Thanks for reading the latest edition of my digest. 

It’s been a busy fortnight for the Town Foundation, the Club’s registered charity. On top of the all the breakfast clubs running across the region, there are a number of other initiatives being pioneered.  

Breakfast at PPG Canalside 

The biggest event the Foundation has held in some time took place on Thursday in the Radcliffe Suite at PPG Canalside, when we hosted around 80 people who have made the ‘Early Kick-Off’ breakfast clubs possible through their hard work and financial backing.  With a 8am start, it seemed fitting that we served them the same healthy and nutritious breakfast, courtesy of club and charity Partner Total Food Service, that the kids enjoy every day! 

The purpose of the meeting was to show people what their money was going towards, so we explained and showed how the breakfast clubs work and everything else that the Foundation had in store. It was also a good opportunity to thank the supporters; without them, our work wouldn’t be possible.  Three of the schools involved – Lowerhouses, Christchurch Academy and Dalton – put a great performance on at that point. I tried to join in on the drums, but I don’t think I’ll give up my day job! 

After the event, we had a lovely email from Jacquie Hall, Head Teacher at Berry Brow Infant and Nursery School: 

“Today was the first time in many years I have been to a meeting that has been focused on children and that gave recognition to the difficulties too many children face. Today was the first time in ages that nobody bashed teachers and schools for their standards. Today was a realisation that actually people do care about children’s wellbeing in an era when standards replace nurture. Today, I saw people and heard examples of people who park their politics and alliances for the good of the future generation. Today, I saw professional, decent, honest people support our schools and their staff. Today, I wished the media had reported the unity of community, the generosity of humanity and the humility of many that filled the room. 

“Today, I remembered why I became a teacher. Today was the best dose of wellbeing I have had for a long time.” 

Back the Beard 

Another person backing the Town Foundation is midfielder Adam Clayton. Thanks to 45 generous donors including fans and players, £700 has been raised through his ‘Back the Beard’ campaign; a tremendous effort! Adam has also pledged to put £500 of his own money towards it, which is great news. If you want to, you can still donate to it – visit www.justgiving.com/savethebeard.  

Armitage Bridge Walk 

Armitage Bridge Cricket Club is a firm supporter of the work the Town Foundation undertakes and on Sunday 6 April they will host a sponsored walk. James Moorhouse of Armitage Bridge CC told me: 

“The Town Foundation is a charity that we at Armitage Bridge Cricket Club are proud to support. Making young people’s lives better is a common philosophy that we share, in our case through providing the opportunity for youngsters to play cricket and in the case of the charity, offering nutritious breakfasts and other benefits to young children.   

“We are planning a few activities in support of the Town Foundation this year and the first is a sponsored 12 mile walk, starting in Armitage Bridge, joining the Meltham way and returning to Armitage Bridge. Funds raised on the day will be shared between the Town Foundation and the junior section at the Cricket Club. 

“We welcome anybody to join us on the walk and arrive with suitable footwear and enthusiasm at the Clubhouse for 10.15am – further information and sponsor forms are available via our Fundraiser Mandy Taylor: mandy.taylor@htafc.com” 

That’s it for this week! By the time I write my next digest, we will have talked to the squad about the work the Foundation is doing and we should have a new donation from another generous local company.