We have moved

We are excited to announce that we have found new premises as of August this year. We are now located in Festival Place with the level access and space that we require. we are very grateful to Festival Place for providing us with this excellent location and making us feel so welcome.

Hubs

CFL operate the following hubs:

• Monday – Melrose Community Hall, Popley (10:30 am)
• Monday – Salvation Army, Wessex Close (11:00 am)
• Tuesday – Basingstoke Baptist Church, Brighton Hill (11:00 am – 12:00 noon)
• Wednesday – St Peter’s Church, South Ham (12:30 pm)
• Thursday – Church of the Good Shepherd, Winklebury (12:00 noon)
• Friday – Oakridge Methodist Church (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
• Saturday – United Reformed Church (URC) London Street (12:00 noon)

Food pantries

Food Pantries – a small charge may apply

• MCKS, Crown Heights, RG21 7SY – Tuesday & Friday (10:00 am to 2:00 pm)
• Popley Fields Community Association – Wednesday(1:00 – 5:00 pm), Thursday & Friday (10:00 am to 2:00 pm)
• Inspero Community Shop – Tuesday (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)
• Westside Community Pantry, RG22 6QB – Tuesday & Thursday (10:00 am – 2:00 pm), Wednesday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
• St Mary’s Kingsclere, Swan St, RG20 3RW – Thursday (2:30 – 4:00 pm)
• Tadley Community Food Pantry, RG26 4HN – Wednesday (9:30 am – 12:30 pm), Friday – Oakridge Methodist Church (9:30 am – 12:30 pm)

Help Needed

With the Cost of Living Crisis ongoing we continue to welcome any new volunteers who can help us, even once a month. We welcome anyone who could drive the van (with a clean licence and under 70) or be a driver’s mate (able to do so heavy lifting). Now we have level access to store the food, the heavy lifting is reduces.

We are also looking for helpers to sort the food in the evenings from 8:00-10:00 pm in our Operations Room in Festival Place.

We are also looking for one or two people who would be happy to take care of our vehicles (tyre checks and a clean once a week).

Meet the Team

Thank you Maggie for all you do for CFL

If you would like to become involved in any ares of this rewarding work please contact us by email at volunteers@bcfd.org.uk

With the arrival of spring and the beautiful displays of crocuses, and now daffodils in the town centre, people are out and about more. When out walking or sitting on a bench people are often open to a good conversation about life. Chaplains listen and can bring in a Christian dimension to situations.

Although a number of shops have closed and footfall is down on 3 years ago, the town is quite busy and adjusting to the new circumstances. Chaplains visiting shops meet people for brief chats, but by building a relationship there are times when troubled hearts are opened. Growing pressures on job security, working conditions and salaries as well as family, health and other concerns can be discussed confidentially and the number of supportive conversations has increased recently.

Chaplains continue to attend the Courts most mornings and we are looking to increase our support to those who are attending by video link. Chaplains also chat to passengers, passers by, concession holders, staff and taxi drivers in and around the railway station – it is a very busy area. We now have two Chaplains regularly meeting bus drivers and staff.

Alan has reluctantly retired after more than 10 years of valuable service. We need more Chaplains – Christians willing to give at least one hour a week to meet people in different contexts in the town centre or in a care home.  We provide training and support so it is less daunting than it might appear; a taster session helps to show what’s actually involved. For more information contact Libby by email or leave a phone message.

We have been active in making our presence known and have received support from Festival Place (we are now advertised on their App) and the Borough Council, where the Mayor has invited representatives from the Chaplaincy and Street Pastors to tea to express thanks for our services to the community.

We continue to work with One Church Basingstoke and we want to build stronger links with churches in the town. Our ministry is to support that of the churches in reaching out to others. We value your prayers and would like to have church links so that we can refer people to a contact person if they wish to attend a church activity.

We are continually grateful to those who give generously to meet our costs. The Lord does supply all our needs but our financial needs are increasing and we welcome donations from churches and individuals. A current need is funding for some more uniforms suitable for the summer.

Thank you for your interest and support for the Chaplaincy. We do appreciate it.

Wishing you God’s blessing.

John Hayward

Chair of Trustees

Prayer Points

• Give thanks to God that Chaplains are recognised and valued in the town; that we are able to share God’s love to people in different and often difficult situations.
• Pray for the well-being of people working, shopping and visiting in the town.
• Pray that the interactions with Chaplains will lead people to seek the Lord and be blessed.
• Pray for more Chaplains so that we can serve people in places where we have been invited.
• Pray that we can work closely with churches in Basingstoke to witness to Christ in the community.

Come along and enjoy an afternoon of Easter fun with the families of Home for Good North Hampshire.

We’ll have a great time at the Malshanger Social Club with craft, games, and Easter Egg hunt, time to talk to other parents and relax all finishing with light tea and ice cream. Whether you’ve come to other Home for Good North Hampshire events or not your family is sure to enjoy this special afternoon.