This Saturday, (23rd Oct 2010) Unite activists
and staff organised a fun filled and action packed day of
activities and events for all age groups. A great time was had by
all both inside and outside around the Unite Castleford Community
Learning Centre in York Road. It was all done to show some of the
learning opportunities for people in the local community are able
to get their teeth into. Yvette Cooper, our local MP, found time in
her busy schedule to support the event, showing her confidence in
the people of Castleford and the importance of keeping skills up to
date.
Inside, in the warm, kids of all ages from 10
to 70 took part in a fun confidence building workshop run by the
Opendoor Theatre Company from Sheffield. This was followed by them
giving a short extract of the 3 witches’ scene from Macbeth, but
with a Yorkshire twist. Younger children then had their faces
painted by one of the cast members. For those more mature one among
us, who didn’t want their faces painted, there was the opportunity
to try a new hair style –done by a local hairdresser, Christina
Pode.
People were coming and going all day. Some
were lucky enough to hear not only a local young musician’s choir –
the Castleford Young musicians – but also the Caribbean Steel band
from Leeds who played in the car park. Another demonstration of
artistic skill came in the form of local artist - Harry Malkin. He
is well known in the area, particularly for doing paintings and
sculptures of the local mines and miners.
Others found the sessions by Sarah Chatham
from Wakefield & District Housing and Alison Scott from the NHS
helpful, and informative. Close by, Local Police Community Support
Officers Mark Ruddlestone and Samantha Ives, helped keep everything
safe, legal and joined in the fun.
Castleford and the surrounding areas have
strong links with our military forces. Sharon Backhouse and Jayne
Armstrong ran a raffle for ‘Hope for Heroes’. This was particularly
well supported; and is in sharp contrast to the national Con-Dem
coalition government’s recent announcement of cuts in defence,
education and health spending in real terms.
Rachel Whiteley, a manager from B&Q
brought along a team that put on an imaginative workshop of
different DIY skills. This was right next door to a kickboxing
demonstration that the youngsters and more fit among us really
enjoyed.
Outside, things were hotting up with an
appearance by the local Fire Service, while keeping a beady eye on
proceedings in the car-park were the hunting birds of Minster
Falconry. Children of all ages loved these as well as the
bouncy castle brought along by Smarts. The final outside highlight
of the day came when 2 of our local Rugby Team – the Castleford
Tigers turned up with their mascot.
All day long, Unite staff and activists gave
freely of their time, to make sure that the events went off as
planned. They also took the lead in demonstrating and giving out
advice and guidance, about on-line courses and sessions available
at the centre; everything from languages (including English &
Tyke) to computing and math. Many of these courses are arranged
through learndirect and Unionlearn, who also supported the day.
It was impressive, that on a cold autumn day
in a quiet Yorkshire town, so many of the local community turned
out to find out what new learning and skills were available to
them. And more so that so many local people and groups came
together with Unite the Union to have fun and show faith in their
future and the future of the town through learning
