A group chaired by Heather Prangley in the Kidderminster West Team Ministry has developed two new initiatives for residents across Kidderminster. The aim was to get people talking, hopefully make people smile and engage with their local community.
Heather explains:
"Our first initiative was “Adopt a Post Box”. A wide variety of groups accepted the invitation to decorate a post box, including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Trefoil, Residents’ Associations, Severn Valley Railway, two businesses (WF Designs and Mark Wrench Exercises) and four churches while some boxes were simply yarn bombed by “phantoms”. In these dark grey days the post boxes have provided some festive fun and a blast of colour – the posties have been very active on their social media!
Our second initiative recognised the loneliness surrounding Christmas for many. Many local primary schools accepted the invitation to make Christmas cards which are being delivered to care homes in the area. One manager said the impact is immeasurable as some residents receive no cards. St. Ambrose RC School has made cards which will be handed out to those attending the Churches Together in Kidderminster Christmas meal which is offered to those who live alone and the homeless.
One of the schools involved was St. Oswald’s CE Primary School and Nursery. Carol Reece, Headteacher said: “It was a privilege to be asked to be part of this wonderful initiative. The children were inspired and excited to be able to create Christmas cards that would bring a little joy to the residents at Nightingale Court Residential Home. Their cards were a timely reminder to us all of the true meaning of Christmas and to ‘live life to its fullest’."
On behalf of the group may I say a heart-felt thank you to all who have taken part and contributed to making Kidderminster brighter and more beautiful for Christmas 2023. Here’s to making it more colourful and more cheerful in 2024 with future initiatives."
Well done to everyone involved!
