LATEST NEWS ...
Dec
18
North Somerset Mencap is now on Facebook!!!!
At present we have set this up for information/sign posting only, as we currently don’t have the resources to provide regular monitoring. Any feedback would be welcome, by phone or e-mail to Carole.
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Dec
18
Strawberry Line Walk - Co-op
I would like to say a Big Thanks to Ben, Tom and Dean from Malins Parade,for coming on the walk and raising the Grand Total of £126.20 for North Somerset Mencap. Well done.
Bucket Collection – Cadbury
Thanks to Jan Lydon for organising a bucket collection at Cadbury. We could have done with a few more helpers but nevertheless we raised £246.09.
Co-op Store Yatton
A huge thanks to Mike Mullet, Manager, Jenny and Monica for all their help in providing refreshments for our Discos throughout the year and also for the Cool Summer Club.
Dec
18
More committee members are still needed. Can you help please? Contact any committee member.
Dec
18
What a wonderful day out and this year we teamed up with Russ, from the YMCA (used to be Celia Witts, Gateway Club) and altogether there were over 70 of us. Two mini buses and some others going in their own transport. Spoilt for choice with so many activities to choose from - well over 30. The cookery is always popular with delicious smells pervading from the kitchens.
Dec
18
The Strawberry Line Café at Yatton Station is a cosy little place to pop in for something to eat or a delicious cup of tea or coffee.
Whenever possible they aim to use locally sourced quality ingredients.
They open at 7.45am – perfect for early commuters! Telephone 01934 835758 or see their website for much more information http://www.strawberrylinecafe.co.uk/
Dec
18
About 30 people turned up for the Skittles on the 25th September and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with lots of nice food to munch our way through. We played our usual game of 'killer' at the end and it got pretty tense between Carole and Nick (one of our new volunteers) with only one point between them and yes, Nick won. Well done Nick and condolences to Mark - the competition was too great!!
Dec
18
At our AGM in May we had a great speaker in Natasha Pester. Her enthusiasm for the Strawberry Line Café at Yatton Station made for a really enjoyable meeting. The café is still going strong and I would recommend anyone to call in.
Dec
18
We have recently replaced the water main to the house; no doubt the old house will present us with a few more challenges in the future.
Dec
18
We are very close to having our dummy company confirmed as a charity by the Charity Commissioners. Once we have our new charity number we will transfer all the assets into the company and dissolve the old society.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES - DISCOS
Dec
18
2011
19th Nov
10th Dec
2012
14th Jan
11th Feb
10th Mar
14th Apr
12th May
16th June
14th July
£3.00 admission including refreshments age 14 – 30 plus. The discos are proving to be very popular and we are getting new faces each month. So, if you haven’t been to one yet, come along to the Mycon Centre, next to Nailsea Methodist Church, on any of the dates above between 7.30 – 9.30pm and dance the night away. We would love to see you.
Contact Anita for further information: 01275 546404.
Thank you Anita for organising the discos.
Dec
18
After many years of hard work for people with a learning disability Jenny has decided to retire at the end of 2011. Jenny has been instrumental in organising Sports, Millfield Day, Discos, Newsletters as well as volunteering for just about every activity we put on.
Jenny has been a great friend to us all for so long, all the committee and I will miss her kindness, support and good advice.
Thank you Jenny!
COOL SUMMER CLUB 2011....... AND 2012
Dec
18
Hello. Gosh wasn’t the Cool Summer Club this year busy! We had record numbers and even had a waiting list for some of the sessions; word is getting around - about time as the Club has been running for over 14 years!! This year we invited back Mamadou, the African drummer, who again was such a hit with everyone. Royal Mencap ran a T-Shirt painting session (thank you to Hayley and Elaine) and we welcomed a new Line Dancing company “dancing4fun” who stepped in at the last minute and got everyone up and joining in.
A huge thanks to all those who supported the CSC voluntarily and also to our sponsors without both the club would not be able to function. I have booked the club for next year (same venue) dates are Monday 6th August, Wednesday 8th August, Monday 13th August, Wednesday 15th August, Monday 20th August and Wednesday 24th August, so please put them in your diary.
