By no means everything that we do takes place on church premises. Many of our members give their time on an individual basis to organisations and activities that enhance the well being of the community. As a fellowship, we have a particular interest in the following, all of which involve groups of our members:
Lea Brook Valley Environmental Project
The Lea Brook Valley project began in 2005 as an initiative by one of our members. Its aim is to enhance the beauty, amenities and wildlife habitat of this valley which runs through the centre of the town for the benefit of the residents and the wildlife. There are plans for the future too: a new wildflower meadow will be seeded and the wetland area made more hospitable to the birds, frogs, toads and newts which already live there. There are close links with the Dronfield Town council and several local groups.
Volunteers meet on the first Thursday of every month at 9-30am at the Recycling Bins in the car park next to the Sports Centre. They spend a couple of hours litter picking and then those who wish go for a coffee together.
A workday is organised three or four times a year and is well publicised.
The Jesus Bus
The Jesus Bus is an outreach project, helping young people to realise their potential. It is supported by Churches Together in Dronfield and District and has been running for nearly three years. As well as the churches, individuals have donated to the project and the Rotary Club have provided a lighting and heating system for the vehicle. The bus, named by the young people, is a single decker and every Friday night meets young people aged 13 -17 from 8 to 10 pm. It provides a safe environment for the young people to meet rather than wandering the streets and is staffed by volunteers from the churches. The youngsters play small games, listen to music and chat, enjoying hot and cold drinks and snacks. Greggs Bakers are providing food and we have had a donation from them towards the running costs. We have had many good discussions on issues important to teenagers and this has given us the opportunity to share our faith when appropriate. Last summer we had a barbecue in a local park, sharing with over 100 young people. In the future we hope to hold further large events. Thank you to all who have supported this vital work, with finance, prayer or the gift of time. If you would like more information or to be involved in the project please contact us our Church Secretary.
Fairtrade status for Dronfield
The Fairtrade Towns initiative is an exciting project to develop support for the Fairtrade Mark, the UK’s independent guarantee that producers have had a better deal. A Fairtrade Town, City or Zone is a community which has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade, and through it to support disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries.
One of our members coordinates a group of volunteers who campaigned to make Dronfield a Fairtrade Town, a goal achieved in the early part of 2010. The Group is fully supported by Dronfield Town Council and CTDD (Churches Together in Dronfield and District) and has organised special events, visited businesses and organisations, involved local schools and challenged supermarkets, shops and cafes.
For more information on any of these projects, go to www.dronfieldtogether.org.uk or email secretary@dronfieldbaptist.co.uk