A belated Happy New Year!
It’s fun and games over here at SMASH, 2010 is going to be a very challenging year - we’ve got people scurrying left right and centre looking at ways to keep the project going and making submissions for funding - all on top of speaking to mentees, mentors and all the other things which keep everyone here busy. To top it all, they’ve ended up stuck with me! I’m Toby - erstwhile mentor for the last three years, trustee, and now full-time-worker-on-loan. And they say men can’t multi-task?! (…when the rest of the team here read that, I’m sure I’ll hear a cry demanding the next round of tea!)
I’m going to be here for the next seven weeks to try and help out a bit, try to keep SMASH in the news, update you all on whats happening and to persuade/cajole/induce anyone I can think of who can help ensure that we can continue into the future. I’ve been a very lucky and grateful recipient of a placement on the Vodafone World of Difference project, which means I’ve been funded by them to work here (so its costs SMASH nothing - in fact, they also get to benefit from a grant of cash into the bargain!). I’m keeping a blog with them too - so if you’re interested, please feel free to have a nose at what I’m up to here: http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk/uk/toby-robson/
As Rob has said in his previous posts, we’ve had lots of positive good news, but although we’ve won a few battles, the final outcome of the war is not yet assured! We need to call on every single one of you to do a bit of lobbying on our behalf. Our survival depends on finding a secure source of funding through 2010. If you know of anyone who can help, please please have a word on our behalf, or put us in touch. … So, please speak to your local councillor, write to your MP, butter up that local philanthropic rich businessman!
Other news in brief…
Here’s a quick shout-out to the good people of The Village Tavern who’ve kindly raised £250 for us! Not content with just one bit of generosity, they’re also organising another fundraiser on the 13th of February, which will include a disco and a band (this event is adults only I’m afraid). Put that date down in your diaries and we’ll give you some more details soon.
Also, those of you interested in music, keep tabs as we’re hoping to arrange a night at Riff’s Bar. As above, more details soon!
For those mentees and mentors who are tough enough to play through the cold, 5-a-side football restarts on the 4th of February and will run fortnightly from 6 to 7 up until the 18th of March. Anyone interested though will need to register in advance - please speak to a member of the project team.
Don’t forget that Norman’s Big Fight happens this weekend! On Saturday the 23rd, intrepid mentor Norman steps into the ring at The Swindon Boxing Accademy in Maxwell Street. The event will run from 6 to 11 (I’m sure Norman won’t be fighting for that length of time!!) to see Norman go three rounds against a 32 year old boxer called Nathan. Tickets should be available on the door - but call 01793 512936 to check availability and price.
Right, I can hear a kettle boiling in the distance and I’ve a list of things to get done. Time to crack on.
Speak soon - Tobes
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