Tag: Wessex

Local club helps to empower women through sport

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A local netball club, which welcomes players from seven to seventy, has been given a special boost from a local co-operative.

Wessex Blades Netball Club has been given a £250 donation to help with running costs and new equipment by The Co-operative Funeralcare, in Warminster.

The club welcomes players of all abilities to play for fun, socially or competitively.

It is hoped that the donation will support the club to continue empowering young women through sport

Michelle Meadows, Funeral Co-ordinator at Warminster branch in George Street, said: “It’s a great local club and it’s really inclusive. It’s all about women being together in sport.

“It has helped all the little ones tremendously and helped with their confidence as they see the older girls playing. The difference I have seen in my own child is amazing. She loves it as do the other girls.”

The branch is part of Southern Co-op – the local, independent co-operative which supports local communities through its community engagement programme.

The ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ programme aims to make neighbourhoods greener, healthier, safer and/or more inclusive.

The Wessex Blades netball club offers training for juniors from school year three up to seniors including back to netball sessions.

Training is on a Wednesday Night at Kingdown School in Warminster.

A spokesperson at Wessex Blades said: “With a thriving Juniors section, a fabulous Back to Netball group and a three Senior teams, there really is a place for everyone at Wessex Blades Netball Club.

“We welcome players of all abilities to play for fun, socially, or competitively. One thing guaranteed is a warm and friendly environment, smiles and laughs in abundance and a true sense of support and team work.”

To find out more, contact wessexblades1@gmail.com.

Click here to find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference.

The Great Pompey Cake-Off Competition

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Calling all creative cake makers – a new baking competition is being launched in Portsmouth and everybody is invited.

Whether you have been baking for years or want an excuse to see if you have got what it takes, the Great Pompey Cake-Off Competition is for everyone.

With ‘special guest judges’, the bake off is being held in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust.

Sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare, in North End, cakes will also be available for tastings sold by the slice.

Funeral co-ordinators at the Southern Co-op funeral home have been brushing off their flour skills but have been restricted to tastings on the day itself.

Nicki Button, Funeral Co-ordinator at the North End branch, said: “We felt it was only right that we weren’t allowed to enter the competition ourselves – although I can’t say I am disappointed if it means that I get to sample more cakes.

“We wanted to hold another fundraiser for Wessex Cancer Trust as it is a local charity really close to my colleague’s heart as Emily was supported by the Trust when she was diagnosed with womb cancer in 2016.

“The charity is incredibly special as it enables people like Emily to make lifelong friends through their support groups.”

It is being held at Buckland United Reformed Church, in Kingston Road, North End, on Sunday 5 May from 1pm to 4pm.

There will be two separate categories for Under 12s and Over 12s.

Entry to the Great Pompey Cake-Off Competition will be £5 per cake with special prizes for the winners and runners up thanks to donations from local businesses.

Shopping stalls and hot/cold drinks will also be available on the day.

Entry forms are available from The Co-operative Funeralcare North End at 52 London Road or Wessex Cancer Trust Cosham Support Centre.

To find out more pop into branch, telephone 02392 662534 or email northendfuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

Ladies’ Night Fundraiser

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Southern Co-op is calling on ladies across Portsmouth and beyond to enjoy an evening of prosecco, pre-loved shopping and partying in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust.

Ladies’ Night on Friday 14 September from 7-11pm

Funeral Co-ordinators at Southern Co-op’s North End funeral home are organising an evening for ladies to let loose in a bid to raise money for a project close to their hearts.

Emily Warden was supported by Wessex Cancer Trust when she was diagnosed with womb cancer in 2016. She has made lifelong friends with the support group and she has also been influenced to produce a Journal inspired by Calendar Girls.

The Journal, which will launch in November, will include tasteful images of women who have had cancer and it will share their powerful stories in order to help others going through similar situations.

Emily, Funeral Co-ordinator at Southern Co-op’s North End branch, said: “What started out as an idea when chatting to women in my support group, has almost become a reality. We have a group of women from all over the county who have shared their scars and stories for the Journal. It is so inspirational.

“But we are not quite there yet as we need extra funding to help with printing costs which is why we will came up with the idea of holding a ladies’ night. I can’t wait as it is going to be so much fun!”

The Journal has been a joint project with therapist and life coach Charlie Parker-Quaife from Q Wellness who will also be including words of wisdom in the Journal.

Tickets for Ladies’ Night cost £5 in advance or £6 on the door and includes a free glass of prosecco on arrival.

The event on Friday 14 September from 7-11pm will feature a range of stalls from candles and toiletries to make-up and pre-loved party clothes. There will also be a raffle, a silent auction and nibbles.

Then for those who want to enjoy a drink and live music, there will be singing from Katie-Louise Ball who is playing at this year’s Victorious Festival and performs a mixture of original acoustic folk and pop tracks along with a range of covers. This will be followed by a DJ who will provide music to dance to for the rest of the evening.

Taking place at The Blue Lagoon, Hilsea, tickets are available from Southern Co-op Funeralcare in North End at 52 London Road.

Wessex Cancer Trust is the funeral home’s chosen cause as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

To find out more about the event, contact 02392 662534, email northendfuneral@southerncoops.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/journalprojectthisisme. Or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/journal-project.