Denstone Youth Fund was founded after the 2004 Vital Villages Survey highlighted the complete lack of recreational facilities for the children of Denstone. The original members were Debbie Andrew, who became Chair, Sarah Bentley who became Secretary, Liz Ratcliffe who became Treasurer, Susanne Smith, Jane and Glynn Walker.
Bike Ride
The original team was joined by other people over the years whose enthusiasm and hard work helped DYF with the various fundraising activities including a Bollywood Night, Sponsored Bike Rides, New Year’s Eve Parties, a Burns Night, Denstone Factor and the Denstone Show but also with grant applications and project management. Denstone Youth Fund also have the local community and Parish Council to thank for supporting the various fundraising events and planning applications.
Denstone Youth Fund has successfully completed two major projects – the Junior Play Area on Oak Road and the Teen Recreation Area on the Old Railway Line.
At the AGM in 2010 the two remaining original committee members, Debbie Andrew and Sarah Bentley, decided to hand over the reins to a new committee. There were some further changes at the AGM in 2011, and the membership of the committee is now as follows:
Jacquie Payne, Chair – Contact Tel. No. 01889 591003
John Allen, Vice Chair
Claire Platt, Treasurer
Mick Rushton-Butters, Events and Secretary – Tel. No. 01889 591807
Melanie Clemson
Caroline Vernon
Damon Vernon
DYF think the final piece of the jigsaw is provision of indoor space for the young people of Denstone, as identified in the 2009 Vital Villages Survey. We are in discussions with the local Church concerning the Church Room which we hope to be able to renovate and refurbish in partnership with the Church for the benefit of the whole community.
In 2011 we held a Hog Roast on the Old Railway Line to celebrate the Royal Wedding and it was great to see so many people support the event. The local Pre-school group had a stall on the day to raise funds and Becky came along with various insects and snakes which certainly caused a stir. The weather played its part too. We helped with the Denstone Show in September,with two of our members organising the Fun Dog Show.
A date for the diary in 2012 - June 3rd when we are continuing the royal celebration theme as we have been asked by the Parish Council to organise an event for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. More details later but if any other organisations would like to have a stall at this event to raise funds for themselves, please contact one of the committee members to discuss this.
Contact the Denstone Youth Fund on the following email address: dyf@denstonevillage.org.uk.
Railway Train in Play Area