Caring For Life’s 33rd Birthday

Friday 28th February was Caring For Life’s 33rd birthday. Birthdays need to be celebrated, and we try to do that here at Caring For Life! All those who were attending daytime projects here at Crag House Farm that day enjoyed a photocall first thing in the morning, then a get together over lunch, followed by an afternoon of fun and games!

The birthday is always a time for reminiscing and story-telling about various things that have happened over the 33 years. That can be both moving and hilarious. It’s also a time for really thanking God for all He has done through this ministry over the years.

Sunday 1st March was the date of our annual Rededication Service for staff and volunteers, with an afternoon service held in a packed local church, at which one of our trustees, Paul Pease, gave a very encouraging message, and staff and volunteers rededicated themselves to this ministry.

A tea followed, which is always a wonderful opportunity to catch up with our amazing volunteer workforce, to chat, share news and just thank them for their incredible commitment, which literally enables our work to go ahead, day by day.

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Memories, Moments and Music

As one of Opera North’s 2019 Community Partners, Caring For Life has enjoyed special access to several arts-based events and workshops throughout the year. Our beneficiaries have been invited to see opera performed, observed a rehearsal of Verdi’s ‘Aida’ at Leeds Town Hall, and even taken a backstage tour of the Grand Theatre in Leeds. 

Sean and Paul are briefed on how the recording will go by some of the Opera North team.

In addition, participants in the music project have enjoyed the privilege of working with a few of Opera North’s own talented musicians in singing various lullabies. The lullabies shared are being included in Opera North’s ongoing project entitled ‘People’s Lullabies,’ which showcases songs cherished by people all over the city.

Last week, Sean, our Drama Project Leader, was filmed with one of the gentlemen on the project, singing a rendition of ‘Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral,’ an Irish lullaby. 

Those visiting from Opera North have been excellent in the way they have worked with us, making genuine, caring connections, based on things we have in common and hold as precious—memories, moments, and music. It has had a very positive effect on all those involved.

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Open Day Madness

It’s that time of year again, when we at Caring For Life are busy getting ready for our annual Open Day.

The large food demo and vendor marquee is set up.

With that comes a great deal of hectic activity that we tend to call, “Open Day Madness”!

A great deal is involved in ensuring that the whole site is ready for a mini invasion by the general public, and much thought goes into planning what will take place where! 

We are tremendously grateful to volunteers who help us in the run up to Open Day, as well as on the day itself, and we could not take on such a large event without their help. 

New to our Open Day this year will be the Tailwaggers Dog Club, and also a Food Fayre, showcasing local food producers. Everybody needs to be catered for, with the site carefully planned and marked off. 

Cutting grass and putting up tents and gazebos can be tricky in heavy rain or windy weather, so inclement weather conditions can really add to Open Day madness! But our prayer is that everyone who comes along will really enjoy the day, and that many people who previously knew little of our charity's work, will go away inspired and encouraged by the ministry of Caring For Life.

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