So long, fairwell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye

Well, as many of you will be aware, today is my last day at Capital Community Foundation (teary eyes). Over the past 2.5 years I feel I've really grown to know many of the voluntary groups we serve in Southwark. I'm sad to go, and my time in London and at the Foundation has been enjoyable and fulfilling, but it's time for me to move to Hampshire the forseeable future.

Thanks to those of you who've been reading this blog while I've been its custodian. Below is a picture of Zaheer, who's taking over as Grants Officer for the Southwark Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest. Any queries as to funding should be directed to Zaheer from now on, and with a bit of persuasion, I'm sure he'll carry on the blog with any interesting developments we hear about.

Best wishes to our readers for the future.
Ambrose

Snowball!

Last week saw the 3rd Southwark Snowball, at Glazier's Hall. It's very much a highlight of the year for us at CCF, and, we hope, for those invited.

In the last year, 234 Southwark community groups have received a total of £1.2 million in grants. The Snowball is the celebration of the activity of these groups who are working to make Southwark a better place.

We've had lots of positive feedback from attendees, and it really was wonderful to get all of the people leading grant-funded community groups together, under one roof.

I helped to man the sound desk and projector, and tried to make sure that all of the performers were in the right place at the right time. Musically, there was something for everyone - from the young dancers of Positive Education Learning Organisation through to the multi-instrumentalists of the Tribute Trust and the dynamic South London Jazz Orchestra.

There were speeches from dignatories and then the 'Spirit of Southwark' Awards, recognising work that has shone particularly brightly over the past year.

Spirit of Southwark Awards went to the following groups:

•Mums Arise - Best Newcomers
•Life and Living Team - On a Roll
•Sports Out Music In - The Energy Award
•Southwark Cyprus Turkish Association - Best Use of Retirement
•Pembroke Academy of Music - Young Bucks
•Arab Cultural Community - Hidden Heroes
•Mental Fight Club - Biggest Splash

See you next year!
Ambrose

Ice Skating at the Natural History Museum

Continuing our insight into the staff of the Capital Community Foundation, I thought I'd let you know about our recent extra-curricular activities.

Last night we managed to get tickets to the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum. It was a beautiful evening which went by almost without incident. The picture, above, shows most of the group before anyone had fallen over ;-).

Ambrose