Again we find ourselves congratulating and thanking young Chloe Boyle for fantastic fundraising efforts for Devizes homeless charity OpenDoors….
With friends and family she spent Saturday morning selling teddies and soft toys outside Morrisons in Devizes, this time raising £61.40. But if we’ve featured Chloe before they are usually for her individual fundraising efforts. However, it is in her and her family’s continued efforts in which Chloe has been a hero and an inspiration, raising a grand total of £1372.95 so far.
What began as a stall selling her own cuddly toys, has amounted to collecting donations from others, and continuing this amazing work. Mum, Julie proudly told me how the community has got behind this, and led her stall to be found regularly around the area, at our many great events like FullTone, and special occasions at Hillworth Park. If you see Chloe’s stall around and about, do take a look and buy a bear or two! Congratulations Chloe, you are a star!
I dropped into the new(ish) home of Devizes Opendoors today to meet Mitch, poke my nose in, chat about the work they do and how they need more volunteers. Based at the Southbroom Centre on Victoria Road now, it’s a huge improvement from the last time I visited them at the St John’s Parish Room some years ago…
Supporting anyone with homelessness, in sheltered accommodation, or dealing with vulnerability issues, Opendoors is as the name suggests, open for drop-ins and providing cooked meals and food bank vouchers, offering a laundry and showers, and helpful advice when dealing with support agencies. It is, in short, an invaluable asset to anyone who falls upon challenging times in our town. And face it, no one knows what’s around the next corner, it could happen to any of us.
Whenever I spark up a conversation with someone that I see in town who appears to be on the road, I ask them if they’re aware of the facility, and I guess through word-of-mouth, all seem to know of it. Mitch spoke positively about changes to government policies regarding homelessness, such as the proactive Homelessness Reduction Act, and Trowbridge’s mental health, drug and alcohol support service Turning Point. Angie added how they provided breakfast before they got the bus to Turning Point, ‘cos they’re nice like that!
And that’s what we need to focus on, the local, day-to-day aspect of Opendoors, and quash preconceptions if you were to volunteer, you’d be slaving away in a Victorian workhouse or dingy inner-city soup kitchen. The team were finishing up when I rocked up, Thursday the session runs from 11am-1pm, same on a Monday, and Wednesday it’s open for breakfast at 9.30am, running until 11:30. Friday is an afternoon session from 1-3pm, a roast dinner I believe. The cook was busy cleaning the kitchen, others gathered to collapse the tables down because the centre is hired out, and a kid’s karate club is tonight.
Everyone mucked in, and I sensed a real community spirit about the place. Mitch suggested very rarely was their aggravation with users of the facilities. As you’d imagine, most are too appreciative of it to bring any grievance with them, despite the understandable frustration of their individual situations. In fact, one fellow strode in too late, but they accommodated him, nonetheless, chatted with him, and gave him a bag of food to take away, he was grateful and passive; we are not beyond Thunderdome, just beyond the bridge by the sports club!
Support accommodation is the most common situation in Devizes, and a recently opened Wiltshire Council seven-bedroom property, though this is for those with priority needs, like disabilities or children. Mitch estimated only three people are currently sleeping rough here, “but a lot of the people we support are either sofa surfing, or boaters.” The latter can vasty range in needs, some were “simply living a tin can,” whereas others were self-sufficient yet came in to use the showers. While everyone is an individual case, all needs are catered for and welcomed here without discrimination; the centre refer to them as “guests.” It’s this, which despite any presumptions you may have, makes it congenial, seemingly a happy place. There’s even nice sofas and a bookcase, I could’ve made myself quite at home!
Opendoors operates with around fifty to sixty volunteers, there are many varied roles you could help with, managing food or the clothes bank, helping guests with problems, cooking or serving meals. Mitch stressed the flexibility of both the roles available, and the rota, which she draws up weekly on a spreadsheet. You would be free to decide what shifts you can do, and the minimum, Mitch said, was an hour a month, which is dandy for the busiest of us to accommodate into our schedule, surely?
