November 01, 2005
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Coming Soon .......The famous
The famous CYBERIA SNOW PARTY
Saturday 10th December from 7 – 9pm.
Great for kids and parents . . . .
If you are a kid, come and experience our very own simulated snowstorm. Along with chart music, Xmas party tunes, bouncy castle and tuck shop.
If you are a parent . . well you get two hour’s break from the kids!!
Tickets on sale NOW from YMCA reception priced £4.50. They’re going fast, so get yours today!.
Posted by Webmaster at 02:42 PM
A message from one of our Resettlement Workers
Hi guys
I have had a very challenging few weeks with resettlement progress is happening now with regards to various pieces of work thanks for referring residents to me for a housing need assessments.
I have had some very rewarding experiences recently on one occasion I left the YMCA and was waiting to turn right in traffic I noticed a young lad I had moved on to George William House was at his kitchen window cooking and I felt proud that I was part of the process that makes it possible for young people to move out and have a place to call home this particular tenant came through the probation bed space and I have watched him grow and benefit from all the YMCA has to offer.
Last week I had to go through a delicate process of eviction with a tenant who was released from prison and had been evicted from his flat. I spent quite a bit of time with him and faced hostility and frustration I was able to work through this with I hope compassion and honesty but isn’t it funny how some things really touch you one of the things I did was get all the tenants mail together while he was in prison he sat with me and opened his birthday cards for his 21st birthday which was back in September it was quite emotional for him as most of his family hadn’t realised he was in prison and had sent him lovely cards and best wishes. This got me remembering my own 21st birthday and also my family and I realised we are all not as fortunate as others The Eviction overall went well and I think the tenant was accepting and ready for a fresh start else where.
Both these things are what my job is about.
Posted by Webmaster at 02:37 PM
December Events
Here are up coming events in the December period.
Sunday 4th December
Christmas Carol Concert
with Romford YMCA Operatic Choir and the Romford Salvation Army Band 15:00
Sunday 4th December
Swing to the Music of The Les Leader Big Band
Tickets £10.00 including light snacks.
Bring your own Drinks, beer or Wine 19:00 till 22:00
Monday 5th December
Children’s Pantomime 18:00
Friday 16th December
Staff Christmas Cabaret & Awards Ceremony
In addition to the above a number of the groups who use the facilities at Romford YMCA will be having special Christmas Functions
Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
Posted by Webmaster at 11:45 AM
Romford YMCA Activ8 Schools Fitness Programme
The Romford YMCA has recently embarked on a brand new fun ‘Health & Fitness’ initiative for children in schools in the local boroughs. The programme answers the calls of all the hotly disputed cries from schools, parents & Central Government that children are not spending enough time putting on their sports kit.
The Activ8 schools programme is a 6 week renewable after school syllabus that positively promotes healthy acts & lifestyles for children. Using qualified coaches & instructors the 6 week programme offers a comprehensive, diverse & dynamic structure of activities.
The Activ8 pilot launched in Harold Court Primary on Tuesday 8th February 2005 & since then, the pilot programme has visited 5 schools, run 11 programmes & has seen almost 250 children in just 14 weeks. The programme has been massively successful & with the start of the new academic year we are now ready to officially launch our programme to primary schools across the borough.
The Activ8 programme will allow us to run as many classes for as many different year groups as you propose. Each class is open to just 30 children (with 15 being the minimum). Therefore each class will be booked on a first come-first served basis, with a minimal cost required to enrol. It should be noted that all children should attend in full school P.E. Kit.
Our programme is fully supported & endorsed by the School Sports Partnership (SSCo).
Activ8 is open to all, relevant to all, focuses on the positive and ultimately builds healthy people, healthy families and healthy communities.
To arrange an appointment or if you have any further questions regarding the programme please feel free to contact myself on: 01708 766 211 ext. 263.
Mark Marley
Romford YMCA – Sports Development Manager
Posted by Webmaster at 11:44 AM
2005 Annual Business Meeting
This years ABM took place on Monday 26th September.
The formal business of the meeting was completed with the adoption of the Annual Report and accounts, the election of New Trustees and the appointment of New Auditors.
