StOM StOM 1709 | Page 18

Second Choices & Second Chances I think it’s about time I said a BIG FAT THANK YOU to St Oswald’s Church and all those who fill it with prayers & love. This month we celebrate 4 years of partnership between St Oswald’s church and Slimming World - although they have flown, when I look back I can see that we have both come along way! Would it surprise you to know that St Oswald’s was not my first choice? I really wanted the church next door, its bigger and better looking, easier to find and well attended - just the kind of place you want to launch your Slimming World venture from... but it was fully booked! And so, I ended up knocking on your door and you guys welcomed me... not quite with open arms but never the less - look what has blossomed... • • • • • • • • Over the past 4 years together we have: Gifted thousands of pounds worth of clothes to Cancer Research UK Taken part in a Church spruce up, helped fit lights & paint chairs (I know hee-hee!) Created dementia blankets to be distributed in the community Worked creatively with the ‘Cherish programme’ to craft a beautiful wall hanging Held annual Race for Life walks in local parks for our community to take part in Donated hundreds of pounds to the MS Trust Charity to fund research Helped hundreds of people in our community to lose weight & gain friends As our Slimming World group has grown from a single session on a Tuesday with just 28 initial members to 4 buzzing sessions on a Wednesday it has generated a worthwhile income for St Oswald’s and brought many people through the doors. The charge of St Oswald’s has undergone a similar expansion - from a part ti