Culture In Conflict Conference

Please come along and support a Culture In Conflict Conference titled ‘New Filmmakers On Religious Conflict and The Media’.

During the event they will show and discuss innovative short films made by new filmmakers that explore ways to promote conflict resolution. Find out what they have to say!

The conference, which concludes the Culture in Conflict project, will provide a forum for cross generational dialogue about the ways in which cultural products help shape our ideas and beliefs. You can preview the agenda here.

Topics will include:

• the influence media images have on young people, especially those from minority groups
• starting points for creative engagement with contemporary issues
• the value of young people’s contribution to the debates
• ways that education can help young people develop their practice

This free event is relevant to everyone involved in and concerned about community cohesion in Luton as well as teachers and students of arts and media education.

• Date: Thursday 26th November 2015
• Time: 2pm onwards
• Cost: This event is free to attend but places must be booked in advance
• Venue: The Hat Factory, Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY

To register your interest or to book a place please contact us:

• Email: info@runawaymedia.co.uk
• Call: Luton Culture Box Office on 01582 878100

Should you wish to, you can also download the above information here!

Near Neighbours 1000th Grant Celebration

Near Neighbours, which is hosted in Luton by GRASSROOTS and coordinated by Kim Greig (pictured below), has awarded a landmark 1000th grant to Christians and Muslims who are creating a Peace Garden in Luton. This was celebrated at a special event at All Saint's Church in Luton on 27th October 2015.

The recipients of this milestone grant are running a project that sees local people of diverse faiths and none come together to work on a Peace Garden as a shared community space, and testament to their commitment to one another.

The garden will be in the grounds of All Saint’s Church, a local Anglican parish and will act as a spiritual space for the diverse community to share in contemplation. Alongside this, they are also establishing a community allotment that will lead to fresh and healthy food being made available for the community.

This landmark award means that Near Neighbours has now given over £3.4 million to local projects across England, through which more than 800,000 people have benefitted.

Husna Rasul is responsible for organising this project and commented, “We are so proud to be the 1000th grantee! This money means a lot to this community as we show our dedication to each other and to creating a positive environment for our families. But we are also aware that we are now a part of a wider movement of other projects and it’s a real privilege to be able to stand as representatives of all they have achieved.”

Near Neighbours acts to bring people together who are near neighbours in communities that are religiously and ethnically diverse, so that they can get to know each other better, build relationships of trust and collaborate together on initiatives that improve the local community they live in. This includes a small grants fund that supports initiatives, such as the Peace Garden (pictured below), that are working to bring people together for the good of local neighbourhoods.

Funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Near Neighbours is a partnership between the charity Church Urban Fund and the Archbishops Council of the Church of England, and has been running since 2011. Throughout that time Near Neighbours has been awarding grants to community based projects across England.

The Bishop of Bedford, Richard Atkinson (pictured below), took time to reflect on what Near Neighbours has achieved, “These 1000 grants reflect a new and creative way of doing community in our country that is both inspiring and transformative. It shows what can be achieved when people of different faiths work together for the common good. We’re very proud that we can host such a celebration in Luton!”

Communities Secretary, Greg Clark said: “Near Neighbours has made a real difference to peoples’ lives. From parents getting on in life and gaining qualifications together, to young people sharing recipes and eating together in cooking groups – across the country people from every faith and background  have come together to form a community.

This 1000th project launched today in Luton is a great landmark, and I hope that the peace garden created here will become a community hub for many years to come.”

Liz Carnelley is the Near Neighbours Programme Director and commented that, “This project is emblematic of what we have seen through Near Neighbours in England in the last four years. It is a significant milestone in this neighbourhood that is now one amongst a thousand others that is transforming the face of local communities in our country.”​ 

Celebration! A Christmas event with a twist!

A special Christmas event will be taking place on:

• Date: Friday 27th November 2015
• Time: 7pm onwards
• Cost: Tickets cost £10 and places must be booked in advance
• Venue: Holy Ghost Parish Church Hall, Westbourne Road, Luton

To register your interest or to book a place please contact us:

• Call us on 01582 967265
• Email crcwsmiles@hotmail.co.uk
• Download the poster here!

