SYDNI May Festival will be treat for the community

The SYNDI Centre’s May Festival, taking place on Saturday from noon to 4pm at the centre in Marlowes Walk off Cottage Square, will raise funds for the continuing development of activities and services for people in the area.

The centre, built on the old site of Sydenham First School in 2002, provides a venue for activities, groups, workshops, support services and clubs for people of all ages and backgrounds in the community.

More than 80 volunteers give their time to help out at the centre some of whom are looking for work and need a boost in confidence and a good reference.

The centre’s cafe serves healthy, affordable and tasty meals to visitors and caters for corporate buffets.

A Food co-op project lets people grow their own vegetables in the centre’s community garden.

Kate Cliffe, the centre’s manager, said: “The centre’s main aim to provide activities and facilities that the community needs.

“We do this in consultation and partnership with the community to empower people to make things happen for themselves.”

The centre is holding the Art and Soul Poetry Competition in memory of the late Jane Dobbie, who was a dedicated community worker and lover of poetry.

Prizes are up for grabs in three age categories - school years 6 and 7, years 8 to 11 and ages 16 and above.

All poems entered should be on the theme ‘you can change the world by working together’.

Entry forms are available at the centre.

To find out more about what the centre offers click here