The partnership is working to present the neglected layers of Burton’s identity.
Since 2018, clusters of children have attended with excitement the Warehouse Wednesdays club hosted and run by Riverside Church, in partnership with Burton Youth for Christ and Trentside Skate Club.
These organisations have formed an association that brings entertainment and opportunities for young people to thrive together in a safe and fun environment. Riverside Church hosts the events, while Burton Youth for Christ contributes activities and pastoral care, and Trentside provides skating opportunities and training.
Parents, young people and volunteers alike have been vocal about the success of Warehouse Wednesdays, which they say allows children to be children, with the added benefit of exercise during the week!
Matt Rimmer, Lead Youth Worker at Burton Youth for Christ, shared his thoughts on the special privilege and importance of supporting new initiatives to cater to two different types of “cultures” of young people. And Sue Garb, Centre Director at the charity, has also celebrated their success in offering abundant opportunities to local youths that help to boost confidence.
Both Burton Youth for Christ and Riverside Church recognise the importance of bringing growth to local children, but also to new businesses, as shown by their support for Trentside Skate Club.
2026 saw the club’s third ‘Skateathon’ fundraiser, which took place on Saturday 20 June. Members of the club skated for 24 hours straight, led by their primary creator, Todd Reddyhoff.
The aim of the fundraiser was to support the skaters who contribute their time to help those starting out in their journeys. The Skateathon took place at Riverside Church and raised more than £300!
Todd initially envisioned Trentside Skate Club as a practical opportunity, supporting those yearning to skate amid the unreliable British weather. Since then, however, it has become something even more noble.
Trentside provides all skateboarders – from complete beginners to the more experienced – with a great indoor park that offers other indoor activities facilitated by Burton Youth for Christ and Riverside Church.
So it’s no wonder that Todd has made no secret of his love towards his business. Ruth Myers, Community & Partnerships Manager at Riverside Church, has spoken warmly of his dedication:
He’s fully committed; he’ll do whatever it takes.
Burton, Todd states, is often perceived as having a lack of life or culture. Looking to challenge this mould, he aims to put Burton on the map, adding something to the town “for the betterment of the skateboard community”.
It was lovely to watch Warehouse Wednesday in action during the Skateathon week. Participants could enjoy an abundance of physical and social activities while the skateboarders were given training and guidance towards improving their skills.
Todd, Riverside Church and Burton Youth for Christ work together to bring joy and growth to the community and are here to present the neglected layers of Burton’s identity that bring people together and encourage connection, all – as Todd says – while being “loud and proud from Burton”!
Warehouse Wednesdays are hosted at Riverside Church’s warehouse, 83 High Street, Burton on Trent, DE14 1LD. To attend, go through the entry way between Escape Time Burton and Pinocchio’s Restaurant to the warehouse entrance on the left.
More important details, including contacts, can be found on Burton Youth for Christ’s Warehouse Wednesday’s page.