CHARITY Krunch South West has celebrated ten years of service to Thornbury’s young people.
The organisation, a branch of Krunch UK, first stepped in to start youth clubs in the town when council-run provision was removed back in 2013.
Commissioned at first by South Gloucestershire Council and then Thornbury Town Council, Krunch quickly built its services, working 1,500 young people over the past decade.
To celebrate the anniversary Krunch held a gathering of funders, stakeholders, friends and supporters at Thornbury Golf Centre in September.
Guests were given a look back over ten years of work, a speech by South Gloucestershire Council early help partnership manager Kevin Sweeney and a drum and bass performance from MC Texas and Bood, both previous Krunch youth workers.
Krunch South West Project manager Penny Baker was given a standing ovation during the evening for her decade of service to local young people and the community.
Chair of trustees Phil Ball said: “It is Penny’s unshakeable and tireless dedication to youth work that has enabled youth provision in the area to go from strength to strength.”
Businesses donated for a raffle which raised almost £300 on the night.
Penny said: “We had a wonderful evening celebrating with our supporters past and present, many of whom have been a key part of our journey over the last decade and who we continue to work alongside.
“It is fantastic to look back at all we have achieved over the last decade, and we have some exciting plans for future too.”
The event followed on the heels of Krunch’s Summer Fest 2023 in August, a family event attended by more than 500 people.
Skate competition winners are joined by Thornbury Mayor James Murray and Krunch South West manager Penny Baker at August’s Summer Fest.
The event included inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, glitter tattoos, music, circus skills, graffiti, as well as a barbecue and stalls, and a “chill out area” provided by charity Jigsaw.
The main attraction was a skate competition hosted by King Ramps, which included competitors aged from five to 25 on skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes.
Spectators were also given demonstrations by professional riders Jordan Thackery and Sox, who stuck around to give training tips to local skaters.
Thornbury Mayor James Murray presented prizes to the skate competition winners.
Penny said: “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 10 years working with young people in Thornbury and the surrounding area than to throw a big summer party for the whole community.
“It was fantastic turn out of all ages, and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Thank you to everyone who came along and to all the contributors to the event. Here’s to another ten years!”
Krunch hosts weekly term time youth clubs on Wednesdays for school years 6 to 9 and Thursdays for school years 9 to 12.
Both take place from 6.30-8pm at Turnberrie’s Community Centre.
Admission is £1 and all young people are welcome.
For more information visit www.krunch.org.uk/krunch-sw ot the Krunch South West Facebook page.
Top picture: Krunch South West youth workers and volunteers at a celebration of the Thornbury charity’s tenth anniversary.