Christmas Fairtrade Gift Hamper

The Luton Fairtrade Steering Group, continuing with its Fairtrade Festivities, has now developed Christmas Fairtrade Gift Hampers!

As we are aware, Fairtrade is not charity but it is about justice. Astonishingly, despite producing 70% of the world's food, over half of the world's hungriest people are small producer farmers in third world countries. Purchasing their products in fair trade terms means they can have a better training, tools, education, health care and clean water.

We are also supporting LOCAL HONEY and recently launched the PEACE HONEY at CofE St Hugh’s Church (Lewsey) in Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on 26th Sep 2015.

Friends, it is with delight, we are introducing 2 sets of hampers to be purchased at £6 and £15. We can also make bespoke hampers, if you or anyone wishes, depending upon products availability.

For further enquiries or to purchase, please email jgrassroots@btconnect.com or call the GRASSROOTS office on 01582 416946.

You can give a Fairtrade Christmas Hamper to your loved ones or a neighbour, and why not someone of a different faith sharing the Joy of Christmas and the Birth of Christ?

Cohen's Yard Family Fun Day!

Join us for a family fun day at Cohen's Yard on Saturday 25th July 2015! The event will include:

• Archery for Children
• Bouncy Castle
• Children's Entertainer
• Family Games and Activities
• Face Painting
• Free Picnic and Ice Cream (for the first 200 people)

The fun day, which is a project led by the Medina Mosque and All Saint's Church and funded by Near Neighbours, will take place at Cohen's Yard (on the corner of Shaftesbury Road and Portland Road, Luton) from 12pm to 4pm.

We look forward to seeing you there!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Fairtrade Campaign Coordinator

If you:

• Are passionate about volunteering for community led initiatives
• Would you like to support Luton’s diverse communities in buying more ethically
• Have enthusiasm for leading a group of people committed to promoting Fairtrade

Then we would like to hear from you!

We are looking for a volunteer Fairtrade Campaign Coordinator to help us continue our Fairtrade work within Luton and its diverse communities. Luton became a Fairtrade Town in November 2011 but there is still much pioneering and everyday activity to be done in raising awareness, and working with schools, retail outlets and the community at large to work for trade justice by coming together to think globally but act locally. Luton’s Fairtrade work has strived to include as much of the community as possible in their activities and events. The aim is very much about going deeper into Fairtrade and the issues that it evokes as part of GRASSROOTS’ Spirituality of Justice work, rather than just tick boxing. 

There is much scope for you to develop this role using your individual creativity and ideas, in addition to:

• Convening meetings, following up on actions agreed and check others progress on their tasks
• Proposing how to promote the sale of Fairtrade products in Luton
• Increasing the size of the group and bring in more young people to be involved with activities
• Engaging with different faith communities and encourage them to use Fairtrade products
• Liaising and develop relationships with local schools
• Developing new promotional initiatives such as a multicultural recipe book

Depending on your level of skill and experience, you could also be able to help us with the following areas (although these areas are optional):

• Designing event posters and creating display boards
• Suggest and administer good use of Social Media to promote Fairtrade
• Creating a publicity strategy
• Website development
• Engaging with members of the media (local newspapers and radio stations)

This role would suit someone who:

• Can think creatively about communicating ideas and messages
• Is willing to use their own initiative and implement ideas
• Is self-motivated and has patience and grace to work with a diverse group of people
• Can commit to arranging at least 6 group meetings per year
• Has enough time to network and follow up actions between these meetings

Whilst there is complete flexibility in regards to how much time is spent between meetings fulfilling your voluntary duties, we would prefer someone who is prepared to make a long term commitment to this role and its responsibility. Full training will be given where needed and reasonable travel expenses refunded.

To register your interest or ask any questions about the role please contact us at the details below – we look forward to hearing from you!