Guided tour was brief but effective, showers, then an office where guests can get online, and further on, a room where dried or tinned food bags are prepared, working in coordination with the Devizes Food Bank, and a surplus of donated goods from Morrisons and Marks & Spencer. So, a guest at Opendoors can expect four meals a week, and a food bag on Thursdays, as well as use of the facilities, access to warm clothes and donated food. I’d imagine the kettle is always on, and there’s other factors I admit I didn’t consider, things like toiletries.
A typical shift operates with a team of six. They run with two cooks, level two trained, and Mitch suggested they could put anyone interested on the necessary courses, which included things like first aid too, and there was scope for progressing with a scheme called “befriending,” individual case support training. They usually have a receptionist, someone to coordinate the provisions, and someone floating between needed tasks. With holidays and illnesses, Mitch explained how sadly they were forced to close some sessions, and a lack of volunteers meant the teams were feeling pushed to take on more than they wanted to. She felt sorrowful about the situation and often has to step in herself.
“Four sessions a week,” Mitch emphasised, “but people are more than welcome to do one a week, one a month, whatever they’re comfortable with.” She continued to say she was sure there were people willing to help but might not know about them.
That’s why I was there, to let people know about it, encourage people to help in any way they can. Because I’ve been that sofa-surfer, I’ve camped in the forest, slept on the wheelarch of a van. And, you know, you can raise funds and even self-awareness doing a big sleep out, and that’s all good, but remain safe in the knowledge you’ll be returning home as soon as it’s done. You cannot fully extract from this the daily psychological disinclination and stress of being unsettled, wondering where the next meal is coming from, and the humiliation for some, of having to endure this with no silver lining in sight.
Opendoors is invaluable. Like many similar organisations across the world, it offers local folk in need, valuable help and advice, and of course, food, clothes, and hope of shelter, those simple things we all need, and often take for granted. I was honoured to meet up with them once more, to see their new premises and how the organisation has progressed, and I remain grateful and astounded by the challenging work put into it from volunteers, staff and trustees. And hope some reading this will say, you know what, Worrow is right for once in his silly life, I can spare some time to help!
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Brave young fundraiser, Chloe Boyle did it! Just as she promised, Chloe slept outside in her garden Friday night, and raised an amazing £600 for homeless charity Devizes Opendoors; fantastic Chloe, congratulations! You are a trooper!
£57 of it Chloe raised herself, running a cuddly toy stall at school. But this amazing effort is only part of the continued fundraising Chloe has done for Opendoors and other charities.
If cities host Big Sleepouts, this was surely Devizes’ Little Sleepout, and brave Chloe managed the whole night outside. Mum, Julie said, “I have to say I wasn’t as prepared as I thought, for the amount of noise that happens all through the night.”
“I am so incredibly proud of Chloe for sticking out what was a really tough night in the end. It is not like being at a campsite where everyone around you is there for a holiday too, and the noise is a minimum. She has definitely taught me something through this fundraiser too. She really is a beautiful soul.”
We agree, well done, Chloe, and keep up the awesome fundraising. You are an inspiration to us all. Seems the Mayor thinks so too, and this week, Chloe received a young person’s civic award from the Mayor. A very busy Easter holiday!
Julie said, “all of her efforts are only possible because of the amazing people in our community.” Thanks to everyone for their support, homelessness is increasing locally, and Opendoors is there to help.
Join Devizes Opendoors for a sponsored walk, at 9.30 am on Sunday 12 May 2024, (registration from 9am) to support the work of Opendoors, which helps local homeless and vulnerable people. They ensure that they have a hot meal, clean clothes and bedding, help to tackle problems like finding a home, getting medical assistance, or sorting out financial difficulties….
It’s an eight mile circular walk to the south of Devizes, from the Guide Hall on Coate Road. The route is mainly flat and easy terrain but with a few small hills on the way. The route passes through Nursteed Village, Sleight, and Stert, then returns to the Guide Hall via the Wessex Ridgeway.
The walk organised by the Devizes Lions gives the opportunity to all the local groups and charities to raise funds for their particular good causes.
There is a shorter walk for young children. Dogs are welcome!
