fabulous fundraisers
Centre 404 404 Camden Road Islington London N7 0SJ 020 7607 8762 www.centre404.org.uk
For people with learning disabilities and their families Registered charity no. 299889
Inside this issue Page 1: Centre 404’s Fundraisers Page 2: Award-Winning People
Newsletter - SUMMER 2013
FABULOUS FUNDRAISERS Congratulations to our volunteer fundraisers: Matthew, Derek, Lisa, Joseph and Lucy who took part in a variety of sponsored events to raise money for Centre 404! Altogether they raised over £3,636 and counting! The money will support Centre 404’s groups, clubs and activities including the Saturday Sports Club, Friday Night Disco and the Garden Group. We would like congratulate our fundraisers for their enormous achievements and thank them for kindly raising money for Centre 404.
Our Runners Tell All Page 3: Our New Day Service Joe McElderry Visits Centre 404 New Camden Services Page 4:
Lisa Pook at the Edinburgh Marathon
Volunteer News Remembering Alfred Hammond
Joseph Greene at the BUPA 10k
Charlotte’s Short Story TELL US WHAT YOU THINK If you have any feedback or comments about our newsletter or if you would like any more information about the articles featured please get in touch.
Derek Weist at the Reading Half Marathon
You can email your comments to us at [email protected] or send them by post to the address above.
Matthew Bull at the London Marathon
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Centre 404.
Turn over to page 2 to read how our fundraisers Joseph and Lisa got on and read an interview with Derek on our blog: 404volunteer.wordpress.com
THANK YOU
A BIG THANKS to ABSOLUTE PRINT for sponsoring our runners’ t-shirts! www.absoluteprint.com
Lucy Zecchin at the London to Brighton Bike Ride
1
AWARD WINNING PEOPLE Mark Woodall at the Celebration of Achievement Award Mark Woodall, a volunteer at Centre 404’s garden project, who attends the City and Islington College’s Healthy Eating Class was nominated for Celebration of Achievement Award. During Adult Learner’s week he was invited to a Celebration Event at Islington Council and received a certificate from the Mayor of Islington recognising his achievements in the class. Since starting at the group Mark has taken part in weekly cooking skills sessions at centre 404 using fresh ingredients to make healthy and tasty dishes.
Jean Willson at the Freedom Ceremony Jean Willson OBE our Chair and long-time family carer, was invited to the Freedom Ceremony to be presented with a key to Islington. Jean’s daughters Tara and Victoria have inspired and motivated her to work as an activist for over 40 years campaigning for people with disabilities and their family carers both in Islington and nationally. Her work has helped Centre 404 build vital services enabling Islington children and adults with a learning disability and their family carers to access community activities and support. A former ‘Woman of The Year’ winner in 2010, Jean was also awarded a Queen’s Birthday Honour in 2011.
HOW THEY DID IT: Two of our runners talk about their experience In February 2013 I started training for the Edinburgh marathon, running 4 or 5 times a week and attempting to stick to a training plan by the marathon maestro Hal Higdon. This was really tough at first as I was getting very tired and slightly bored of running. Once I got into a routine I managed to run with pleasure, rather than forcing myself to go for a run. Over the weeks and months I found running easier. My training runs took me over 376 miles of Thames path, canal path, parks and roads throughout London. I ran in all weathers including hail, snow, sleet, -4’c and once or twice I ran in the sunshine. I have run two marathons before but this one was going to be my last – this spurred me on when the training got tough and my legs hurt! The Edinburgh marathon route started in the city centre and went out to Londniddry on the east coast and back to Musselburgh. The route was beautiful; it was very sunny and not a cloud in the sky. I came 1317 out of nearly 16000 people which is great and I ran the course in 3:38:22. I was very relieved when I finished and celebrated with friends and family. I have raised nearly £600 for the sports club at Centre 404 which I am really proud of. I am now going to hang up my marathon trainers and get back to gardening! Lisa Pook
On May 27th I did a 10k BUPA race at St James’ Park. The day was beautiful and I was really excited. I met someone from Centre 404 and I had my gear on and I started the race. When I was running all I was thinking was about the finish line and don’t let anyone down. When I was in the race I was thinking about food at the finish line. The coolest thing was everyone was shouting ‘Come on Joseph Come on!’ because my t-shirt had my name on it. I liked the atmosphere and the crowd. You get goosebumps when you’re running. I did it in 1 hour and 28 minutes. When I got to Big Ben, my legs were giving up, all I kept thinking was about the finish line and getting that medal and the BUPA t-shirt. When I got to the finish line, the staff had a big bowl of jelly babies so I just grabbed a big handful. Everyone made way for the runners and I felt a big part of it. Thank you to everybody that sponsored me at Centre 404. Joseph Greene 2
OUR NEW DAY SERVICE STARTS Our brand new day service started at Centre 404 on 30 May. Within the first week the 3 day service users, supported by staff and volunteers, have participated in various activities based at Centre 404 and around Islington.Some highlights include trips to Freightliners Farm and a trampolining session at the Sobell Centre. Our three users also had the chance to enjoy some much needed sunshine in our Centre 404 garden and when they were out and about. Featured in the pictures: Fatima (in the blue scarf) and Mary-Jean (in the green cardigan) out at Freightliners Farm and the Sobell Centre.
