Southend youngsters gear up for an instant pantomime at Plaza Centre

CHURCH group Love Southend has staged its third annual "panto in a day" at the Plaza Centre.

Two days after Christmas Day at least 25 young people, from various local church and youth groups met at the centre in Southchurch Road.

When the doors opened at 9am all the performers were handed scripts and told to learn their parts immediately.

Organiser Steve Dalley said: "Everybody had a lot of laughs and a lot of fun and when the curtains opened at 8pm more than 200 people paid £3 to watch the show."

To stage the show, Cinderella, the performers needed a "volunteer army" of teenagers to build a set, design props, stitch together costumes and practise extra material for the climax of the show.

There was even a band of musicians who ignored the noise around them and practised some improvised tunes to be included in the drama.

Mr Dalley said all the money raised will fund the work Love Southend Youth does in the borough.

He added: "I particularly want to thank Jill Simmonds, Sharon Melville and Jacki Rossi for all their work on the day."

Article and photo suppied by Evening Echo
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/search/4007781.Youngsters_gear_up_for_an_instant_pantomime/

Southchurch: Update Day 2 Tuesday Extreme Hope

So today was April Fools Day and fortunately everyone was so focussed on God that no one pulled any pranks - either that or they were all too shattered.

The morning started off with worship led by Tim Churchward with his unusual hair. He talked about our identity and our hope in Jesus, quoting lots of chunks out of his dad's sermon from Sunday so brownie points to him!

We then had a kid's club where there were about 60 kids and 30 or 40 adults on top of that.

The theme for the afternoon was Noah's Ark and they made masks, collages, colouring in, pictures of animals and iced biscuits. The mums were treated to a bit of pampering and a bit of 'them' time too. We also had football over the park which had to be 15 a side. A good time was had by all.

The evening was back to SCF for grub and games in the evening including a huge game of empires which was won by Rachel Macclean.

Del

SOUTCHURCH: Next week 'Extreme Hope in Southchurch', let's get ready to rumble...

Just an ultra last-minute reminder that next week (Monday 31^st March to Friday 4^th April) is the ‘Extreme Hope in Southchurch’ week of community action.

Should you bump into anyone this weekend who has not yet registered for activities, please let them know what we are doing and where!

Every morning we meet at 10.30 - venues below.
Every day you'll need to sort your own lunch, but evening meal is provided.
Every evening we are eating at Plaza at about 6, apart from Weds when we will eat at Holy Trinity
Every evening we will finish at The Plaza Centre at 9.30.

Monday - meet at Whittingham Methodist Church 10.30 - t-shirts given out
Activity - Fun day in park opposite - it may be cold so bring appropriate clothes
Evening - quiz night

Tuesday - meet Whittingham Methodist Church
Activity - craft club and footie - with maybe litter picking and a few odd jobs depending on numbers of people
Evening - club night

Wednesday - meet Whittingham Methodist Church
Activity - craft club and footie - with maybe litter picking and a few odd jobs depending on numbers of people
Evening - film night

Thursday - meet at St. Luke’s Church St Luke’s Rd, off Bournemouth Park Road
We are doing tea party for the elderly @ St Edmund’s Community Centre.
Evening - barbecue

Friday - meet at Ferndale Baptist Church in North Avenue - we are doing a work party in Cluny Square area - all messy jobs, some may be indoors but probably most out of doors.
evening - Crystal Maze

That's the week, and then don't forget the BIG PARTY on April 11th - at The Plaza - bring your mates - it's all free.

So now you all know, please also PRAY FOR US during the week. Your prayers for good weather, protection for the delegates, favour in the community, and opportunities to bless, serve and love local residents would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks so much guys and God bless you all

Steve D
on behalf of the Love Southend Youth in Southchurch team