We, at AIMS, have had a brilliant year in our new premises at Oaklands Park School. It was a year of celebration with the Jubilee, the Olympics and our 20th Birthday in September and we were delighted that so many of our supporters and past families came to share it with us.
We have welcomed nine new families with younger children this year so we are very busy. The extended space at Oaklands means we can accommodate them all easily although lunch times are very cosy and the volunteers in the cookery room could give any professional kitchen a run for their money. We are able to offer a range of activities but when the weather is good the favourites are always den building, the slide, the outdoor toys (bikes) and manhunt. We did visit Hannah@Seale Hayne for their open day and it was good to see that apart from laser shooting and archery we are offering a range of activities comparable to theirs. We have been able to get grants that allow us to give the children activities and experiences we cannot provide such as Clip’n’Climb in Exeter and the theatre. Next year we are hoping to add some other activities off the premises.
All thus means we need good play leaders and volunteers. We are lucky in both areas and continue to have play leaders who are energetic and committed. We have some younger volunteers who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards or community awards or want to add to their CV’s. Some of our older children are volunteers. They would still like to come to AIMS but may be feel a little old for some of the activities. We also continue to have the support of our more experienced volunteers.
We continue to fund raise as of course AIMS still costs £12000 a year to run. We have been lucky in being part of the 4 charities Bingo at the Langstone Cliff run by Jimmie Hill which will have added nearly £4000 to our coffers. We also still have the support of the Swan Inn whose barbeque raised £1500 and were were given a grant by the Northbrook trust for £3200 for 3 years. We have also had grants from our Teignbridge and County Councillors which have helped us buy equipment such as helmets and bikes. Our carol concert also raises nearly £1000. It is also thanks to smaller groups who have donated and raised funds for us through their Art Shows, (Dawlish), Flower Festivals (Holcombe), Darts Marathon (White Ensign Teignmouth), Ashcombe Village Hall, Bridge Club (Teignmouth), Swimathon (Gatehouse School), Swimathon (Dawlish Water Rotary), Christmas cards, and the Cosens Institute. We also raise money through wine tasting, raffles, stalls, Ferret Racing, and any other activity in which we can be involved. Several supporters have our boxes and raise funds in that way. So it is HUGE BIG THANK YOU to all who have supported us no matter how big or small. It all goes towards the children and their families.
We look forward to next year and hope it will be as successful and from AIMS would like to wish you all a very happy and Prosperous New Year
