Rose Hill Junior Youth Club has marked an amazing milestone, celebrating 15 years of youth clubs and community projects in Rose Hill, Oxford!
The team hosted a free community event on Saturday, 21st March, with a range of fun activities and food, enjoyed by 200 people.
Local artist Merlin Porter painted portraits of the families and children who came along.
Local organisations like Peeple and Rose Hill & Iffley Low Carbon also attended to share their work with those who came to the event.
Children enjoyed the slime-making activities, archery, arts and crafts and learning how to make pastry pinwheels.
Birthday messages
Cllr Ed Turner, Deputy Leader of Oxford City Council, said:
“The birthday party was lovely – a real buzz in the community centre, children and their families having a great time, wonderful food and especially the amazing cakes.
And yet one of the greatest things is that it wasn’t so different. We have got used to Rose Hill Junior Youth Club bringing happiness to children from Rose Hill and their families.
It’s been a great journey – I remember the very early days, in the old community centre with a focus on the youngest age groups. Now there is so much happening: a wider age range, trips, the allotment, activities in the holidays, film, the Christmas lantern parade, and so much more.
We owe a huge amount to generations of staff, volunteers, parents, and above all, the kids themselves – it’s hard to believe the first generation of kids are now grown up! Happy birthday, and long live Rose Hill Junior Youth Club!”
Alexa Bailey, Oxford City Council’s Community Health Development Officer (Rose Hill & Littlemore), said:
“Happy 15th Birthday RHJYC. Thank you for all the hard work you do for the children and families in our community.
Your work to enrich the lives of those living in Rose Hill is greatly appreciated. Your support goes above and beyond your core services, recognising the wider needs of the community and acting upon those needs, whether that be providing food for the children and food packages for their families or supporting those who may be experiencing issues around their mental health and wellbeing.
You have raised aspirations for not only the children who come along to your youth club sessions but also their families and the wider community.
You have ensured that those around you get only the very best opportunities by partnering with other organisations to broaden their horizons.
Having seen first-hand when attending some of the events you host or support, how you bring the community together, making for a very inclusive environment.”
Thank you from RHJYC
Rose Hill Junior Youth Club would like to thank all of the children, families, staff and volunteers who have attended and supported all of our youth clubs and enrichment activities.
A big thank you to all of the organisations we work closely with, and all of the donors and funders who help to ensure that our vital work continues.
Our birthday event was supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, and Oxford City Council (Rose Hill Community Centre).