, provide music and art workshops, dance, arts and crafts, music and lots, lots more!

Without wishing to go into Oscar-winning mode, I must take this opportunity to thank club secretary Doreen Longman and her committee as well as Jane Peacock and her staff at the Forest Bus who are whole-heartedly supporting this exciting new venture.

As I’ve already said, the new Youth Club will run every Wednesday evening and we’re looking for some volunteers to give up just a couple of hours each week to help run it. Working with young people is a very rewarding job and the beauty of it is that you don’t need any previous experience, skills or qualifications.

The only requirement is a willingness to learn plus a passionate enthusiasm for helping young people grow and develop coupled with a sense of fun and a non-judgmental approach.

So if you can spare a couple of hours a week on a regular basis, why not contact myself (07946 386113) or the Forest Bus (02380 663866) for an informal chat.

Before I sign off, don’t forget that the Sports in the Park fun day will be running again next month on Wednesday, 30th March, from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Lloyds Recreation Ground.

We’re hoping to have an inflatable assault course from the Army. There will also be football and tennis etc, plus games, face-painting, arts and crafts and more - and it’s all FREE.

See you soon!