There were times this year when I needed to contact attendees/carers whilst at the sessions. NSM committee have agreed to me having a mobile phone and with immediate effect this will now be my only point of telephone contact, so the new number is: 07796 501671. As I work part time hours, if I don’t answer please leave a message, I will get back to you, I normally work for North Somerset Mencap on a Thursday. You can still e-mail me if you need to and the e-mail address hasn’t changed carolensm@blueyonder.co.uk
For more information this and other services visit the Services Available on this site, or directly to the Cool Summer Club page here.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES – DISCOS 2011
Apr
15
- 16th April -7.30 – 9.30
- 21st May -7.30 – 9.30
- 18th June -7.30 – 9.30
- 16th July -7.30 – 9.30
- 24th Sept -7.30 – 9.30
- 22nd Oct -7.30 – 9.30
- 19th Nov -7.30 – 9.30
- 10th Dec -7.30 – 9.30 Christmas
All Discos are on Saturdays and held at The Mycon next to Nailsea Methodist Church. Contact Anita for further information 01275 546404. A huge thanks to Anita for organising the discos. £3.00 admission including refreshments. (age 14 – 30 plus)
COOL SUMMER CLUB 2011 - age 16 - 30
Apr
15
Just a reminder that I have booked the following:
Monday 08th August and Wednesday 10th August
Monday 15th August and Wednesday 17th August
Monday 22nd August and Wednesday 24th August
I will be sending booking forms out in April/May with a closing date for return by 30th June. I will also bring some forms along to the CSC Reunion. If you did not go last year and are interested for this year, please phone me to add your details to my contact list.
The Venue remains the same, Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, Nailsea, and each session will run from 1.30 – 4.00. We will again be offering transport from Weston & Clevedon and there will be a small additional charge for this.
I will shortly be thinking about what activities to book, as it’s your club, please let me know if you have any ideas. Paul Maines will be running the Sport sessions and some of you may have already met him at Thursday Sport.
Apr
15
North Somerset Mencap is now on Facebook!!!! At present we have set this up for information/sign posting only, as we currently don’t have the resources to provide regular monitoring. Any feed back would be welcome - phone or e-mail Carole. carolensm@blueyonder.co.uk
Apr
14
This year’s AGM will be at the Clevedon Community Centre in Princes Road, Clevedon.
Date: Thursday 19th May
Time: 7.00 – 9.00
Speakers: Simon Coles & Natasha Pester from the Strawberry Line Café, Yatton.
Apr
14
You may all be aware that due to the economic situation, local authorities need to save significant amounts of money. Some of the cuts are already taking place and as always it’s the vulnerable people in our society who are going to feel the pinch first. The Government is expecting the voluntary sector to fill the breach and whilst we will do everything we can, voluntary groups do not have the funding to match proposed cuts. Please keep us and Royal Mencap advised of the changes that are affecting you so we can co-ordinate our efforts and campaign to minimise the effects of the changes.
Mike Hill – Chairman
Apr
14
At last we have new double glazed windows all the way through our residential home. All major work is complete and the residents are very happy with the results.
Mike Hill – Chairman
Apr
14
More committee members are still needed. Can you help please? Contact any committee member.
Apr
14
First of all I would like to say a Huge thank you to Quartet Foundation for their generous donation last Year. Another Huge thank you to Weston Lions and Yeo Valley Lions (Yatton) for their wonderful donations. These donations will go towards our Thursday Sports club as unfortunately we run at a loss due to the high running costs and hopefully this funding will ensure the continuity of the club. Thanks also Jeff for popping along to see what we get up to!!
Jenny
BUCKET COLLECTION – CADBURY GARDEN CENTRE
Apr
14
On Sunday, 28th August, Cadbury Garden Centre, Congresbury, have given us permission to hold a bucket collection. We will need volunteers, so please ring Jan Lydon if you can offer a few hours of much needed help. The proceeds will go towards our Cool Summer Club and other activities.
