🍁 November News & a Peek at December at Our Space

See what’s been happening, what’s coming up, and how you can join in this November.

Hello, and a warm welcome to our November newsletter. We hope you’re keeping well.

Finding Warmth in Community this November

As autumn deepens and the air turns crisp, there’s been no shortage of warmth at Our Space. October brought so many moments that reminded us what community looks and feels like. From people showing up, getting involved, and creating something special together.

The month began with a real celebration as Gage Mix Radio officially launched from its new home here at 58 Flaxley Road. It was wonderful to see so many local faces joining in the excitement and to feel that sense of shared pride as Selby’s newest community radio station took to the airwaves.

Our Crafties Spooktacular during Half Term was another October highlight, with 30 children (and almost as many pumpkins!) taking part in a morning full of fun, creativity, and cake. The room was alive with colour, chatter, and a touch of glittery chaos - just how we like it!

Meanwhile, our Friday mornings have quietly become the heart of Our Space. Knit & Natter continues to be a place of laughter, shared stories, and the occasional new skill learned. It’s also where our community creativity shines brightest.

We’re now starting an Autumn/Winter bunting project to decorate the building. We’d love donations of materials in warm autumn tones, reds, browns, oranges, golds, and greens. Additionally, volunteers are needed to help cut triangles and stitch them together. Drop in on a Friday morning if you’d like to join the fun.

Across the building, our new pilots have taken off beautifully. The Parent Drop-In with Cathy on Wednesday mornings (9 - 10:30 am) has already started to gather a small, friendly crowd. It’s a space for a chat, a cuppa, and some early years support while little ones play.

On Thursdays, the New Hope Club has become a highlight of the week. A calm, relaxed, caring, and welcoming group for anyone who enjoys a slower pace in a supportive space, along with their carers and support workers. There’s always a warm drink, relaxed conversation, and gentle activities designed to help people connect and feel at ease.

October also saw the ZONE @ Our Space youth project continue to thrive. Young people have been carving pumpkins, sharing food, and building friendships. The group has reached a brilliant milestone with its regular participants and has begun planning its own creative community projects. They’re learning leadership skills, completing certificates, and proving that young people really can shape their own space.

This November, ZONE is all about creativity and comfort food. On Thursday, 6th November, we’ll be making parkin and toffee apples. Later in the month, on Thursday, 20th November, there’s a spoken word workshop where participants can explore storytelling, expression, and voice.

The building continues to grow busier each week. Our Community Tearoom is open every weekday from 9 am to 12 noon, with breakfast sandwiches, tea, coffee, and cake on offer.

Did you know? Every cuppa sold in our Tearoom helps fund activities and upkeep at Our Space, so when you pop in for a brew, you’re supporting your community too. ☕

We love our partnership with Working For Health, and it is great to have them based at Our Space. They are creating even more opportunities for people to connect over a cuppa. They are an organisation that specialises in employment support for people with mental health conditions.

Focusing on Self-Care

The week of 17th November is National Self-Care Week, and we’ll be marking it in our own Our Space way, with Advice and Information pop-ups in the Tearoom all week. Drop in to explore small steps for wellbeing, and don’t miss free blood pressure checks and advice on Tuesday, 19th November, thanks to Active North Yorkshire.

It’s a great reminder that caring for ourselves helps us care for others! Self-care can be as simple as slowing down, sharing a chat, or taking a moment for yourself in a warm, welcoming space.

Why not try a small act of self-care each day that week? Take a short walk, call a friend, or write down one thing you’re grateful for.

Looking Ahead to December

December is shaping up to be full of festive cheer at Our Space! We’ll be hosting our Christmas Table-Top Sale on Saturday, 22nd November (11 am–2 pm), a nice way to kickstart the season. Expect local crafts, home baking, hot dogs, tea, coffee, mulled wine, and a tombola or two. Entry is free and everyone’s welcome, so come along and join in the fun.

And save the date for Monday, 22nd December, when we’ll be hosting Crafts & Carols. A free bauble-painting session from 1 - 3 pm, followed by a creative carol singalong from 3:30 - 6 pm. We’ll be making origami decorations, enjoying festive tunes, and spreading community warmth to close the year.

Behind the scenes, we’re also preparing a Volunteer Christmas Celebration. Our way of saying thank you to the amazing people who give their time, skills, and heart to keep Our Space running.

A big thank you to all our volunteers, whether you’re pouring tea, tidying up, or welcoming visitors, you’re the heartbeat of Our Space. 💛

Interested in volunteering? Pop in for a chat or email Alice coordinator@ourspaceselby.org.uk

🍰 Something to Try at Home – Sticky Parkin

Our young people in ZONE @ Our Space will be making parkin this month, but there’s no reason the adults should miss out!
Here’s a quick and cosy recipe to bring that Bonfire Night flavour home:

Ingredients:

• 200g self-raising flour

• 100g medium oatmeal

• 100g soft brown sugar

• 1½ tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp mixed spice

• 200g golden syrup

• 100g butter

• 1 egg, beaten

• 100ml milk

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 150°C (130°C fan) and grease a square baking tin.

2. Gently melt the syrup and butter together in a pan.

3. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then pour in the syrup mixture.

4. Stir in the egg and milk until smooth.

5. Pour into the tin and bake for about 1 hour until firm and golden.

6. Cool in the tin - it tastes even better after a day or two!

Perfect with a cuppa on a chilly day ☕

We hope you enjoy trying this little taste of November, and we look forward to seeing you soon at Our Space.

Did you know? The word parkin comes from Yorkshire and has been around since the 1700s! It was traditionally baked for Bonfire Night, and it keeps getting better with age (just like our community!).

Stay Connected

There’s always something happening here, and we’d love you to be part of it. Pop in, take part, or just enjoy a quiet cuppa in the Tearoom.

You can find full details of all sessions and activities in our What’s On Guide, available online or in print from 58 Flaxley Road.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan

“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis

Coming soon: our Christmas decorations are going up and the building’s about to sparkle!

Keep an eye on social media for festive updates and behind-the-scenes snaps from our Table-Top Sale. 🎄✨

We will be back at the beginning of December with more updates.

Warm wishes,
The Our Space Team 💛

What's On Guide

58 Flaxley Road, Selby | www.ourspaceselby.org.uk