Presentations were given by staff and members on the work of the Association followed by a buffet prepared and served by members of the catering team.
Click Here to read the full Romford YMCA 2005 Annual Accounts
Next year’s ABM will be on Monday 25th September 2006
Posted by Webmaster at 11:43 AM
Big Band Event 4th December 2005
We are having a 17 piece big band playing Glen Miller and jazzy swing type music.
Ron Gale, our Board Member who works closely and tirelessly with the YMCA in Bulgaria, is putting on this event to raise money for Intercom which funds our international work within Romford YMCA.
Tickets are £10 including snacks, bring your own beer or wine.
Please support this event, if it’s not your ‘cup of tea’ maybe you can invite someone, maybe parents who may be interested.
For more information you can e-mail or come along to the reception where you can purchase the tickets.
The previous events Ron has put on have been well attended and good fun, a chance to have a dance too!
Posted by Webmaster at 11:43 AM
New Family or 50+ Classes
Family
Why not come along and join in as a family to our new classes. Parents and Children can exercise together.
On Sunday at 10.00 a.m we have R.P.M. for 12 year olds upwards,this is an indoor cycling class,easy to follow and a great calorie burner.
Also on Sunday at 11.00 a.m we have the Family Boxing Circuit for 10 year olds upwards,this is a great class for family bonding as mums,dads and kids can all work out together.
On a Tuesday night at 7.45p.m we have a Circuit class for 12
year olds upwards,this is based around our sports wall in the sports hall and is great fun.
Finally our latest addition is Kickboxing on a Friday night at 7p.m for anyone aged 8 upwards.
50+
We have have quite a few 50+ classes including bodybalance, aerobics and thai chi, not forgetting our latest addition - line dancing on a friday lunchtime which is very popular with our older friends. But most importantly the majority of our classes are for all fitness levels regardless of age, so come and have a go. Remember use it or loose it.
Posted by Webmaster at 11:40 AM
Romford YMCA win Essex Business Awards 2005
Romford YMCA were finalists in the Havering Business Awards and have now beaten this achievement by winning The Essex Business Awards in the Overcoming Business Adversity Category.
Paul Morton-Kemp, Director of Client Services and Colin Warren, Finance Director attended the Awards Evening at the Three Rivers Golf & Country Club and were very pleased to receive the award which was sponsored by Vantis Redhead French. The evening was hosted by BBC TV and Radio Presenter Etholle Georgeand sponsored by the Essex Chronicle & Gazette, Wollastons and Bird Luckin.
Further information on the award can be found on the web site www.essexchronicle.co.uk/businessawards
Posted by Webmaster at 11:39 AM
From the Essex Business Awards
Dave on the ball
How the YMCA at Romford turned from an ugly duckling into something of a swan has earned it a place in the finals of the Overcoming Business Adversity category of the Essex Business Awards.
The transformation at the YMCA’s Rush Green Road Hostel and sports centre took place between 2002 and 2004. Before action was taken to reverse a downhill slide, staff suffered from low morale and worrying losses. The complex was not paying its way and each year the group had to eat into its investment reserves to stay afloat.
The change to good fortune and a brand new image was led by a new Chief Executive Dave Ball who came on board in 2003. His housing management expertise was a key factor in the transformation. Also important to the change was the role of Paul Morton-Kemp who, as Director of Client Services, handled much of the day-to-day implementation of the turnaround. He and the Chief Executive’s call for a restructuring of the whole business, particularly the finances, struck a chord with the management and, within a year, an £80,000 deficit was turned into a £66,000 surplus.
External consultants were brought in to create a proactive rather than a reactive strategy. The morale of the 75 strong staff is now higher than ever. The hostel provides 147 bed spaces and there is also provision to help semi-dependent young people with ‘move-on flats’. The complex has been completely refurbished and dining facilities, which are a major revenue earner, are working to capacity. Before the changes outsiders would hire its sports facilities but eat elsewhere.
The capital expenditure of around £200,000 has quickly begun to yield results in increased cash flow. Income in 2003 was £2.3m. It rose to £3.2m in 2004. The number of direct debit holders who use the gym and fitness facilities has risen from 180 to 900 since the improvements were initiated.
Posted by Webmaster at 02:30 PM