Boston Lithuanian Community Group - Annual Report 2020

Boston Lithuanian Community Group

2020 Annual Report

A message from His Excellency Mr. Renatas Norkus, Lithuanian Ambassador in the UK The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Kingdom would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Boston Lithuanian Community and its President Jurate Matulioniene for their contribution and significance in regards to all that has been affected by their brilliant work.

Boston Lithuanian Community has actively proved how important they are not only to their community in Lincolnshire County, but also to the role of the Lithuanian Embassy in promoting and strengthening the ties between Lithuania and the United Kingdom and Lithuanians living abroad and in the state of Lithuania.

Boston Lithuanian Community features traits that everyone must be aspired off. They made an outstanding contribution towards assisting Lithuania’s diaspora in the United Kingdom to adapt and integrate into the local society, as well as teaching about heritage and old traditions of Lithuania to the young generation of Lithuanians. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they have worked as a well-informed and capable team in helping people.

The contribution of Boston Lithuanian Community is enormous and we are extremely proud of them – Lithuanians living in Boston are true goodwill ambassadors of Lithuania abroad.

Table of Contents 1. A brief history 2. Aims and objectives 3.

Living and working in the community 3.1

Kindness Campaign

3.2

Communication

3.3

Marketing

4. Collaborations and partnerships 5. Research work (VMU ) 6.

The annual programme 6.1

Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School

6.2

Lithuanian Awareness Course

6.3

Boston English Academy

6.4

Music Studio DO RE MI

6.5

Boston Art and Culture Club

6.6

Dance Studio KAST

6.7

Egle Maths Club

7. Events 7.1 Traditional Christmas 7.2 Lithuanian Independence Day 7.3 Pancake Day/ Shrovetide Tuesday 7. 4 Easter 7.5 Lithuanian Mother’s Day 7.6 Goodbye School 7.7 Cultural Visits 8. About Boston Lithuanian Community Group 8.1 Committee Members 8.2 Volunteers 8.3 Sponsors 8.4 Future Objectives

1. A brief history Boston Lithuanian Community Group (BLC) was set up in 2011 and is a non-profit Voluntary Constituted Group. It is a welcoming, enthusiastic and inspirational voluntary organisation. The organisation has an impressive volunteer and professional workforce that devise and deliver a vast range of artistic, cultural, educational and community development activities and events in and around Boston, England.

From modest beginnings Boston Lithuanian Community Group has evolved into one of the most highly successful and respected Lithuanian-led community organisations in the UK. Seminal clubs such as the ‘YouDance’ group’ led by Jurgita Ziaunyte, the ‘Traditional Art Club’ led

by Snieguole Milkunaite and Salomeja Milkuniene and the ‘Art Club Crazy Colours’ group led by Agne Smilgiuviene, identified a need for fun, friendly, quality learning experiences in a safe, inspiring environment.

The Group is inextricably linked to the following businesses; Boston English Academy, Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School and Boston INFO Translate. Collectively, they offer a sophisticated cultural and educational network, one cited as a national exemplar by the Embassy of Lithuania in the UK. As Boston Lithuanian Community Group enter 2021 and its tenth anniversary, it is testament to their community-focused approach and excellent communication skills that throughout 2020 the organisation has mobilized an impressive volunteer workforce in response to COVID-19, in so doing assisting hundreds of vulnerable people of all nationalities in remaining safe and healthy.

This report highlights the diverse range of work carried out by Boston Lithuanian Community Group, in so doing placing into sharp relief the Group’s potential to become one of Lincolnshire’s most dynamic independent community development organisations.

Boston Lithuanian Community Group https://www.facebook.com/BostonLithuanianCommunity https://www.facebook.com/bostono.bendruomeneanglijoje

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2. Aims and Objectives

Aim To provide social and educational activities for the people of Boston Borough and work with strategic local, regional and national partners and stakeholders on the realisation of the consolidation of a daily programme of grassroots community development work on artistic and cultural interventions that offer real opportunities to explore issues of nationality, identity, cultural differences and similarities, with the underlying aim of getting people to better understand each other and ultimately live in a more harmonious, socially inclusive Boston. Boston Lithuanian Community Group proposes a unique opportunity for Boston's culturally - diverse communities to come together in a safe, inspiring, welcoming local environment to share cultural experiences and explore the main issues of integration and social cohesion. The group aims to become a key, strategic communications bridge within the local community and establish a transparent and easily accessible methodology for the improvement of day to day community relations.