JOE MCELDERRY VISITS CENTRE 404!
Our youth group had a very special visit from BBC Children in Need and singer and winner of 2009 X Factor, Joe McElderry on 18 April! The club members were delighted to meet Joe and even had time for a song. See them singing on our blog: http://404volunteer.wordpress.com
CAMDEN SHORT BREAK SERVICES We are very pleased to have started a new service in Camden for children and young people eligible for short breaks. We will be offering fun activities provided after-school, at the weekend and during school holidays which allow children and young people the opportunity to do something they enjoy, learn and develop skills and give parents and carers a break from their caring role. For more information please call James or Katy on 020 7697 1323. For more information about short breaks in Camden please call 020 3317 2226 or see www.camden.gov.uk/shortbreaks 3
AGM & ANNUAL SUMMER PARTY
Remembering Alfred Hammond
It’s that time of the year again! We invite you to join us at our AGM and Annual Summer Party at Centre 404 on Thursday 18 July from 5pm - 9pm. There will be free food and refreshments available and a chance to meet up with others at Centre 404. We hope to see you there! Our garden volunteers have been working hard to make our garden and outdoor spaces beautiful, colourful and sensory for all people at Centre 404 to enjoy.
Alfred Hammond (right) with his brother George and their dog, Dougie.
Alfred Hammond, one of our outreach users, sadly passed away on Tuesday 5th March 2013. Alfred was well-known and liked in his community and was often seen out with his brother George and their dog, Dougie. Alfred loved going to social events such as the Wild Bunch discos but what he loved the most was spending time with his neighbours and friends.
POTS FOR SALE Lesley John, a talented local potter, has donated some of her lovely bowls, vases and teapots to Centre 404. We plan to sell them at our AGM this year with the view to raise money for a new performing arts club for adults with learning disabilities. There will also be a sale of her pottery on Sunday July 28th - all proceeds will go to Centre 404. For information about venue and time please contact Clare Palmer on [email protected].
Introducing a new writing talent from our Juniors Club Charlotte who attends our Juniors club is a young writing talent. Here we showcase a section of her short story which she submitted to a writing competition. My worst mistake by Charlotte ...The first thing I needed to do was to locate my prey. I ran around the school grounds, and, finally, I spotted them. I crept behind the wall they were standing next to, and observed, listened, and waited. If I had been spotted, my only hope would have been to run, and leave my spying days behind, as any sighting of me would have been fatal, and not just for me. I darted, backwards, forwards, trapped in a deadly game of hide and seek. They were ignorant of my presence, luckily for me. I watched them, through railings, behind adults, peering over walls, and yet no-one, not even sharp-eyed Ken, realised my true intentions. And now, to my dismay, we come to my mistake, and, more importantly, my demise from the world of espionage. I followed them to a large wooden platform, and like a mouse with a broken left leg (AKA faking injury) I darted behind a door. Then, as if it knew my intentions, the bell clanged out its (frankly annoying) song. I leapt to the platform, and... Thud. The world swam before me. “My leg” I cried, but no-one heard my plea. In a sulk, I slunk off to the line. 4
For people with learning disabilities and their families Registered charity no. 299889
Inside this issue Page 1: Centre 404’s Fundraisers Page 2: Award-Winning People
Newsletter - SUMMER 2013
FABULOUS FUNDRAISERS Congratulations to our volunteer fundraisers: Matthew, Derek, Lisa, Joseph and Lucy who took part in a variety of sponsored events to raise money for Centre 404! Altogether they raised over £3,636 and counting! The money will support Centre 404’s groups, clubs and activities including the Saturday Sports Club, Friday Night Disco and the Garden Group. We would like congratulate our fundraisers for their enormous achievements and thank them for kindly raising money for Centre 404.