• Call us on 01582 416946
• Email jgrassroots@btconnect.com
• Download this information here!

Catalyst - FREE Leadership Training for 16—25 Year Olds

Catalyst is one of the UK’s most dynamic and interactive young leader training programmes. Run by St Philip’s Centre in Leicester, it aims to build the confidence of and make real, the potential of young people aged 16—25 years so that they can change their communities for the better. Catalyst involves a range of activities and learning opportunities based on themes such as: Networking, Leadership, Teamwork, Inter Faith, Communication and Community.

THERE ARE 3 LEVELS TO CATALYST: Gold, Silver and Bronze
Young people work through the different levels to learn new skills, culminating in the achievement of the Catalyst Gold standard. Participants must commit to all training days for each level. Dates will be on:

• BRONZE level: Mon 3rd, Tues 4th & Wed 5th August
• SILVER level: Wed 12th August
• GOLD level: Thurs 13th August

Venue: High Town Methodist Church Hall, 47 High Town Road, Luton LU2 0BW
Cost: Attendance on this course is free but places are limited so must be booked in advance

An application form can be downloaded here. For more information or to reserve a place please contact:

• Call us on 01582 416946
• Email near.neighbours_luton@btconnect.com
• Download more information here!

Catalyst is run by St Philip’s Centre in partnership with GRASSROOTS and the Luton
Council of Faiths. It is funded by Near Neighbours through the Department for
Communities and Local Government.

Join us at the first meeting of 'Same Difference'

‘Same Difference’ is an opportunity to meet with other people, of various backgrounds, to talk about how we experience and celebrate these key milestones, while also sharing a meal together. Topics will include:

• Birth
• Childhood
• Schooling
• Learning about faith
• Holidays & Travel
• Courtship & Marriage
• How we treat elderly people
• Death

The first meeting will be on:

• Date: Wednesday 10th June 2015
• Time: 12:30pm
• Cost: This event is free to attend but please let us know if you wish to attend
• Venue: Beech Hill Methodist Church, 385a Dunstable Road, Luton (near Kingsway) 

Future meetings will be every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month (to be confirmed)...

For more information or to let us know you are coming:

• Call us on 01582 967265
• Email crcwsmiles@hotmail.co.uk
• Download the poster here!

Freedom of Speech Discussion Is a Great Success

A public discussion about Freedom of Speech was held on Tuesday 19th May 2015 at Chaul End Community Centre in Dunstable, jointly hosted by GRASSROOTS and Luton Council of Faiths (LCOF).

Around 80 people were in attendance to hear the key note speech from Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, a Ugandan born British journalist and author, and then take part in the subsequent discussion. We were also joined by Rt Revd Dr Richard Atkinson, Bishop for Bedford & Luton, and Superintendent Mark Upex from Bedfordshire Police.

To download and read a summary of the key note speech and discussion, please click here.

A second public discussion shall be held in the summer on the subject of the Counter Terrorism and Security Bill. Keep your eyes open for details coming soon on the website, Facebook and Twitter!

Berakah Concert - hosted by GRASSROOTS & LCOF

Berakah are coming back to Luton to showcase both some new and old music, written especially for their tour to celebrate their first ten years!

London-based organisation The Berakah Project unites musicians from Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths. With a mixture of World Music, Jazz, Blues and traditional elements drawn from Europe and the Middle East. 

Mohammed Nazam, Founder of The Berakah Project, says: “Each and every time we perform I see the power of our music melting the differences between people and bringing us together in a spirit of unity and celebration."

• Date: Sunday 7th June 2015
• Time: 6:30pm - Doors Open / 7:00pm - Band on Stage
• Cost: This event is free to attend but tickets MUST be reserved in advance
• Venue: Luton Library Theatre, St George's Square, Luton. LU1 2BQ

Places are limited and must be reserved in advance on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to book please:

• Call us on 01582 416946
• Email admingrassroots@btconnect.com
• Download the poster here!