Objectives Boston Lithuanian community proposes a new ideology in how to nurture, grow and ultimately create a more harmonious society. The group has objectives to develop inclusive activities, language lessons and after-school clubs and events for children, young people, family members and wider community, also to provide support for vulnerable and isolated people working in collaboration with local communities, public sector, media and individuals to promote equality and diversity, equal rights, community cohesion and integration. Boston Lithuanian targets to become a key, strategic communications bridge within local community and establish a transparent and easily accessible methodology for the improvement of day to day community relations.

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3. Living and working in the community Many of Boston Lithuanian Community Group’s members have lived and worked in the UK for over 20 years with their children born in the UK. This knowledge and awareness of both the ‘old world’ and the new has ensured the challenges, nuances and subtleties of assimilating into a new culture are finely tuned, with an awareness of the needs, dreams and aspirations of a wide cross section of the local community known. This knowledge has proven to be of great assistance when liaising and entering into partnerships with local groups and organisations.

BLC is pleased and proud to have been partners and stakeholders in a diverse range of projects, programmes and initiatives over the first ten years of their existence. These local partnerships foster and strengthen trust and goodwill, ensuring a more socially cohesive community.

3.

3.1 The Kindness Campaign

It is at such challenging times when people are at their most vulnerable, that communities come together in support of each other. This is how the hundreds of Group members, their families and friends responded as COVID-19 showed no signs of being defeated in late 2020. From early October 2020 Zoom meetings were scheduled with committee members and other interested Group members to discuss the Christmas 2020 celebrations within the context of the pandemic.

Over a two month period, and with excellent leadership from its Committee, the Group galvanised a community into action that saw them donating hundreds of gifts, food parcels and prizes for a series of raffles, lotteries and competitions for the whole community.

A programme of events was organised for the community’s children and young people, and for the Group’s volunteers.

Underpinning this impressive collective response was a concerted effort to provide essential advice and support to the many vulnerable people of the town and surrounding area most in need. A suite of training programmes were put in place for the Group’s volunteer workforce, who in turn went into the community providing training in IT skills, the English language, liaising with local doctor’s surgeries and Citizen Advice Bureau.

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3.2 Communications Communication with group members and the wider Eastern European and Baltic communities of the area are excellent. Facebook is the main communication bridge, generating impressive rates of replies. The Committee is an excellent communicator and motivator. Committee members are highly respected and committed to providing memorable experiences for Boston’s residents, stakeholders and partners.

External communications with a vast range of local, regional, national and international organisations are impressive. There is considerable demand for Jurate and the group’s involvement in many of the town’s artistic and cultural initiatives, with Jurate representing the group at the majority of these meetings.

3.3 Marketing The Group and its work is highly respected and well known in the area. It enters into many partnerships with a diverse range of projects and initiatives. The Group recognise the importance of doing this and assists them with their commitment and understanding of the strategic importance of integration and social cohesion agendas. The Group’s community reach is far and deep, however its profile could always be higher. This is the case with many voluntary organisations and it is the Group’s intention to research and devise a short to medium term marketing plan that focuses on the Group being ‘seen and heard’ by lapsed members, as well as new people and organisations.

The establishment of the proposed website will greatly assist with the raising of the Group’s profile.

Group members have been interviewed by a range of press and media over the years. BBC News, ITV, Arte TV are but three companies who have shown regular interest in the Group’s development.

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4. Collaborations and Partnerships The last five years have seen significant growth for Boston Lithuanian Community Group. They have evolved from a small group predominantly supporting the region’s Lithuanian community, into a professionally-run organisation much in demand from a vast range of partner organisations.

Entering into strategic partnerships with local, regional and national organisations, the unique skills and networks of Boston Lithuanian Community Group saw them becoming a much in demand communications bridge enabling a new cohort of initiatives to occur.

With Brexit high on the political agenda in 2015 and 2016, the Group found itself being drawn into local conversations concerning migration, integration and social cohesion. As an apolitical group it showed considerable professionalism and diplomacy in handling the potentially volatile environment of that time.

Below is a list of organisations Boston Lithuanian Community Group has worked in partnership with since 2015.

