Youngsters at Highbridge’s Dreamscheme have enjoyed a busy few months, taking part part in a wide variety of community work in return for trips over the school holidays.
The group’s activities have included litter picks, fundraising events, craft making and various visits, including one by local MP Tessa Munt (pictured above).
A dozen bags of litter were collected by 32 young members of the group in the run up to the arrival of the judges in this year’s Britain In Bloom judges, which made a huge difference to the look of the town and impressed the judges on the day!
The group were thrilled to discover last week that not only did they help Highbridge win a Silver Gilt within the competition but they were also awarded a special trophy for coming joint first in the South West in Bloom Youth Award.
A trip to Bath Park was attended by 28 young people – a trip they asked for again following the success of last year’s outing to the park. Even the volunteers got stuck in and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
Several fundraising activities have taken place over the summer. A group of 38 Dreamschemers put their creativity to good practice by helping create crafts such as dream catchers, painted pottery and candle holders which are to be sold over the Christmas period to raise funds for the group.
The Freewheelers bike charity also raised funds for the Dreamscheme during their annual craft fayre over the summer, raising more than £500. Organisers used some of the money to help fund a fun day at the end of the summer, and a big thank you went to the Freewheelers for their support.
Other work during the summer included a charity car wash at Burnham Fire Station, where £87.20 was raised and donated to local charities, a road safety campaign, where the group created some posters regarding driving and parking outside their school which they hope to put up near the main roads surrounding Churchfields later this year.
A recycling workshop was also held where the group were able to learn about recycling waste and where our food originates. Part of the workshop included a visit to Highbridge Recycling Centre where staff provided an informative session.
As a reward for another busy summer, the Dreamscheme youngsters were taken to Weymouth for a day trip to at the seaside and also to Legoland. Both visits were enjoyed by all.
A Fun Day marked the end of the summer at the start of September arranged by the group’s leader Jason Adams.
Parents, young people, volunteers and local partners all attended the action-packed day and they were amazed at the amount of activity put on! Cllr John Woodman, pictured right, was among those attending the event and trying out the rodeo bull.
A fly wall, bouncy castles, magicians and clowns were just a few of the attractions that ensured the day was a lot of fun for all.
Jason said: “A big thank you has to go out to all the Dreamscheme helpers. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to run the scheme and I know the young people appreciate all that they do.”
PCSO Claire Finch added: “Despite some changes in the management of the Highbridge Dreamscheme, Jason Adams has been an incredible support to the project by stepping into the role as the person leading it.”
“By working with the other volunteer helpers involved in the scheme, Jason has put on a fantastic range of activities for the young people that have kept them busy throughout the school holidays with well planned trips and community based work projects.”
Inspector Roger Tolley added: “The success of the project continues to impress those who hear about it as it is clearly a most valuable asset to the area.”
“On behalf of Burnham and Highbridge Police I would like to pass on my personal appreciation and thanks to all the volunteers involved for their hard work in making the Highbridge Dreamscheme the success that it is and to acknowledge the real commitment to the improvement of their community demonstrated by the young people who take part.”
Highbridge’s Dreamscheme involves young people aged 8-16 taking part in community work in return for points that can be used towards day trips and other activities. More details are available on the website here.