Freedom of Speech - Public Discussion

Seeking contextual relevance in a multi-faith and multi-cultural Britain, with specific implications for Luton

Join us for a key note speech from Yasmin Alibhai-Brown (Journalist and Author) and then a panel discussion with Q&A session on the subject of Freedom of Speech.

• Date: Tuesday 19th May 2015
• Time: 6:30pm - Doors Open for Food & Drinks / 7:00pm - Programme Starts
• Cost: This event is free to attend but by invitation only!
• Venue: Chaul End Community Centre, 515 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU4 8QN (Access via unnamed slip road off Chaul End Lane, opp. Currys, running parallel to Dunstable Road. Parking available on site)

Places are limited and must be reserved in advance on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to book please:

• Call us on 01582 416946
• Email admingrassroots@btconnect.com
• Download the poster here!

This event is being supported by Near Neighbours Programme and United Reformed Church (URC)

GRASSROOTS in now on social media!

GRASSROOTS is pleased to announce that you can now follow us on social media too!

In addition to the information and news that we will have on our website, we will also be using Facebook and Twitter to keep you updated with the latest exciting developments, events and initiatives that GRASSROOTS are involved in!

How do you follow us online you ask? Well to like us on Facebook click here, and to follow us on Twitter click here. It really is that simple!

If you do not have a social media account then please do not worry as we will be updating our website regularly too so that you do not miss out!

Faith Talk Events: Celebrating Differences - Staying Faithful

You are cordially invited to our Faith Talk events where you will be able to:

• Encounter other Faiths to foster dialogue and friendship
• Listen to guest speakers from the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim Faiths
• Enjoy an array of refreshments!

The talks will take place from 7.30pm - 9.00pm on: 

Hindu Faith
Thursday 12th March 2015 at 
St Martin de Porres, 366 Leagrave High Street, Luton. LU4 0NG.

Sikh Faith
Thursday 16th April 2015 at 
St Joseph's Catholic Church, Gardenia Avenue, Luton. LU2 3NS.

Muslim Faith
Thursday 23rd April 2015 at 
Holy Ghost Parish Centre, 33 Westbourne Road, Luton, LU4 8JD

For more information please call 01582 416946 or download information here.

The Near Neighbours programme brings together people in religiously and ethnically diverse communities, to create relationships of trust and to help people transform their neighbourhoods for the better. Please visit www.cuf.org.uk/how-we-help/near-neighbours for more information.

Circle Dancing Sessions are on now!

Circle Dancing is traditional folk dancing from countries such as Greece, France, Russia, Israel, The Balkans and Celtic Britain, together with more recent choreographed dances to contemporary music.

The music is wide ranging from across the world. We dance together in a circle so no partner is needed. The steps are taught before each dance. Circle Dancing is good exercise and fun. It can also be meditative. Beginners welcome.

Classes take place at: 

Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church Hall (Blenheim Crescent)
Tuesday Afternoons from 2.30-4.00 pm
10 Feb / 10 March / 14 April / 12 May / 9 June / 14 July / 8 Sept / 13 Oct / 10 Nov / 8 Dec

St Anne’s Church Hall (Crawley Green Road)
Tuesday Evenings from 7.30-9.30 pm
17 Feb / 17 March / 21 April / 19 May / 16 June / 21 July / 15 Sept / 20 Oct / 17 Nov / 15 Dec

Hockwell Ring Community Centre (Mayne Avenue)
Wednesday Afternoons from 1.00-2.00 pm 
These are weekly and Term Time only

High Town Methodist Church Hall (High Town Road)
3rd Wednesday of the month 3.30 – 4.30 pm 
18 Feb / 18 March / 15 April / 20 May / 17 June / 15 July / 16 Sept / 21 October / 18 Nov / 16 Dec  

All sessions cost £3. If you would like further information please: 

• Call Ann Hyde on 01582 725266 or 07722 677280
• Email annhyde204@msn.com
• Download the poster here!

Join us for Prayerful Dance - Meditation through Movement

You are warmly invited to join us for our Prayerful Dance Circle Dancing meetings with the theme of 'Meditation through Movement'. 