University of Lincoln Boston Borough Council Lincolnshire County Council Transported Boston More In Common St. Botolph’s Church (Boston Stump) Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), Lithuania cultural solutions UK Lincolnshire Polish Society Lincoln Art Ninjas Boston College Citizen Advice Bureau Lincolnshire Community Volunteer Services St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Lithuanian Mass) Heritage Lottery Evan Cornish Foundation Lincolnshire Community Foundation Migration Watch UK Embassy of Lithuania in the UK

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5. A unique partnership with Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Challenges and Opportunities for UK Immigrants Learning English: a Case Study of ESOL Classes 2017 Entering into international partnerships such as the one with Lithuanian University Vytautas Magnus (VMU) is seen by the Group’s Committee is yet another way for Boston Lithuanian Community Group to gain respect within the academic world, whilst highlighting the breadth of experience its members possess.

Jurate Matulioniene and Daiva Pundziuviene‘s research into the barriers to teaching English as a second lanaguge, with the most important factors influencing the improvement of the participants’ competence in English being their psychological well-being and their belief in the progress of their English studies, has been well received by the university.

The research highlighted how exposure to real-life communicative situations; teaching innovative language learning strategies; addressing individual learning styles and helping learners to develop social, inter-cultural, cognitive, problem-solving and time management skills could strongly influence their successful social, linguistic and cultural integration into a new country.

The research explored the most important factors influencing the improvement of the participants’ competence in English. Exposure to real-life communicative situations; teaching innovative language learning strategies; addressing individual learning styles; and helping learners to develop social, inter-cultural, cognitive, problem-solving and time management skills could strongly influence their successful social, linguistic and cultural integration into a new country.

Keeping in mind that the majority of the respondents mentioned their low self-esteem in a new country and an unusual/uncomfortable role of a learner at an older age, the report recommended that particular attention should be paid to helping such students improve their self-confidence and creating flexible learning conditions.

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6. The Annual Programme

Boston Lithuanian Community Group devise and deliver an all-year-round, eclectic, open-access programme of artistic, cultural, educational and community development events in Boston and surrounding area.

Informed by regular consultation with its community, the Group manages and delivers the following activities and events.

6.1 Supplementary School

https://www.facebook.com/lietuviumokykla.bostoneanglijoje Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School plays a central role in realising the aspirations of all that the Group set out to achieve. The School should be applauded for providing high quality language and culture, arts, dance, music and drama, ICT and ESOL learning and teaching in a supportive, caring and safe environment.

Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School is driven by the following aims and values: Aims ➢ Learning leading to enjoyment, success and achievement for all ➢ A safe, healthy, orderly, sustainable and cohesive school community ➢ Effective engagement with our learners, parents, local communities and partners ➢ A positive, proactive approach to innovation and continuous improvement for all. ➢ These aims are under-pinned by the following values.

Values ➢ The uniqueness of each individual ➢ Respect for self, others, school expectations, property and the environment ➢ Self-discipline ➢ Respect for religious and cultural diversity (being different, belonging together) ➢ Equality of opportunity ➢ Loyalty, trust and honesty ➢ Commitment, hard work, high aspiration and achievement ➢ Recognition and celebration of success

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6.2 Lithuanian awareness sessions for adults https://www.facebook.com/Lithuanianlanguagelessons Awareness sessions for all communities is another example of the commitment the Group has towards ensuring as many individuals, groups and organisations gain a better understanding and knowledge of Lithuanian culture and traditions. Social workers, the Longhurst Group, NHS staff, Citizen Advice, Boston More in Common group, private sector employers and Local Authority officers are some who have benefitted from participating in the enlightening sessions.

The Group also participates in a range of local, regional and national seminars, workshops and training initiatives. The Group enjoys a professional relationship with the University of Lincoln which saw Group members collaborating on a cultural project with former colleagues from Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania.

Supplementary school teachers also participate in various teacher training courses and seminars organised by the Lithuanian Embassy in London. This reaching out to potential new partners and stakeholders is a major tenet of the Group as it seeks mutually-beneficial future collaborations.

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6.3 English as a second language - ESOL/Boston English Academy https://www.facebook.com/BostonEnglishAcademyUk The aim of the ESOL courses for adults and children is to ensure people have the opportunity to integrate easier into local Boston life. Over the past 12 years hundreds of people have gained the essential skills and confidence to become an active citizen, thus breaking down social barriers.

The Academy plays an important role in the Borough’s social, cultural and economic regeneration.

The language and culture sessions ensure a much needed communications bridge is available for all nationalities committed to learning English.