Our Runners Tell All Page 3: Our New Day Service Joe McElderry Visits Centre 404 New Camden Services Page 4:
Lisa Pook at the Edinburgh Marathon
Volunteer News Remembering Alfred Hammond
Joseph Greene at the BUPA 10k
Charlotte’s Short Story TELL US WHAT YOU THINK If you have any feedback or comments about our newsletter or if you would like any more information about the articles featured please get in touch.
Derek Weist at the Reading Half Marathon
You can email your comments to us at [email protected] or send them by post to the address above.
Matthew Bull at the London Marathon
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Centre 404.
Turn over to page 2 to read how our fundraisers Joseph and Lisa got on and read an interview with Derek on our blog: 404volunteer.wordpress.com
THANK YOU
A BIG THANKS to ABSOLUTE PRINT for sponsoring our runners’ t-shirts! www.absoluteprint.com
Lucy Zecchin at the London to Brighton Bike Ride
1
AWARD WINNING PEOPLE Mark Woodall at the Celebration of Achievement Award Mark Woodall, a volunteer at Centre 404’s garden project, who attends the City and Islington College’s Healthy Eating Class was nominated for Celebration of Achievement Award. During Adult Learner’s week he was invited to a Celebration Event at Islington Council and received a certificate from the Mayor of Islington recognising his achievements in the class. Since starting at the group Mark has taken part in weekly cooking skills sessions at centre 404 using fresh ingredients to make healthy and tasty dishes.
Jean Willson at the Freedom Ceremony Jean Willson OBE our Chair and long-time family carer, was invited to the Freedom Ceremony to be presented with a key to Islington. Jean’s daughters Tara and Victoria have inspired and motivated her to work as an activist for over 40 years campaigning for people with disabilities and their family carers both in Islington and nationally. Her work has helped Centre 404 build vital services enabling Islington children and adults with a learning disability and their family carers to access community activities and support. A former ‘Woman of The Year’ winner in 2010, Jean was also awarded a Queen’s Birthday Honour in 2011.
HOW THEY DID IT: Two of our runners talk about their experience In February 2013 I started training for the Edinburgh marathon, running 4 or 5 times a week and attempting to stick to a training plan by the marathon maestro Hal Higdon. This was really tough at first as I was getting very tired and slightly bored of running. Once I got into a routine I managed to run with pleasure, rather than forcing myself to go for a run. Over the weeks and months I found running easier. My training runs took me over 376 miles of Thames path, canal path, parks and roads throughout London. I ran in all weathers including hail, snow, sleet, -4’c and once or twice I ran in the sunshine. I have run two marathons before but this one was going to be my last – this spurred me on when the training got tough and my legs hurt! The Edinburgh marathon route started in the city centre and went out to Londniddry on the east coast and back to Musselburgh. The route was beautiful; it was very sunny and not a cloud in the sky. I came 1317 out of nearly 16000 people which is great and I ran the course in 3:38:22. I was very relieved when I finished and celebrated with friends and family. I have raised nearly £600 for the sports club at Centre 404 which I am really proud of. I am now going to hang up my marathon trainers and get back to gardening! Lisa Pook
On May 27th I did a 10k BUPA race at St James’ Park. The day was beautiful and I was really excited. I met someone from Centre 404 and I had my gear on and I started the race. When I was running all I was thinking was about the finish line and don’t let anyone down. When I was in the race I was thinking about food at the finish line. The coolest thing was everyone was shouting ‘Come on Joseph Come on!’ because my t-shirt had my name on it. I liked the atmosphere and the crowd. You get goosebumps when you’re running. I did it in 1 hour and 28 minutes. When I got to Big Ben, my legs were giving up, all I kept thinking was about the finish line and getting that medal and the BUPA t-shirt. When I got to the finish line, the staff had a big bowl of jelly babies so I just grabbed a big handful. Everyone made way for the runners and I felt a big part of it. Thank you to everybody that sponsored me at Centre 404. Joseph Greene 2
OUR NEW DAY SERVICE STARTS Our brand new day service started at Centre 404 on 30 May. Within the first week the 3 day service users, supported by staff and volunteers, have participated in various activities based at Centre 404 and around Islington.Some highlights include trips to Freightliners Farm and a trampolining session at the Sobell Centre. Our three users also had the chance to enjoy some much needed sunshine in our Centre 404 garden and when they were out and about. Featured in the pictures: Fatima (in the blue scarf) and Mary-Jean (in the green cardigan) out at Freightliners Farm and the Sobell Centre.