Apr
14
There will be a lunch time Re-union for Cool Summer Club members, on Wed, April 20th at 12.30. We have chosen ‘El Bottelino’s’ in Nailsea which seems to be a popular venue. North Somerset Mencap will pay the cost of every young person’s main meal, but money will be necessary for any puddings or drinks. Jan Lydon is arranging this get together - for any further information please contact her on 01275 852184.
Apr
14
Millfield School in Somerset are putting on another wonderful day for us on Saturday 25th June. There is also an excellent lunch provided at a small cost of £1.00. If transport is required there will be an extra charge involved. This is a fun day out with lots of activities, rock climbing, badminton, craft, tug-of-war, animals, theatre, cookery and many more. If you would like to come along please contact ME as soon as possible so that I can make transport arrangements.
Jenny Tolhurst
Apr
14
Sport continues to go well and don’t forget we still have places available. Thanks to Anita and Chloe for running this each week. £3.00 a session including refreshments.
Apr
14
We will be holding another Skittles afternoon on Sunday, 25th September at the usual venue, Claverham Village Hall from 3.00 – 6.00. Please phone Carole Pullen if you would like to come along and join in the Fun. 0117 3309035 or carolensm@blueyonder.co.uk
Apr
14
The Strawberry Line Café at Yatton Station, is a cosy little place to pop in for something to eat or a delicious cup of tea or coffee. If you are one of the early morning commuters, then they open at 7.45 and refreshments can be bought to drink on the journey. Telephone 01934 835758
See their website for much more information www.strawberrylinecafe.co.uk
Apr
14
The Co-op supermarkets are the Charity of the Year for Royal Mencap. Mike Mullett, the Manager from the Co-op Yatton Store is organising a walk along the Strawberry Line, Yatton on Sunday, 5th June from 4.30 approx. They are looking for sponsors and any money raised by their goodselves will go to Royal Mencap, but if anyone from North Somerset Mencap would like to join in the fun then that money will go to North Somerset Mencap. There are various walks from 1 mile approx to 10 plus! Free ‘T’ shirts available for those taking part. Please come along. I have the necessary sponsorship forms. Jenny Tolhurst
Mike, had also agreed North Somerset Mencap can hold a Bag Packing Day on Friday, 6th May. Lucy is organising this event and I am sure she will be glad of some helpers if you are available. Her phone no is 01275 871268 or e-mail lucyjezard@gmail.com
Mike, and Jenny, his assistant from the Co-op, have also kindly agreed that they will supply us with refreshments for the Cool Summer Club and the Discos we have throughout the year. A Big ‘Thank You’ to Mike, Jenny, Monica and all concerned.
There is also another walk organised by Nailsea Rotary, who have supported us for many years, and North Somerset Mencap are their charity for the year as well. This is on Sunday, 15th May and is around the Tickenham area. If you would like a sponsor form please phone 01275 463574.
If we do all this walking we should be very fit!!
Apr
14
If anyone would like to help out at this year’s club or assist on the bus as escort Duty, please contact Carole.
Apr
14
Do you have a few hours to spare each month? I am looking for a volunteer co-ordinator, someone who can keep in touch with all the new and existing volunteers and provide support when required. We don’t want to lose the volunteers we have, they are important to us. For an informal chat with no obligation, please contact Carole, Project Co-ordinator.
Newsletter April 2009 - Issue #4
Jun
21
Hello Everyone - Now the winter is nearly over we can look forward to Spring and hopefully a better summer than last year!!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our AGM will be on Friday, 26th June at Clevedon Community Centre at 11.30am - 2.00. A buffet lunch will be provided at no charge.
Alison Stone from North Somerset Council Adult Services will be the speaker. Details to follow later. Mike Hill
YATTON RAILWAY STATION
The project to open a café on Yatton Railway Station providing catering training and employment for people with a learning disability is going well. In addition to NSM's involvement there are many other professional groups and individuals pushing the project forward. Mike Hill
'Holiday Fun' & 'Summer Wonder'
We are pleased to say that above play schemes are back under NSM's umbrella. Mike Hill
Bag Packing Collection - TESCOS
I am organising a Bag Packing collection at Tesco's, Clevedon, on Saturday 9th May. This will be from 10.00 - 4.00 pm and I intend to have two 3 hour sessions in order to raise funds. I am looking for volunteers to help please. Any offers? I cannot do it on my own! Jenny Tolhurst 01934 838564 Please phone......
