York Unitarians
From the Sun to Pluto in aid of a local charity
In 2011, on 17th September, a group of members completed the "Solar System" walk along the York to Selby path. Nine planets, all built to scale, are encountered along the track, which was the brainchild of three University of York staff, who won Millennium awards for their idea. A former chairman of the Brunswick Nursery, Richard Firn, was also a university colleague of a Chapel member.
This year's 'chosen charity' was Brunswick Organic Nursery. Brunswick is a registered charity (No. 1010178) that offers purposeful work and training to people with learning disabilities (Workers) who are often excluded from having these chances. It provides Workers with the opportunity to develop their skills within the project and beyond. Activities include making hand-made crafts, cooking, woodwork, growing plants in pots, growing organic fruit and vegetables, and provides a social club for the Workers. The daughter of a Chapel member benefits from attending Brunswick Nursery.
A group of nine sturdy Unitarian walkers completed the 7.25 mile path in 2 hours 41 minutes, with stops for rest and refreshment, calling in on Brunswick Nursery during the walk, and raised £1175 in sponsorship money for the Brunswick Nursery.
During the morning service on 30th October, a cheque was presented to Adam Myers, the manager of Brunswick, who attended the service with a number of workers from the Nursery, and he said 'we are delighted to accept this donation from the chapel particularly as we have connections to the congregation through friends of Richard Firn as well as the parent of one of our workers. Although our day to day running costs are covered by contracts we do need donations to improve and develop what we offer. In this case the money will go toward improvements to our kitchen. Stephanie Arksey a worker at Brunswick added 'I want to say a big thank you to the chapel! I work in the kitchen and will be glad to see it getting better'.
Accessibility The ground floor of the Chapel is accessible, with assistance, to wheelchair users. There is also an accessible toilet. A deaf loop system is in operation.