SoundCafe Celebrates its 5th Birthday
Who can believe that SoundCafe has now been open for five years! Last Wednesday 9th October everyone at SoundCafe celebrated with a wonderful birthday cake and looked back over the last five years at how we have changed and developed.
We equally give thanks for our wonderful guests, volunteers, supporters and staff at St. Martins House, without everyone’s commitment and support we would not have reached our 5th Birthday.
Apart from cake we were treated to some wonderful performances by our guests.
Wondering Souls Exhibition 2019
SoundCafe Choir performed at the Wondering Souls Exhibition Picnic in the Cathedral Gardens on May Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2019. Despite the weather, the Choir sang to a number of visitors and had a wonderful afternoon.
Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2019 – SoundCafe Leicester
We’re delighted to confirm that this year’s Bishop’s Lent Appeal will benefit the guests of SoundCafe, people who are vulnerable, socially isolated or who experience homelessness. Further details, including a video, are available on the Diocese of Leicester website.
SoundCafe Celebrates becoming a Bishops Mission Order (BMO)
Now in its fifth birthday, SoundCafe has now been granted a Bishop’s Mission Order meaning that it’s recognised as part of the ‘big family’ that is the Church of England in Diocese of Leicester.
In giving the Bishop’s Mission Order, the Bishop of Leicester endorsed and authorised SoundCafe Leicester (SCL) as a distinctive Christian community joining in with the mission of the local Church.
Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, said: “I have been a patron of SoundCafe since my arrival in Leicester and so I have seen first-hand the wonderful spirit of friendship and encouragement.
“I am now granting them a Bishop’s Mission Order in recognition of their Christian values of hospitality and welcome, and with the prayer that they will grow as a Christian community. We don’t yet know all that this will involve but we are truly blessed to have such a community in the Diocese.”
As he signed the Mission Order along with Chair of SCL Trustees Mrs Roz Burch, Bishop Martyn told guests: “This is a bit like adopting SoundCafe into the very big family that is the Diocese of Leicester, with our 324 churches, lots of schools and our work in prisons and hospitals. SoundCafe is welcomed into our family.”
The Rev’d Helen Hayes who started the charity with fellow Trustees five years ago, is delighted and said: “Having a Bishop’s Mission Order gives us real recognition and encouragement in our work as part of the Church’s mission. Our aim is to empower our guests to find ‘their voice’ and thereby redefine who they are and shape their journey of rebuilding their lives.”
Roz Burch, chair of Trustees of SoundCafe Leicester, said “We are delighted to be chosen to be a Mission Order by the Bishop as we grow as a charity working with the most vulnerable people in the City. A BMO will establish a clear identity for us within the Diocese and the West Leicestershire Mission Partnership. The BMO will equally provide the opportunity for sharing faith whilst embracing guests from all religions and none. SCL encourages, inspires and celebrates our guests’ capabilities and God-given capacity for creativity, contribution and personal enrichment. This model is now being identified both within the Diocese and beyond for further exciting work.”
SoundCafe Remembers
2018 marks 100 years since the end of the First World War. 11am on November 11, is the time and date when hostilities formally ended after more than four years of battle during World War I.
To mark this occasion on Saturday 3rd November SoundCafe Choir sang a collection of war time and peace songs in Leicester Cathedral. The singing and moving songs captivated visitors to the Cathedral. The art work produced by guests and volunteers providing a fitting tribute at this time.
Members of the public who were visiting the cathedral to visit the tomb of King Richard commented on how moving they found the event.
One member of the audience stayed for the whole performance which made him late for the Tigers match, the first time he had been late for a Tiger’s match in 33 years.
“It was such a powerful moment when I glanced over from conducting, to see people writing on the poppy crosses and leaving them on the trellis. Just seeing people pause for a moment and reflect on the lives lost in the First World War.
SoundCafe Remembers was such a special event. The choir sang so well and with all their hearts; songs from the First World War; songs and poetry lamenting the fact that there are still wars today; and songs and poetry of hope for a world of peace. It was wonderful that those who came to listen were able to join in the singing with the SoundCafe Remembers Song Book. It was a true community singing event led by the SoundCafe Choir.
The SoundCafe Remembers Scroll looked beautiful and we are hugely grateful for all the planning and preparation that went into making this event happen. It was so inspiring to hear the choir sing about the subject of war and suffering. We are hugely proud of the choir and all they achieve in the midst of many of our guests difficult lives.” (Rev’d. Helen Hayes)
“What an Honour for SoundCafe!”
We were delighted that two of our volunteers were invited by Lord Lieutenant Jennifer, Lady Gretton DCVO JP, to attend the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on the 5th June 2018. Carol and Pat were representing SoundCafe Leicester. Carol & Pat have been with SoundCafe since the beginning in October 2013 and have been instrumental in shaping SoundCafe and providing refreshments and arts and crafts activities for our guests. Every year The Queen hosts three parties as a way to recognise and reward public service.
Leicester @ The Cross on Good Friday
Act 2 – The Trial of Jesus. Details of the Leicester @ The Cross event are on the Diocese of Leicester website.
Poetry and art by the guests of SoundCafe was on display.
