Project - a typical community project

A partnership was established with the local primary school and churches with a view  to regenerate the work among young people in the surrounding villages.  Subsequently, an after school club at Pattishall Primary School was started in January 2006.

Because of the success of this club, the local community - school, church and parents, requested one for the younger Key Stage 1 children.  So, in February 2008 Lighthouse Trust helped to set up an after schools club at Pattishall to extend the work started by Lighthouse in 2006.

After handing over the running of the club to local volunteers in July 2008, Lighthouse Trust and Astcote Methodist Church continue their successful partnership in 2012 to support the work in the community. 

It’s always a pleasant surprise when help comes from unexpected sources to give much needed support to the community. The Englefield’s - Brian (in his seventies) and Yvonne (in her late sixties) are both retired.  Being enthusiastic walkers and with so many things to do, why on earth would they want to be involved with a group of energetic, noisy children?  This is their story six months after they volunteered in 2006:

We did not know anything about Lighthouse Trust and its work with schools until early this year when we volunteered to help (in our own small way) at Pattishall Primary Schools, ‘Thursday Club’.  Since then, we've seen Richard and Jayne working weekly at the club and at a Family Service for churches in the area, and have been greatly impressed by their approach. 

We feel that this is the way to help promote and encourage Christianity in the younger generation and in the community as a whole, by teaching important Christian principles in a fun and enjoyable way.  

The children obviously think a great deal of the two of them, including John whose good work is also a tremendous contribution to the young people of the village.  In addition, although we have not attended any school assemblies run by Jayne and Richard, we have heard good things spoken of them.

It has been a revelation to see them both so well integrated in the work, taking part in the games, in the worship, sharing in the fun and laughter, and displaying the enthusiasm of many half their age and they continue to be involved in the work in 2012.