VOLUNTEERS
We do desperately need more volunteers to help with our activities - the job falls on the same few all the time and some of us are getting past our 'sell by date'!!!! Just a few hours would be great. Please contact Jenny, Carole or Mike see telephone numbers at end of Newsletter.
SPORT Our Sport sessions are continuing to go
well and Anita & Chloe Brown (01275 546404) have now taken over the running of the Club on Thursday evenings. Many thanks to you both. However, you don't get rid of me that easily and I will be popping along from time to say 'hello' and to keep up to date with what is going on. I will be carrying out the Admin side of things so I am still contactable if necessary. Thank you also for the beautiful flowers and chocs you all gave me - I was delighted with them. Jenny Tolhurst
MILLFIELD I will be co-ordinating another trip this to Millfield School in Somerset. For those of you who came last year I think you will agree it was a great day out. Date for your diaries is Saturday, 20th June. I will arrange transport for those who want it, or alternatively you can come under your own steam. Cost will be £2.00 per head if you require transport. An excellent lunch is provided in the school canteen free of charge. This takes a lot or organisation so please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested and I will forward the necessary forms to you. jenny.tolhurst1@btinternet.com
CANAL BOAT TRIP
NSM are organising another boat trip this year and it will be on Wednesday, 27th May. Transport is available at a cost of £2.00 per head. The boat leaves from Saul Docks in Glos about 10.15 and the coach returns from Saul Docks at approx 3.00. You will need to bring your own packed lunch but refreshments are available to purchase on board. Please let Sue Fouracre know as soon as possible if you would like to come along 01934 632906.
DISCOS Nailsea Methodist Church
Anita and Chloe Brown are arranging a number of discos at the above venue. The admission is free but Chloe is organising a Tuck Shop so that refreshments can be purchased. Please contact Anita or Chloe on 01275 546404 for further details. Thanks for the brilliant Disco on March 7th!!
FAMILY DAY - Plantation Lakes, Kingston Seymour, Nr Clevedon
After a successful afternoon at the above venue last year, we have decided to repeat the process and this will be on Sunday, 13th September from 2.00 - 4.00. The aim is to get parents, carers and families together to get to know each other and to share ideas for the future of North Somerset Mencap. This is so important otherwise we are in danger of becoming extinct.................
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES
09th May (Sat) - Bag Packing Tesco's Clevedon
09th May (Sat) - Disco
27th May (Wed) - Canal Trip, Saul Docks, Glos
20th June (Sat) Millfield School, Somerset
26th June (Fri) - AGM Princes Road, Clevedon
18th July (Sat) - Disco
27th July & 29th July Cool Summer Club
10th August & 12th August Cool Summer Club
24th August & 26th August Cool Summer Club
13th Sept (Sun) - Family Day, Kingston Seymour
24th October (Sat) - Disco - Halloween Theme!!!
12th December (Sat) - Christmas Disco
GET WELL WISHES
We would all like to pass on our very best wishes for a speedy recovery to Geoff Hobbs, Carol Richardson and Elaine Eveleigh and sincerely hope you will all soon be fit and healthy again.
COOL SUMMER CLUB
Hello and although a little late "Happy New Year" but first I would like go back to the Christmas Disco, thank you to all those who came along and danced the night away, it was great and so nice to see so many volunteers. Thank you to NSM for funding the evening and for providing chocolate selection boxes. I hope you all got a personalised Christmas card from us with photos of the Canal Trip and Cool Summer Club activities. (A big thank you to Print setters for arranging this)
I have been really busy during the first part of 2009 and already looking into the Cool Summer Club sessions, I am hoping to have a few new activities this year, all will be revealed in the summer but it's guaranteed to be fun!!!