JOE MCELDERRY VISITS CENTRE 404!
Our youth group had a very special visit from BBC Children in Need and singer and winner of 2009 X Factor, Joe McElderry on 18 April! The club members were delighted to meet Joe and even had time for a song. See them singing on our blog: http://404volunteer.wordpress.com
CAMDEN SHORT BREAK SERVICES We are very pleased to have started a new service in Camden for children and young people eligible for short breaks. We will be offering fun activities provided after-school, at the weekend and during school holidays which allow children and young people the opportunity to do something they enjoy, learn and develop skills and give parents and carers a break from their caring role. For more information please call James or Katy on 020 7697 1323. For more information about short breaks in Camden please call 020 3317 2226 or see www.camden.gov.uk/shortbreaks 3
AGM & ANNUAL SUMMER PARTY
Remembering Alfred Hammond
It’s that time of the year again! We invite you to join us at our AGM and Annual Summer Party at Centre 404 on Thursday 18 July from 5pm - 9pm. There will be free food and refreshments available and a chance to meet up with others at Centre 404. We hope to see you there! Our garden volunteers have been working hard to make our garden and outdoor spaces beautiful, colourful and sensory for all people at Centre 404 to enjoy.
Alfred Hammond (right) with his brother George and their dog, Dougie.
Alfred Hammond, one of our outreach users, sadly passed away on Tuesday 5th March 2013. Alfred was well-known and liked in his community and was often seen out with his brother George and their dog, Dougie. Alfred loved going to social events such as the Wild Bunch discos but what he loved the most was spending time with his neighbours and friends.
POTS FOR SALE Lesley John, a talented local potter, has donated some of her lovely bowls, vases and teapots to Centre 404. We plan to sell them at our AGM this year with the view to raise money for a new performing arts club for adults with learning disabilities. There will also be a sale of her pottery on Sunday July 28th - all proceeds will go to Centre 404. For information about venue and time please contact Clare Palmer on [email protected].
Introducing a new writing talent from our Juniors Club Charlotte who attends our Juniors club is a young writing talent. Here we showcase a section of her short story which she submitted to a writing competition. My worst mistake by Charlotte ...The first thing I needed to do was to locate my prey. I ran around the school grounds, and, finally, I spotted them. I crept behind the wall they were standing next to, and observed, listened, and waited. If I had been spotted, my only hope would have been to run, and leave my spying days behind, as any sighting of me would have been fatal, and not just for me. I darted, backwards, forwards, trapped in a deadly game of hide and seek. They were ignorant of my presence, luckily for me. I watched them, through railings, behind adults, peering over walls, and yet no-one, not even sharp-eyed Ken, realised my true intentions. And now, to my dismay, we come to my mistake, and, more importantly, my demise from the world of espionage. I followed them to a large wooden platform, and like a mouse with a broken left leg (AKA faking injury) I darted behind a door. Then, as if it knew my intentions, the bell clanged out its (frankly annoying) song. I leapt to the platform, and... Thud. The world swam before me. “My leg” I cried, but no-one heard my plea. In a sulk, I slunk off to the line. 4