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6.4 DO RE MI Music Studio https://www.facebook.com/muzika.muzika.94 Like every other club, event or activity connected to Boston Lithuanian Community Group, the Do Re Mi Music Studio is inextricably linked to the overarching vision of the Group to provide advice, support and educational opportunity for all who seek it out. That support begins at an early age at Do Re Mi with children as young as three benefitting from music teacher Danguole Bugviliene’s (MA in Music Education and Choir Directing) 22 years of experience.

An impressive range of private and group classes are offered with particular interest in solo and choir singing, along with learning to play piano and the Kankles (a Lithuanian folk instrument).

As Musical Director, Danguole was responsible for devising and delivering one element of the 800th anniversary celebrations of the sealing of Magna Carta in 2015. She is also responsible for ensuring her students participate in the annual Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas events, along with other Group concerts and celebrations.

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6.5 Boston Art and Culture Club https://www.facebook.com/Boston-Arts-and-Crafts-FUN-272029216752889

Children are offered a range of crafts and creative activities from painting, papier mâché and drawing, to just about anything their imagination can come up with. The Club, like so many of the Group’s clubs and events has evolved from earlier versions. In this case that of the ‘Traditional Art Club’ led by Snieguole Milkunaite and Salomeja Milkuniene, and the ‘Art Club, Crazy Colours’ group led by Agne Smilgiuviene.

The Art Studio is where you can find teacher Renata showing the children and young people a variety of ways how to make various crafts using creative techniques. Renata believes in the power of the imagination ensuring creativity is nurtured.

Art Club is open to children of all ages and meets weekly.

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6.6 Dance Studio KAST https://www.facebook.com/DanceClubKast The dance group has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. Building on the solid foundation created by Jurgita Ziaunyte and the ‘YouDance’ group’, Team Leader Mantas has taken the young dancers into a whole new realm that explores street dance, modern dance and breakdancing.

The Group have had an impressive 18 months having won the Regional Finals at Peterborough.

Meeting on a regular weekly basis, the Dance Studio caters for young people up to the age of 18 ensuring there’s a dance team for everyone to get involved with. Not to be outshined by the Music Studio, dance teams perform at Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas and other events in Boston.

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6.7 Egle Maths Club for Children & Young People https://www.facebook.com/egle.maths

“Maths is fun!” That’s what Maths Club teacher Egle says during every class, and she should know having qualified as a teacher, and as former maths professor’s assistant at the leading Lithuanian University, Kaunas Technology University. And that’s what her students come to believe after spending time with her and the other students. Many a struggling student reluctantly joined the group, but within an hour they realised that they needn’t be afraid of maths. Egle’s fun, motivational approach to learning has successfully helped hundreds of young people over the years to prepare for their exams whether on a one to one basis, or in a group.

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7. Events

An all year round programme of traditional events ensures Boston’s residents are provided the opportunity of participating in a range of artistic and cultural celebrations.

7.1 Traditional Christmas

Boston Lithuanian Community Group actively devise and deliver a range of events throughout the year, but none is as popular as the annual Christmas festivities. The Group organized its first Christmas Celebration in 2012. Over 500 people attended the 2012 event at Boston’s Gliderdome with people travelling from the four corners of Lincolnshire, some from even further afield. The 2012 event was a breakthrough moment in bringing communities closer together not just for the holidays but throughout the year, highlighting what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.

Since 2012 it has become an annual tradition to organize a programme of Christmas events.

The Group welcome over 500 guests to watch a play prepared by children from the community. Children attending the Supplementary School, dance and music clubs are invited to perform. The Christmas event is open to everyone to join and welcomes previous guests, local community groups, the Mayor of Boston, Lincolnshire County Council, the Lithuanian Ambassador for the UK, and of course Santa also pays a visit with plenty of gifts!

Professional actors and musicians are invited to perform and the Christmas event concludes with a fun disco for both parents and children.

The event has attracted considerable attention from the media and was broadcast on the BBC and the largest Lithuanian TV networks.

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7.2 Lithuanian Independence Day

It is important for the Lithuanian community to remember its history and teach their young members to embrace their roots.

On Lithuanian Independence Day, the community remember and celebrate their freedom fighters who helped Lithuania to become an independent country in 1990.

7.3 Pancake Day / Shrovetide Tuesday This is a Lithuanian festival that takes place during the seventh week before Easter and corresponds with Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday and Carnival, marking the end of winter.