The walk is suitable for all ages and abilities. There will be marshals and safety vehicles at strategic points along the route should anyone require assistance. There will be a drink station on route and at the Guide Hall at the end of the walk.
Wowzers! Huge congratulations and a colossal thanks to young Chloe Boyle from Devizes, who is planning to spend the night of April 5th sleeping outside to raise funds for Devizes OpenDoors, a charity supporting people who are homeless or vulnerable. But this is just the tip of the iceberg of Chloe’s amazing fundraising efforts…..
Super proud parents said seven-year old Chloe is “very much hoping for nice weather,” but you know, April is an unpredictable time to do this, Chloe, wrap up warm! This brave endeavour has already raised an impressive £312, over the bold target of £225, the amount needed to fund five nights of emergency accommodation. Find the Just Giving Link HERE if you can help her top it up even further, thank you!
Chloe has been raising money for Devizes OpenDoors since she learnt about the charity in a school lesson. Mum, Julie said, “she came home saying we had to run a toy stall for them.” Since, she has run stalls, tombolas and raffles, and with lots of local support in Devizes over the last year, donating toys and buying things from her stalls, she raised over £500 for them.
In 2019 Chloe raised an amazing £1,600 for Hope for Hasti, a parent-led charity for Hasti, a ten year-old with a rare genetic disease called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. I can’t even count that far, Chole!
Now operating at The Southbroom Centre on Victoria Road, Devizes OpenDoors is a charity to help people in the Devizes Community Area find solutions to homelessness; to offer support to local people when they are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and to benefit local individuals in need, including the marginalised and vulnerable.
They provide four cooked meals a week, and with company and hot drinks, there is also the chance of a shower, and support and advice from staff and volunteers. OpenDoors are currently running low on various items in their food stores. You can follow their Facebook page for updates on what items they’re short of, and you can find drop-off points in Lidl or Morrisons, or arrange to drop off to the centre directly through their website.
“We’re camping out for OpenDoors,” Chloe explained, “and that’s who we’re raising money for.” Well done Chloe and good luck, you are a super star fundraiser! Help her raise some money by donating HERE.
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Join Devizes Opendoors for The Big Sleep Out 2023 and raise funds to help homeless and vulnerable adults here in Devizes get the support they need…..
You’ll experience a small taste of the difficulties homeless people have to deal with including freezing cold, vulnerability and the difficulty of carrying on your day with little sleep. And of course, you’ll be raising money for a great cause.
Sleep out at St James’ Church in Devizes. There will be some hot food and drinks, and you’ll need to provide your own warm clothing and sleeping bags. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Raise money by asking friends and family to sponsor your Big Sleep Out.
Why not plan your own Big Sleep Out at work, at school or at home in the garden? They’ll give you a handy ‘how to’ guide and you can raise funds by asking everyone to sponsor your Big Sleep Out.
Want to support Devizes Opendoors but can’t sleep out? Don’t worry – you can donate to ‘stay in bed’ instead! Simply head to their website to make a donation.
Whatever you choose to do, every penny you raise will go to Devizes Opendoors services providing hot meals and showers, clothing, food and support for the most vulnerable adults in our community.
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Avoid the irony, sadly this year Bath’s annual big sleep-out event in Alice Park cannot be for obvious reasons. But homelessness during a lockdown is no joke. Julian House and Bath Boules Charitable Trust lay down a more local gauntlet, inviting you to join in with a sleep-out in your garden, on your balcony or your kitchen floor, sticking to your household/social bubble.
It’s okay, calm down, it’s not until 5th March, when hopefully weather will be more clement, a reality homeless don’t get. So, to stand up against homelessness, challenge yourself to sleep out for just one night at home and help raise vital funds and awareness for men and women forced to do so every night.
Last year they provided life-changing support to over 1,400 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol, and the South West. It’s a grim realisation, that without support like this, the life expectancy of a long-term homeless person is just 45 years. By sleeping out, you can change that.
On top of everyday challenges, the on-going impact of Coronavirus has had a devastating effect on the men, women, and children in care. Collectively you can help provide the lifesaving services and support they so desperately need right now.