See above for Cool Summer Club dates
I need Volunteers to help out in the Summer and I will be attending a Volunteer Recruitment Fair to spread the word. (A Big 'Thank You' to Keren at 'Intoto Exhibition' for giving up her spare time to help with some of the publicity material for the stand). If you are available on the dates advised please let me know. You will need to hold a current Mencap CRB disclosure. (If not and time permitting, I can arrange the CRB check).
It's not cheap to run the Cool Summer Club, so fundraising has already started, most of the Local Councils have promised to support us once again. If you or family know of a Business that would like to sponsor us we would be very grateful. Without sufficient funds we cannot afford the transport that has been offered in the past.
Carole Pullen 0117 3309035 or
4A THE BEACH
The major conversion work at our residential home (4A The Beach) is complete. The new utility room looks good. We intend to replace the windows and re-render the house this year.
Mike Hill
THANK YOU
A grateful thanks to Mrs Baldwin for her donation from the Nick Baldwin Memorial Fund and also to Quartet Foundation for their grant, both of which will go towards the running of the SPORTS Club on Thursdays. This is an enormous help. Thank you to you both.
ACTIVITIES
For more information on activities visit our website www.northsomersetmencap.co.uk
TRI-FOLD LEAFLET
North Somerset Mencap hope that you will find the enclosed tri-fold leaflet useful giving details of our organisation. Any comments would be appreciated.
See you all in the summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Hill: Chairman 01934 630526
Sheila Gale: Vice Chairman 01275 876587
Carole Pullen: Project Co-ordinator 0117 3309035
Jenny Tolhurst: 01934 838564
Aug
28
Good News
Work has started on our residential home at 4A The Beach at long last.(26th August) The builders have started on the ground floor bathroom which is being turned into a wet room. All the rooms are lined up for redecoration but the main job is to convert the garage into a utility room, putting a new roof on the kithchen and utility room and checking the main building roof. More news as the work progresses.
Aug
28
Following a vote at our recent AGM the following officers and committee members were elected.
President Mike Hill
Chairman Mike Hill
Vice Chairman Sheila Gale
Hon Treasurer Jackie Edwards
Company Secretary Jackie Edwards
Committee Members Geoff Hobbs,
Mary Hobbs,
Jenny Tolhurst,
Elaine Eveleigh,
Ann Ramsey,
Margaret Hill
Aug
06
North Somerset mencap are very pleased to announce that the Portishead Playschemes are back under our umbrella. The Playschemes are:- * Holiday Fun for 8 to 16 year olds * Summer Wonder for under 8's
The Playschemes continue to be run by Gill Stokes and her band of volunteers as for many years past (some 15 or 16 years I believe). Great to have you back. I am sure we will have the same successful partnership that we enjoyed in the past.
Aug
06
Do you have a child with learning disabilities of any age? Come and meet other parents and enjoy an afternoon with secure play facilities plus free refreshments.
We also want your ideas as we have funds but need suggestions on ways to spend them.
**Come along to the childrens playground at Kingston Seymour**
Call in anytime between 2.30 and 4.30pm for a chat and refreshments (Wet weather alternative in the Plantation restaurant nearby) Sunday September 21st.
On arrival in the village of Kingston Seymour (near Yatton) go up Middle Lane for about a mile and you will find the playground on the right hand side. We need your ideas to plan the future, so please come along to this social gathering.
For more information please contact: Carole Pullen (North Somerset Mencap) 0117 3309035 carolensm@blueyonder.co.uk or Jenny Tolhurst 01934 838564
Registered Charity Number 264021
SPORT - Nailsea Comprehensive School
Apr
01
These SPORT sessions have proved to be very successful with an average of 15/16 young people attending each week. We have lots of fun, lots of laughter and lots of cheating!! It is great to see the young people enjoying themselves and getting out in the evenings. Transport is laid on from W-s-M and Clevedon and I hope we will be able to continue this practice. Our coach, Matt from Wesport is great and adapts the sport to suit the needs of these young people including cricket, hockey, tennis, ball games and many other activities. He keeps everyone on the go the whole time and has a good rapport with the young people. I am still looking for volunteers to help out - you are not obliged to join in the sport but welcome to if you feel energetic! In the longer term I am looking for a responsible person to run the club - there will possibly be a small payment.
