A SPECIAL birthday party will be held next week to celebrate 30 years of supporting young people in St Martins.

St Martins Youth Club, a weekly Friday evening service, has served more than 500 young people since it was set up in 1993, providing a fun, safe space in which to meet together.

Thanks to more than 20 volunteer youth workers, more than 1,000 sessions have taken place on term-time Friday evenings.

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Sue and Nick Heard set up the club and since then, the club has always offered numerous activities including crafts and games, much to Sue’s delight.

She said: “Over the years the club has worn out three pool tables, four table footballs, two dart boards and numerous darts.

“With the help of a grant from the Lottery, we employed an artist and along with various village organisations created and completed the mosaic on the top of Ifton Meadows in 2008.

“Another grant funded project involved a portrait artist who helped to create the mural decorating the activity room at St Martins Village Hall.

Border Counties Advertizer: St Martins Youth Club with SYA workers in archery. St Martins Youth Club with SYA workers in archery. (Image: Sue Heard.)

“Over the years young people have been on trips including, sea fishing, canoeing, sailing, and walking, while as part of Friday evening sessions we have held drumming workshops, played dodgeball, and developed skills in fencing with Bridie Lloyd.

“We are grateful to Shropshire Youth Association which has supported us over the years with advice, support workers, staff training and equipment loans.

“The club is self-supporting, with a few generous grants from kind donors.

“We have recently been presented with a commendation by Mandy Thorn MBE, the High Sherif of Shropshire to recognise their years of dedication the club.

“We both agree that youthwork can be challenging but is often fun.

“It is great to chat casually with our young people helping to bring our community together."

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St Martins Youth Club wants to welcome everyone to its Birthday Party on Saturday April 20 from 11am until 4pm at St Martins Village Hall, SY11 3AY.

Sue added: “Come along to try our activities, meet old palls, find your portrait on the wall, conquer the climbing wall or just have a cuppa and cake.”

The club’s inclusion in the High Sheriff list comes as Mrs Thorn finishes her year in the post and had recognised a number of selfless volunteers and groups.