Flowing dance to beautiful music is a way of getting in touch with our inner spirituality and expressing it through movement. The Prayerful Dance Group focuses on this style of dancing and sessions always begins with a standing meditation.

All are welcome and no experience is needed!

This will take place:

• At High Town Methodist Church Hall (49 High Town Road)
• On Wednesdays  (Monthly)
• 3.30-4.30 pm

The dates this will take place are 18 Feb / 18 March / 15 April / 20 May / 17 June / 15 July / 16 Sept / 21 October / 18 Nov / 16 Dec  

If you would like further information please:

• Call Ann Hyde on 01582 725266 or GRASSROOTS on 01582 416946
• Email annhyde204@msn.com
• Download the poster here!

Ghar se Ghar Exercise Groups

Ghar se Ghar exercise groups are running now across Luton on a weekly basis (Term Time Only). At present they are located at:

Bury Park Community Centre (161-161B Dunstable Road) on Mondays from 10.00-11.30 am - WOMEN ONLY                                 

Sacred Heart Church Hall (148 Ashcroft Road) on Tuesdays from  10.00-11.30 am

Beech Hill Methodist Church (385A Dunstable Road) on Fridays from 10.00-11.30 a.m

Sessions cost £2

For more information please:

• Call 01582 416946
• Email gharseghar@btconnect.com
• Download the poster here!

Our Church Related Community Work (CRCW) Project is 5 Years Old!

We shall be enjoying an afternoon of shared celebrations, reflection & story-telling with the theme of 'Celebrating Our Achievements & Looking to the Future', and we would like to invite you to join us!

This event will take place on Saturday 21st February 2015 from 3.00pm at Holy Ghost Parish Centre, 33 Westbourne Rd, Luton LU4 8JD.

Programme:

• 3.00pm-4.30pm Sharing the Journey
• 4.30pm-6.00pm Refreshments & Highlights

If you would like to attend RSVP by Friday 13th February to Karen (Church Related Community Worker):

• Call 07957 450624
• Email: crcwsmiles@hotmail.co.uk
• Download the invitation here!

Precious Pearls Celebration

"Woman, who is your neighbour?"

GRASSROOTS is happy to announce that it's annual 'Precious Pearls' event will be taking place during the International Women's Week, where you can:

• Share the talents of Luton women 
• Meet women from different backgrounds
• Enjoy yourself with different cultural entertainment
• Enjoy the refreshments provided!

This event will take place on Thursday 5th March 2015 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Bury Park Community Centre, 161 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A WOMENS ONLY EVENT

For more information please contact Ghar se Ghar or GRASSROOTS:

• Call 01582 416946  
• Email gharseghar@btconnect.com
• Download the poster here!

Circle Dancing Christmas Special

Join us for a Circle Dancing 'Dances for the Festive Season' Christmas Special featuring:

• Dancing to music both old and new...
• The Nut Cracking Dance from Romania...
• The Shepherds Dance from France...  and many more!

Saturday 6th December 2014 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Hockwell Ring Community Centre, Mayne Avenue, Luton.

Entry costs just £3!

PLEASE BRING FOOD TO SHARE!

For more information please contact Ann Hyde:

• Call 01582 725266
• Email annhyde204@msn.com 
• Download the poster here!

Supported by New Creations

A Grand Christmas Dinner and Dance

Presented by 

BURY PARK BEECH HILL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Join us on Friday 5th December 2014 at 7pm for some Christmas festivities at Holy Ghost Parish Centre, Westbourne Road, Luton, LU4.

• 3 Course Christmas Dinner
• Local Entertainments
• Party Night
• Raffle tickets on sale - just £1 per strip!

*Tickets only £12*

For tickets or information contact Karen (Church Related Community Worker):

• Call 01582 967265 / 07957 450624
• Email: crcwsmiles@hotmail.co.uk
• Download the poster here!

All proceeds towards the Bury Park Beech Hill Community Work Project