The Group organise a pancake contest with members invited to dress up in traditional masks and participate in the celebration by playing games and singing songs. A major element of the holiday symbolizes the defeat of winter by way of a staged battle between Lašininis ("Porky") personifying winter, and Kanapinis ("hempen man") personifying spring. The event culminates in gathering around a big fire and the burning of “More”, a creature representing winter to mark the start of spring.

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7.4 Easter

Lithuanian Easter traditions start with Palm Sunday and Holy Week and ends with a lot of customs and games that are eggs related! Did you know that Lithuanians eat actual hard-boiled eggs and not chocolate eggs during Easter? Easter is a very well-known and celebrated holiday all over the world. For Lithuanians Christians and Easter (Velykos) are the most sacred of holidays. Usually, Lithuanians spend Holy Saturday painting Easter eggs (margučiai) and preparing for the Easter Sunday feast. Traditional Lithuanian Easter eggs are dyed naturally, using tree bark, leaves, fruits, or vegetables. Other method includes covering and tying eggs with plants, tiny leaves or grass, creating a pattern, and then boiling them in the pot full of brown onion skin. This type of dyeing gives a rich brown burgundy colour, with a nice leaf pattern visible. The Group plans an annual traditional Lithuanian Easter event where children and young people are invited to participate in an egg hunt, along with an annual Easter drawing competition with prizes and awards!

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7.5 Lithuanian Mother’s Day Lithuanian Mother´s Day takes place every first Sunday of May. To celebrate wonderful mothers, the community hosts an annual concert where all children are invited to participate and perform what they have learned during the year. It is a tradition for mothers to receive flowers and other craft gifts from their children.

7.6 Goodbye School!

The community plans an annual event to mark the end of the academic year and the beginning of the summer holidays. Children and adults from the Group’s clubs are awarded certificates for their completed courses. Entertainers are invited, games planned and decorations prepared.

Community members and volunteers are invited to participate in the Group’s visits to adventure parks, heritage sites and other local attractions. The event is full of laughter and joy with both parents and children proud of their achievements!

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7.7 Cultural Visits

Boston Lithuanian Community Group is committed to social cohesion and integration.

They understand the importance of speaking English and familiarizing Group members with the UK’s rich cultural heritage. This sees Group members offered opportunities to visit cultural events and venues across the region. Over the past five years hundreds of members have visited a diverse range of heritage sites and arts events.

Below is an example of some of where members have visited:

Sandringham Estate, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln Cathedral, Warwick Castle, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, Festival800, Lincoln Castle.

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8. About Boston Lithuanian Community Group 8.1 Committee Members Boston Lithuanian Community Group has an active core volunteer workforce of approximately 30 and access to over 500 volunteers for specific events and activities.

Supporting this workforce is a team of volunteer Committee officers – Chair Jurate Matulioniene, Deputy Chair Vilma Ropeikiene, Secretary Jurgita Ziaunyte, Treasurer Dale Kilkute and Committee Member Laima Urbonaviciene. Committee members are investing time and money into the establishment of a medium to long term training and development plan that includes a strategy for the recruitment, support and training of existing Committee officers and all subsequent officers.

Over the past five years volunteers have received training in Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding. They have also completed a Volunteer Card course at Lincolnshire Community Volunteer Services (LCVS). The aim of the course is to support volunteers who wish to learn new skills that will benefit their personal development and also enable their voluntary and community group to develop.

Volunteers are cherished and respected. The growth of the Group is due to a balance of excellent leadership, trust and goodwill. This has come into sharp relief during 2020 with volunteers having managed so well with COVID-19. Volunteers have received specialist COVID-19 training which has seen the establishment of an advice and support programme for some of Boston’s most vulnerable citizens. A daily multi-lingual telephone support system for vulnerable individuals is but one example of the ingenuity and resolve shown by the Group during such challenging times.

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Jurate Matulioniene Chairperson of BLC group, Managing Director of the Boston English Academy and Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School Jurate is Managing Director of Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School which she established over 10 years ago. Jurate is responsible for the overall running of the community group, coordinating projects and events, networking with local community groups, Boston Borough Council, Lithuanian Embassy and the private and public sectors. She is also responsible for volunteering groups who develop inclusive activities to promote the school as a positive, fun and professional environment, and a leading force of the community. Through time and dedication she has significantly contributed towards the growth and success of this community group.

