Fairford and Lechlade community news in the Standard

1. Olympic swimming medallist presents awards to young leaders

16 young people from schools and clubs in or near Fairford and Lechlade were recently presented with gold, silver or bronze awards recognising their achievements as Young Leaders in Service - a national scheme run by the Lions charitable organisation. Family and supporters attended the award event on Tuesday, January 14 at Bowmoor Sailing Club. The keynote speaker was Olympic bronze swimming medallist Cassie Patten, who also presented the awards.

The Young Leaders in Service award recognises young people aged between eight to 18 years for service in their communities within a 12-month period, and these 16 youngsters accumulated a combined total of 1,028 hours of service last year for their communities. All the award-winners had recorded their hours in a logbook, with the number of hours worked resulting in either a gold, silver or bronze award. These awards help to build a young person’s confidence and are a valuable addition to their CV or personal portfolio.

Christine Sheldon, who leads the Lechlade & District Lions Club youth initiatives, said: “This is a great achievement from all the young people involved, and we hope it will encourage them to keep on serving their communities wherever they see a need.”

More than 60 young people in the area have already signed up in the school year 2024/25 for the successful and motivating scheme. To get involved as an individual or as a school or club, contact csheldon1000@gmail.com Find out more about the wide range of Lions activities for younger people, such as the national Young Ambassador scheme for 15 to 18 year-olds or the ROAR scheme for seven to 11 year-olds, at the Lions’ website, lechladelions.org.uk

2. Lechlade & District Lions hosting charity auction

Lechlade & District Lions are organising a Grand Charity Auction in support of Gloucestershire Young Carers, taking place on Friday, February 7 at 7pm at Hatherop Castle School, GL7 3NB. Gloucestershire Young Carers is an amazing charity that supports young people facing the challenges of caring for a parent or siblings at home. There are some fantastic high-quality lots to bid for to suit every wallet, from glider-flying and wing-walking to meals out, holidays and amazing, unusual items. Every penny raised will go to Gloucestershire Young Carers as well as other local charities.

Phillip Allwood, expert auctioneer at Moore Allen & Innocent, is sure to make it a fun and fascinating evening. Come and bid on the night, or you can place a reserve bid before the auction by emailing ray.sheldon@hotmail.co.uk

Get together with friends for a wonderful evening and make up a table of eight. Tickets cost £10, including a glass of wine and delicious nibbles. More wine, beer and soft drinks are available to buy on the night (please don’t bring your own, as this event is for a good cause). There is also plenty of free parking. Purchase tickets via the QR code or at lechladelions.org.uk

3. School hosts sixth-form taster day

The Farmor’s School Sixth Form Taster Day was held on Thursday, January 30 at Farmor’s School, The Park, Fairford, GL7 4JQ. Visitors could find out more about the school and get sixth-form news and information.

4. Free family day out at Westonbirt Arboretum

Working 4 Wellbeing is offering a free family fun day out at Westonbirt Arboretum on any date until March. Free admission. Get active and enjoy the outdoors. It’s great family time.

Transport can be booked in advance. Sensory packs are also available. For more information, contact Mary Ann on 07555 738138

5. First Steps events

First Steps toddler group and family support hub meets every Friday from 9.30am to 11am in Fairford United Church. Working 4 Wellbeing will also be present to offer signposting and support as well as welcoming a specialist guest speaker once a month. Toys, craft, singing and a snack are provided.

£1 donation per family. For details, contact Mary Ann on 07555 738138

6. Modern-style service at St Mary’s Church

Everyone is invited to the contemporary-style service at St Mary’s Church on the first Sunday of the month from 6pm to 7pm. The next service is on Sunday, February 2.

This is a wonderful opportunity to invite family, friends and neighbours to church, especially those who have never been, those who haven’t been for years or those who have never found a church that feels ‘just right’ for them. For more information, contact carolinesymcox@googlemail.com or pa.wilkins@hotmail.co.uk

7. Lechlade Craft Barn workshops

Lechlade Craft Barn has been offering three workshops. A Print & Make a Lampshade workshop took place on Thursday, January 30. A Pyrography Beginners workshop, meanwhile, was held on Friday, January 31 with guest tutor Sharon of Maybug Studio.

A UV Resin Jewellery workshop takes place today, Saturday, February 1. Learn how to work with UV resin, which is vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic, for a faster cure allowing you to create beautiful botanical jewellery pieces that you will be able to wear home. The cost is £70. For information about times and the venue, visit lechladecraftbarn.com

8. New trustees sought for Fairford and Lechlade charity

The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities charity is looking for new trustees to take a proactive role within the organisation. All experiences and backgrounds are welcome. Ideally, candidates should be people interested in FFLC services and how the charity makes an impact in the community.

Meetings are quarterly, and there are a range of subcommittees to specialise in. For more information, contact Kelly, general manager, on gm@friendsoffairford.org.uk

9. Eco warrior and actress starring in panto

As well as collecting litter to help keep the streets of Fairford clear and tidy, eco warrior, Heather Kent, 16, is also a talented actress. She studies at Stagedoor Learning in Cheltenham, which has teamed up with the Everyman Theatre to offer students the best chance of learning about the performing arts industry.

Last year, Ms Kent was acting on stage in panto with the Faringdon Dramatic Society. She is back on stage with the society again this year in the panto Cinderella. The show is written by Alan P Frayn and directed by Debbie Lock. It features Ms Kent in two parts - one as Chambers, the royal family announcer, and the other as a villager.

Cinderella is being shown at The Elms Primary School in Faringdon from Friday, January 31 to Saturday, February 1. Evening performances start at 7.30pm on both dates, and there is an additional afternoon performance at 2.30pm on Saturday, February 1. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain-up. Tickets are available from faringdondramatic.org.uk