Vice Lord-Lieutenant opens Joy Pavilion on the Wrekin

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Jenny Wynn, OBE DL was delighted to represent the Shropshire Lieutenancy at the opening of the Yellow Ribbon Community Chaplaincy’s Joy Pavilion at Halfway House on the Wrekin.

For more than a decade the Yellow Ribbon Community Chaplaincy has continuously evolved. Providing homes, mentoring, guidance, practical help, life skills training and wider courses, but most importantly it has provided the opportunity for individuals to flourish with the support of trustees’ staff and volunteers.

Shropshire Lieutenancy recognises the work and support provided has been life changing for so many individuals and families. This latest development will continue that support to families and young people as they progress to provide alternatives for young people to flourish and make a positive contribution to their communities.

The Joy Pavilion is a community funded cafe, event venue and community pavilion hub situated halfway up the Wrekin and has for centuries provided an opportunity for individuals, families, groups and many charities to see nature at its best. The opening of this facility will enable many more people to come and enjoy its natural beauty, reconnecting with nature and improve wellbeing.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant congratulated Jenny Joy who set the ball rolling in 2017 by partnering with Sean, the previous owner of this facility, to ensure that the cafe was open regularly. Whilst running the cafe she realised the importance of redeveloping the pavilion and put her own money into this after Sean decided to sell. She led a crowdfunding campaign to bring it into community ownership and this is where Yellow Ribbon came in and took on the baton, working closely with Jenny and the rest of the CIC directors they decided to donate their funds to Yellow Ribbon. A year later, with the support of many people in the area, a successful bid was put in which has enabled Yellow Ribbon to bring Halfway House into community ownership.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant said “I am honoured to name the pavilion the JOY Pavilion, congratulations to the Yellow Ribbon Community Chaplaincy, trustees, staff and volunteers for your continuing support of individuals, families and young people to improve their lives and support their communities and long may you continue”.