Achievements

Boston English Academy, ESOL, Director/Teacher Vytautas Magnus University Online, Lecturer 1994-2010 Master’s Degree in English and Philology Vilnius University, Qualified Teacher Status GTC in UK, TEFL Cambridge, PTTLS L4 Boston College, Leadership L2 Boston College Over 20 years of teaching experience, 10 years of managing and leadership experience LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS

Vilma Ropeikiene Deputy Chair of BLC group, Coordinator of Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School, Primary Education Teacher Vilma has been a devoted community member since 2011, she is currently responsible for coordinating primary school education and delivering tailored sessions at Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School. For over 10 years she has helped over 400 children to develop their language and cultural skills. She has contributed greatly towards the initial establishment of the school and its curriculum. Vilma has the leading role in children and parents’ engagement into school events.

Achievements

Over 15 years of teaching leadership and 10 years of coordinating primary education experience Master’s degree in Primary School Education and Ethics, Siauliai University Children and Young People Teaching Assistant Level 2, Boston College LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, Safeguarding Course, DBS

21.

Laima Urbonaviciene Committee Member

Laima has been a highly dedicated and supportive Committee Member of BLC. She has helped to organize most of the group’s Christmas and Easter events as well as the children competitions. She is a proud sponsor of the group and valuable member of our community.

Achievements BA degree in Designing and Modelling, Vilnius University Owner of the Baltic Food Park Grocery Shop, Boston Founder and Designer of ‘Touch of Luxury’ (Handmade Jewellery Boutique) LCVS Volunteer Card Training, DBS

Jurgita Ziaunyte Committee Member

Jurgita is currently the Secretary of the BLC group and takes part in a lot of the group’s events, community projects and AGM meetings. Previously, she was the leader of the YouDance group and contributed towards many children’s performances and events.

Achievements Master's degree in Physics and Natural Sciences, Vilnius University Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics, Vilnius University Current Operations Manager at Mercury Personnel Solutions Ltd LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, DBS

Dale Kilkute Committee Member

Dale is currently the Treasurer of BLC group. Dale takes part in AGM meetings and supports the group by contributing towards the group’s events and projects. She has been supporting the most vulnerable community members, the elderly and isolated people by planning visits, advice sessions and bringing people together.

Achievements: Tourism and Commerce School in Vilnius, Lithuania CYOP5 awarded by CACHE Lincoln LCVS Volunteer Card Training, First Aid training, DBS

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8.2 Volunteers and Professional Workforce ‘Ką darai – daryk gerai’ is a Lithuanian proverb meaning ‘Whatever you do, do it well’ and it is clear from the vast amount of successful events and activities the Group produces throughout the year that its volunteers are whole-heartedly signed up to the proverb. Highlighted below is information on some of their valued volunteers.

Danguole Bugviliene Danguole is the leader and teacher of DO RE MI Music Studio. She is a very active member of the BLC group and has contributed greatly towards the implementation and leadership of various concerts and events. Due to Danguole’s dedication many students have had the opportunity to excel in their musical and artistic skills. Danguole has encouraged many young people to take part in the group’s performances and competitions.

Achievements Bachelor’s degree of Music Pedagogy, Siauliai University Bachelor’s degree of Choir Director, Panevezys Academy Safeguarding Course, First Aid Training, DBS

Egle Sarocinaite Egle is our group’s Maths tutor. She runs after school Maths Club for children. She provides professional tuition for the children helping to improve their Maths skills and provides support to the elderly through consultations and bringing people together. Also, Egle takes part in our group’s projects.

Achievements Master’s Degree of Finances and Mathematics at Vilnius University Bachelor’s Programme of Mathematics at Open University Safeguarding Course, DBS

Mantas Grauzinis Mantas is currently the leader of the award-winning Dance Studio In Boston KAST. He is responsible for planning various local dance competitions and events. He is a very active member of the BLC group and has contributed greatly towards the implementation and leadership of various dance performances, projects and group events.

Achievements Safeguarding Course, First Aid training, DBS

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Renata Vaskiene Renata joined Boston Lithuanian Supplementary School in 2016. She is currently responsible for the coordination of secondary education and Boston Art and Culture Club. She contributes towards the planning of school events and decoration. Renata has played the leading role in teaching children who have limited Lithuanian language skills and is one of the most creative members of the group.

