Ask The Question CIC thanks the people of Calderdale for support at their inaugural Christmas markets

The festive markets, which took place at the Fielden Centre in Todmorden, were a roaring success, with hundreds flocking to the event which saw a storytime performance from Ben Faulks, AKA CBeebies’ Mr Bloom, as well as a fantastic performance of carols from Hebden’s junior brass band, and finally a Christmas singalong with Todmorden’s very own Michael Gill who also helped draw the raffle.

There were plenty of local businesses who attended and supported the event with their stalls, from Todmorden’s “Milkin’ It”, to jewellery store StringEffects, as well as the Body Shop at Home run by Julie Henderson, Mr Bloom’s merchandise shop and interiors business DV Homewares. From further afield, Jewellery by Deanne came from Altrincham, clothing store Sally Ann Boutique came from Cheshire and Holmes Chapel Waste Free also came along to support from Holmes Chapel.

Entertainment for the children was provided by the local Hebden Saints football team who had a target practice game and ‘design your own shirt’ competition, as well as Ask The Question CIC who were selling sweet cones and Santa hats, as well as face painting and festive games, including a lucky dip.

Jo Austin, founder of Ask The Question CIC said, “We would like to thank the people of Calderdale for their support with our inaugural Christmas markets. We raised a lot of money for our organisation, but most of all we all had fun and everyone who attended had a smile on their face!”

Ask The Question CIC provides one-to-one tuition and mentorship to children and teenagers in Calderdale who have experienced adverse childhood experiences, in particular those who have suffered as a result of abuse, neglect and trauma. They have worked with over 120 students since they were formally founded in 2017, over half of which have had experience of local authority care.

Students who attend sessions through Ask The Question have consistently reached their potential, with every student passing their maths and english GCSE, and three students this year going on to attend a Russell Group University. They recently celebrated all of their 11+ students passing the 11+ exam.