Please contact Jenny Tolhurst on 01934 838564 if you are interested.
Apr
01
On behalf of the Committee I would like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thanks to Martin Louwers of Brabantia, Nailsea, for obtaining a grant on behalf of his company towards the costs of producing this Newsletter for 2008. Thanks Martin.
Apr
01
Thank you to everyone who came along to the Christmas, Cool Summer Club Disco, didn't we have fun!!
Mike and his son put on a great disco for us and set the room up in a style that added to the atmosphere of the evening. It was great to see so many of you dancing. I had trouble keeping up. I will definitely be booking another one in December, so watch this space. A 'Big Thank You' to all the volunteers who came along and helped out.
I have been very busy securing funding for the Cool Summer Club 2008, if you know of anyone or a Company that would like to make a donation please let me have their details, ask your family and friends, all donations are very much appreciated, particularly with the transport costs increasing as petrol costs go up and up. The Venue has been booked, same place as usual (Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street) with the following dates:-
Monday 28th & Wednesday 30th July Monday 11th & Wednesday 13th August Monday 18th & Wednesday 20th August
Booking forms will be sent out near the time. However, should you have any ideas for specific activities, please let me know, it's your club for you to enjoy.
VOLUNTEERS PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR AVAILABILITY AS SOON AS YOU CAN PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE AND THANK YOU
Project Co-ordinator * NSM Membership - Renewal letters have been sent out. If you have not already done so please forward your Membership fee for 2008 as soon as possible. Please note Royal Mencap Society have suspended their lifetime membership for new members. Once I have an update I will let you know. * Website - A website for North Somerset Mencap has been set up via Beehive. If you log on to www.thisisbristol.co.uk and click on the Beehive link on the left hand side, NSM can be found under 'disabled groups'. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Hope to see you all at the May Disco.
Carole Pullen, Project Co-ordinator.
Tel: 0117 3309035 or e-mail: carolensm@blueyonder.co.uk
Apr
01
On Thursday the 29th of May there will be a Canal Trip from Saul Docks, Glos. You will need to take your own packed lunch but Refreshments are available for you to purchase. There are facilities for wheelchair users and their carers. We are pleased that this trip has been well supported, but should anyone have been disappointed that they were unable to join us, then we will consider organising another one at a future date. Please give Geoff Hobbs a ring on 01275 462518 for transport times or any further information.
DISCO for Cool Summer Club & Sport members and any other young people on Saturday the 31st May at Mycon (next door to Nailsea Methodist Church) Silver Street, Nailsea, from 7.30. - 10.00. Cost: �2.00 including refreshments. Transport from W-s-M only. Please contact Jenny or Carole to let us know if you will be attending 01934 838564 or 0117 3309035.
O L I V E R
This production of Oliver is at the Scotch Horn Community Centre in Nailsea on 12th & 13th June. There is a matinee and evening performance on the 12th and an evening performance only on the 13th For more information regarding price of tickets and time of performances contact Steve Jeffreys on 01275 857599 or Amanda Moss on 01275 342069.
Transition Conference This is on the 18th June at the Winter Gardens, Weston super Mare from 12.00 - 4.00 & 05 - 9.00. For further information contact Alison Stone, Abby Elias or Becky Smith 01934 427000 or 01934 427530. Free for Carers.
Apr
01
Our A.G.M. will be on Thursday, 26th June from 11.00 am - 02.00 pm at Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road, Clevedon. Also included with our AGM will be a buffet lunch. We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to attend and support the present committee. It is always good to see new faces and share ideas. We are still looking for new committee members, the present ones are all 'very mature' (two exceptions) and have done sterling work over many years and we would be delighted if some of the younger parents/carers would come along and join us. Please give any of the committee members a ring for an informal chat, so that this committee can continue their good work and endeavour to help and support families where possible.