Jan 2020 Newsletter

by Sweet Circus January 2, 2020

Thank you for your support in 2019

What a busy and significant year 2019 has been. Sweet Circus became an Importer and not for profit Community Interest Company. We lost our original venue and so expanded into several venues across the town. We took the difficult decision to close the shop and concentrate on our classes, events and on-line selling until a more suitable solution becomes available. And finally in December we ran a successful crowdfunding campaign, attracting enough match funding to provide the rigging solution at St. Elisabeth's Church, replacement equipment for all our classes and a little contribution to rent to keep some of our quieter classes running in the short term.
None of this would have been possible with out YOU, our students, families, supporters, friends, staff, volunteers and followers so a massive thank you from us to each and every one of you.

Our children's class timetable remains the same in January with our 14 - 19 group continuing to run along side our mixed aerial class on a Friday. Some classes are already filling up so get in touch to book on.

50+ Social Circus
Tesco have agreed to let us continue in their community space every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. The next few will be 12 - 1pm on:
Jan 14th & 28th
Feb 11th & 25th
Each session is just £2 and is a fantastic way to maintain your physical and social health.

Juggling News
Our Free Learn to Juggle Lunch Breaks ARE BACK!
1 - 1.30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Tesco community space Lottbridge Drove.
Suitable for all ages and abilities - Just turn up!

We're also planning a Juggle Jam for those who already have some skills - basically if you can manage 3 balls a couple of times or even if you're already juggling 5 clubs this is for you. Check Facebook for further details as they arise.

Kendama News
We have developed a good relationship with Sweets Kendama in the USA and Krom Kendama in Denmark and now have a good turn over of Kendama via Ebay. We are talking to other suppliers currently and hope to bring a couple more brands on line over the next year.

Our challenge now is to support the development of local Kendama players and bring people together through this addictive and frustrating activity. We'll be working with our fantastic ambassador Ali to bring you Kendama jams and workshops this year.

Keep your eyes on our Facebook page for details as they arise.

What's the Plan for 2020?
We are working hard behind the scenes to bring in funding to support our current work and to develop new projects. We have already applied for funds to support our home ed classes and to make our 50+ social circus a weekly slot in a variety of venues and should hear from each of these in the spring.
While we await the Crowdfunder funds to hit our bank account we are busy talking to manufactures, riggers and the church to finalise the most appropriate rigging solution which we hope will come into fruition before the summer.
The hunt is truly on for our own studio and shop space, we still intend to deliver classes and workshops in a variety of venues, however having a space of our own would improve our capacity to deliver to the community, and in the long run save on venue hire.
Now that we have our not for profit status confirmed we are exploring the possibility of providing certifications and qualifications as an Education Organisation. We would like to give both children and adults the opportunity to access qualifications and training as well as provide industry training to other professionals working with children and community groups.
2019 has been a huge adventure and has been the year Sweet Circus was able to really confirm its identity and direction. 2020 will be no less challenging as we attempt to provide more opportunities, increase our reach, and generate income enough to provide employment opportunities.
Bring it on!!!!