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Two things former humble truck driver Gerry Watkins is a natural at, plucking an ingenious idea and putting it into action, and putting on a gig to fund it. In 2017 Gerry raised four-grand to buy a double-decker bus, which he converted into a homeless shelter in Cirencester. Since he’s launched a similar plan in Swindon, and continues to raise funds for this amazing homeless project. The Big Yellow Bus project is innovative but simple, and Gerry works tirelessly to keep it running.
With live music teetering on return, it still maybe a while before some venues are ready to reopen, despite yesterday’s sudden given date of August 1st. The following weekend, 7&8th, sees a grand restart for The Big Yellow Bus, to get funds rolling once again. The Tavern Inn in Kembleplays host to this glorious two-day mini festival, which is free, with collection buckets for the Big Yellow Bus doing the rounds.
Music plans to kick off at 7pm on Friday 7th August with our good friends, Absolute Beginners. I know, like most, Cath, Gouldy and the gang will be itching to get back to live music. While there’s still a few gaps in the line-up to confirm, The Roughcut Rebels will be a welcomed act, introducing their new frontman, the one and only Finley Trusler; an awesome unification we look forward to hearing. Mick O Toole is also on Friday’s header.
Saturday 8th though is an all-dayer. Paul Cooper (Martin Mucklowe) from the twice BAFTA award-winning BBC tv series, This Country, will be opening up the event at midday. Shaun Peter Smith will be the Compère for the day, as Miss Lucy Luscious Lips, he’s certain to add a little bit of glamour and sparkle. There’s a number of faces I know to this busy line-up, and plenty new to me.
An interesting Opening at midday, Ascenda are a four-piece, playing smooth music with a rock edge and thoughtful, theatrical vocals. Their current collection of songs ‘Celeste,’ forms a love story that explores conflicts; solitude versus companionship, and spirituality versus practicality.
Cath, Gouldy and the gang return as The Day Breakers at 1pm, with their irresistible blend of Celtic and mod-rock covers, it’s guaranteed to go off! Swindon’s all-girl rock and pop covers band, Bimbo follow at 2pm. Dirty and filthy punk is promised to followed with The Useless Eaters, a band who accurately recreate the iconic sound of late 70’s British and American punk.
Six Lives Left
Cirencester’s masters of high-energy classic eighties rock covers, Loaded Dice are on at 4pm, followed by a mesh of Britpop, new wave and ska with SkA’D Hearts at 6pm. Era-spanning soul follows with Joli and The Souls, and rock restarts in style with Six Lives Left. Sticking with six as the magic number, the finale will be from Calne’s fantastic misfits of Britpop and new wave, Six O Clock Circus, who are always up for a party!
Joili & The Souls
Yeah, it’s all slightly out of our usual jurisdiction, but with a line up like this, all for such a great cause, and with limited events these lockdown days, this is highly recommended and worth the effort. Kemble Railway Station is right opposite The Tavern Inn so it’s easy to find.
Note, putting such an event on so early after lockdown will not be without expected guidelines, everyone must abide by. Gerry urges social distancing and that you respect those around you. “This is all done so you can enjoy yourself and have a great time watching and dancing to great live bands and performers, thank you for all your support and together we can have a great time.” I’m sure they will, Gerry. If anyone is heading off from Devizes, gimmie a lift, pal, because this sounds unmissable!
A commendable effort by two Bromham girls to give fifty goodie bags to the homeless this Christmas is quickly growing worthy attention. A massive congratulations goes to these kind year 6 girls, Greg and Al, for such a wonderful thought and their determination to organise this.
Still, they need donations of many items on their homemade list, including cosmetic products like toothbrushes, deodorant and soap, to warm clothes, torches and treats such as chocolate! In fact, I think they’ve thought of a number of valid items most us probably wouldn’t have!
They’ve set up a Facebook page for their campaign, with details on how to donate. Collections are possible, but the girls have set up donation stations at St Nicholas in Bromham and at Beezes in the Ginnel, Devizes. They also sought other possible places for these stations in various local villages.