Achievements Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Vytautas Magnus University Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Siauliai University Skegness College of Vocational Training (Level 2) Teaching Assistant NVQ Safeguarding Course, First Aid Training, DBS

Egle Matulionyte Egle has been an active volunteer since 2011 and contributed towards the development and implementation of numerous events. She is currently responsible for BLC marketing campaigns and the establishment of the website. She is an avid campaigner for inclusion and provides legal advice to community members.

Achievements First Class Honours Law LLB at Westminster University Masters of European and International Law at Maastricht University

Daiva Razguniene Daiva has contributed to both the groups’ and other local projects. She has continuously impressed our group with her beautifully decorated cakes and high quality catering at our events. Daiva Razguniene is one of the main sponsors of BLC's Christmas and Easter events and a valuable member of the community.

Achievements Founder and Managing Director of Diva’s Cakes Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in management, Grantham College Marketing Management, Kaunas College

Snieguole Milkunaite Snieguole is an active volunteer and always contributes towards the organisation of traditional events and fundraising campaigns with passion and commitment. She was previously responsible for the traditional Arts Club and contributed to the group’s events with beautiful decorations.

Achievements International Finance, Klaipeda Business College Children Arts Education, Klaipeda Art School Safeguarding Course, DBS 24.

Egidijus Saulius Egidijus has been continuously supporting the community during the Lithuanian Embassy Consulate missions, events and assisted the community by providing transportation for our members. He is a valuable and much respected volunteer in our community.

Achievements Creative English Course, Faith Action Entry 3 ESOL Course, Boston English Academy

Brigita Sidlauskiene

Brigita contributes greatly towards the organization of community events. She is particularly helpful by assisting fundraising events, promoting the community and organising hospitality. She has been supporting our most vulnerable community members, elderly and isolated people by giving advice and providing information.

Achievements Trade and Business School in Vilnius, Law Studies, Romeris University MB ”BREGway”, Director, Owner of an international business

Maryte Kubekaite

Maryte assists in many of the Group’s events. She has been helpful at fundraising and the Kindness Campaign. She has been helping the elderly and isolated people by giving advice and providing information.

Maryte is a valuable volunteer of our community.

Achievements Owner of a small business Professional Hairdresser Entry 3 ESOL Course, Boston English Academy

Daiva Leimontaite

Daiva is our community photographer who captures a lot of beautiful moments of our groups’ events. She has also contributed towards fundraising and the Kindness Campaign supporting as many vulnerable and isolated people in the local area as she can.

Achievements BTEX Extended Diploma in Art and Design-Photography, Boston College Social Carer at Town and Country Care, Freelance Photographer

The Boston Lithuanian Community Group Committee is indebted to all its volunteers. It appreciates that 2020 has placed considerable pressure on its volunteers and wishes to extend its gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who have ensured the Group’s events and activities remained as vital in 2020 as they have in past years. In such an unprecedented time it is testament to the volunteers that they were, and are fully committed to ensuring ‘whatever they did, they did it well’! Thank you!

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8.3 Sponsors Many of the events highlighted in this report including the Christmas and Easter festivities and that of the Magna Carta would not have been possible without the generosity of the following sponsors. Boston Lithuanian Community Group would like to acknowledge and thank them for their significant support and commitment in making a real difference to the quality of life of so many Boston residents.

Laima Urbonaviciene and Robertas Urbonavicius, Directors of Baltic Food Park Grocery.

Daiva Razguniene, Director of Diva's Cakes.

8.4 Future Objectives Boston Lithuanian Community Group will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2021. The new year, more so than ever before offers uncertainty and continued personal and professional challenge. A major item on the Group Committee’s December 2020 meeting and AGM was a visioning exercise exploring the establishment of a three to five year consolidation and development strategy. A strategy that identified the existing successful, well-loved annual programme, whilst identifying future collaboration and development opportunities.

From modest beginnings almost a decade ago to the establishment of a vibrant, grassroots, community-led programme, the Boston Lithuanian Community Group has a clear vision of how it can realise its aims and objectives over the next decade. It extends its arms out to new partners, stakeholders and possibilities.

CONTACT Chairperson: Jurate Matulioniene Tel: +44 7565617039 E-mail: ukjuma@yahoo.com Boston Lithuanian Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonLithuanianCommunity Bostono Lietuviu Bendruomene (Lithuanian page) https://www.facebook.com/ bostono.bendruomeneanglijoje

www.bostonolietuviubendruomene.uk www.bostonlithuaniancommunity.uk 26.