Happy New Year to all.
Since our last Newsletter we have had many exciting activities take place. We organised a trip to the cinema during November which proved to be a big hit with the children. We were also lucky enough to be invited to the Santa Steam Train organised by The Rotary Club of Dartmoor Vale. The whole experience was once again brilliant.
We also held a session at The Cave Music Project in Teignmouth and got to use the Eastcliff Centre as well where we did some Christmas crafts. The children were involved in one to one music sessions thanks to Robin. This was an extremely popular session.
We have continued to receive donations during the last couple of months. Holcombe Residents Association held a quiz for Children in Need and managed to raise a whopping £244.12 for us. We also received a donation of £20.00 from a resident who was unable to attend the quiz. We received a lovely box of chocolates from Mr and Mrs Basden which we shared at the group and a donation from Mr and Mrs Miles. Merrill Colbourne has also donated a huge £200.00 in lieu of sending Christmas cards. We are extremely grateful for the time and effort so many people have put in to raise money for us. A big thank you to everyone. Due to the many donations received we are able to take the children on regular outings. We have lined up outings to Clip n Climb in Exeter, the cinema and The Donkey Sanctuary. We hope to have another session at The Cave Music Project as this was such a huge hit with the children first time around.
As per previous years we were lucky enough to have assistance from The Spiritualist Church in Dawlish who very kindly organised Christmas presents for the children and Santa and his helper came to our Christmas party to specially deliver the presents to the children. Thank you to all concerned for taking the time to pick specially chosen presents as the children really love to receive them and to have a visit from Santa.
Finally, AIMS were again supported by the annual Carols by Candlelight concert held at Luscombe Chapel. A massive thank you to all who were involved in making the concert such a huge success. The evening was very special and everyone that attended thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of our children (past and present) got involved and did some readings as did our lovely Fran. This took a lot of courage so well done to all. Thank you to the singers from Westcliff School who put on such a wonderful performance. A huge thank you also to the Gallery Singers who made the event really special.
We have so many wonderful activities planned for the future I believe 2017 is going to be a great year for us. We continue to welcome new families and it’s great to see the group expanding.
Having a set craft and cooking activity each week and regular outings has worked really well and the children have really responded to this.
Thank you to all of the Play-Leaders and Volunteers for your continued support, assistance and hard work. You all make my role as Co-Ordinator so easy.
Claire