So, can we give this wonderful idea a boost? I know we can! Start by giving their Facebook page a “like,” and see what you are able to donate, please. Thank you! We wish all the best with this brilliant idea, girls and hope that you will tell us how it went after Christmas; you are both on the good list, that’s for sure! Remember though, have a great Christmas yourself too!
In 2017 truck driver Gerry Watkins raised four grand to buy a double-decker bus which he converted it into a homeless shelter in Cirencester. The project was hailed a success and received media support, and live music fundraisers. With the Cirencester bus now fully refurbished with bed compartments containing timber-framed bunk beds, eating and kitchen areas with a wood-burner, Gerry vowed to bring the concept to other areas in the south west.
Today, he’s proud to bring the idea to Swindon, with a new bus in need of renovation. “I know Swindon needs more than just one bus, but this is a start,” he said.
Such an inspiring DIY story shows the individual can make a difference, yet Gerry is keen to add, “the whole project relies on the sheer kindness of the community and fundraising events to raise funds to purchase materials.” After a campaign to local businesses, Gerry wanted to purchase the bus for £2,900, and told BBC News, “it’s in pretty good condition for the money I paid for it.”
In March Charles Martell, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire paid The Big Yellow Bus Project a visit along with a longstanding supporter, Lady Bathurst, to present a cheque for £500. But the funding needs to continue. A variety of events have been arranged in the past to do just that, from seaside coach trips to bingo and raffle nights, fund raisers have also included some great punk and ska nights in Cirencester and Stroud, with the backing of local bands such as The Strays, Shaggy Dog Raconteurs, Train to Skaville, Ska-Bucks, Sugar Motown and Plucking Different. Here’s hoping the support will be continued in this new project.
All the work carried out for the previous project was checked by the relevant authority and any homeless person using the bus must be signed up to a rehabilitation course. Gerry also hopes to set up training courses to help the homeless get back into work. We wish Gerry all the best with this outstanding contribution to a growing problem in the South West, please, if you can, show some support for this inspirational project, here.
Hey there, just a quick one from me today, mind, I say that then I start waffling, you know how it is!
Delighted to announce that I handed a cheque for the total sum of £225 to Devizes Opendoors today, from our fundraising events at the Bear Hotel’s Cellar Bar in Devizes last month.
It was good to see the homeless charity still thriving, offering takeaway food after their cooked breakfast. Books and clothes are also available to takers; people in sheltered accommodation or sleeping rough in our neighbourhood. It has been over a year since I paid them a visit to highlight the good work they do, see the article here. It was great to know the followers of Devizine has contributed, even just this small amount to this often-overlooked charity.
With Devizes Opendoors saddened by the recent passing of one of their regular guests, Richard Manning early in May, the organisation could do some better news. They’ve raised funds from their recent Quiz Night, and The Sing Alive Choir’s event on the 11th May. You can find out from their exhibit at Devizes Health and Wellbeing event, and from the website, here.
It was even better to acknowledge that we had fun doing it! Reminders of our two events can be read here, and here. Again, a massive thanks for all who attended, to Luke and the Cellar Bar staff for putting up with us. To Harvey and Finely Trusler of the lively Truzzy Boys, Jordan Whatley aka The Hound on the Mountain for that fantastic and expressive set, Gail Foster for brill photographs which just seem to get better with every snap, and her witty and poignant poetry interludes, and the gents of those brilliant Roughcut Rebels; Jamie Elly, Doug Wilcox, Mark Slade, and John Burns.
Of course, that was just the first night, an assortment of live music. For our second, all-reggae night the following Saturday we have Nick Newman, aka Razah, and Knati P, aka Clifton Powell to massively thank. Alongside their dedicated team who carried the equipment down those wonky steps to build the loudest sound system the Cellar Bar has ever witnessed, and stayed to party with us! Particularly Sam Chaloner for assisting the door and encouraging punters to come party.
What comes next? Thanks for asking, but I’ve no idea. I’d like to get summer over and done with, so full of great events already. Then I’d like to do some more Devizine Presents gigs, using our many venues in town and highlighting the best of our local talent. There are many other charities I’d like to include and so, watch this space until the leaves fall from the trees (let’s not think about that yet though, eh?!)
Hi all, just a quick one from me today. I say that and then I waffle on; ah, you know me too well.
Learning lessons about event coordination this week I find it’s not as simple as it sounds. In all actual fact, it can be a bit of a headache. All those I chat with, wanting me to plug this, and that, well done you guys, I’ve experienced it from your side now! There was a point when I was like, yay; reggae in the Cellar Bar, then in one phone call it comes crashing down, and you’re left feeling now I got nought.
But spirits rising again, as from the failure comes two events, of which I’d like to run as a series; I dunno, bi-monthly or something. But I do want to blag what I can from our many venues and event coordinators, work with them to host some charity fundraising events, if they’ll have me and my shambolic procedures. But first, I need to thank everyone who’s overwhelmed me with positive responses to playing one of these, completely unplanned, disorganised chaos of events!
Sam Bishop at our last outing in November. Photo by the wonderful Nick Padmore
So firstly, we kick off with an indie/acoustic type thing, down the Cellar Bar on 11th May. There, for a fiver, or, look, whatever you can chip in pal, you’ll find an abnormal assortment. Not that the acts are abnormal, but the line-up, for though you’ll know Sam Bishop and Finely Trusler as those indie lads from Devizes, Larkin, we’re hosting both of them, without any fights, hopefully, as Fin heads the Truzzy Boys with his cousin Harvey Trusler, and Sam, he’ll be with a promised new band.
Truzzy Boys will be there, will you?
If that isn’t enough surprises, Melksham’s incredible, raw and energetic performer, the kind I’ve compared to a dreadlocked Jim Morrison in the past, will be there too. Jordan Whatley, aka The Hound on the Mountain, once member of the Compact Pussycat, returns as a solo artist with some new songs for us.
The Hound of the Mountain promises to fuzz us all up!
And we’re doing this for Devizes Opendoor, a registered homeless charity who’ve I’ve been to see first-hand the great work they do, providing a breakfast to kick off the day, lunch takeaways, clothes and books, but also advice, support and sociability for anyone sleeping rough or in sheltered accommodation. It’s a situation which never goes away, in fact increases, yet, with stereotyping and crass negative opinions, it’s easy to turn a blind eye to. Let’s not get all political, you know how I feel. Just know that this, and our second event will both donate all proceeds to Opendoor.
Click to read more about Devizes Opendoor
Wha? Second? Yeah, listen up, the reggae night, boomshaka-la, I did say, was merely postponed, and we should bash this one out too, the following week, same place, same time, on Saturday 18th May. Few bits to iron out at present, (and as you could imagine, I’ve an allergic reaction to ironing) but the man Knati P, and Raz-ah will be shaking the foundations of Devizes’ most prominent landmark, The Bear Hotel.
Look, don’t let me get carried away here, but we’ve a lot more on this to come, and I’ll let you know when it does. I’ve lots of acts wishing to contribute, from the incredible local acoustic Vince Bell, wonderful Sally Dobson, to some off the planet ska-punk, and much more. We’ve also a range of worthy charities to donate to, The Devizes & District Opportunity Centre are on my hitlist, along with the wonderful Arts Together.
Watch this space….no, bollocks to that, get yourself down the Cellar Bar on the 11th May, for what will be, I’m certain of it, a historic moment when Devizine ceases to become that crap you read online, and becomes actual, actually a darn good series of nights. Boom, that enough? Can I go now?!
Opps, nearly forgot; she’ll kill me, odds on bet. We will not, hopefully, leave you dangling in boring conversation about the weather during the band changeovers, no sir-y Bob. Our town’s wonderful, amazing, brilliant, Gail Foster will be drafted in to provide us with some mind-blowing, possibly a bit rude, poetry interludes. That is, if I’ve not annoyed her too much, see what I mean, it’s not easy being an event promoter; mine’s a Stowford Press by the way.
Here’s the Facebook event page, let me know you’re coming, because you need to come, tell me you will, but no fibs, do come! See, told you waffling, it’s not pretty.
![a4poster[3646]](https://devizine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/a420poster3646.jpg)
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