CORRESPONDANCE DETAILS Nov 2013
No. 51 ESCAPE Support Group Tel. No. - 01823 256841 3 Discovery House or after hours in Cook Way, Bindon Road In an emergency Taunton 07982712608 TA2 6BJ www.escapesupportgroup.com
ESCAPE OFFICE OPENING TIMES
If you have a payment to make, a question to ask or just need a chat don’t forget our office is open on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am, term time only.
As a general rule the office is manned Monday to Thursday from 9.15am - 1pm. If you call after these times then leave a message and we will al- ways get back to you as soon as we can.
During school holidays the office isn't manned as normal. If you need to get hold of us during these IN THIS ISSUE times the best way is via email. We have a mobile Children’s Christmas Parties for queries during the holiday period or for last mi- nute cancellations. If the mobile isn’t answered Carer’s Lunch leave a message and we will get back to you. Looking ahead……….to August 2014!! ESCAPE’s Mobile - 07982712608
A supportive activity group for special children and their families Registered Charity No. 1081446 www.escapesupportgroup.com 28
Index Renee Bidgway 07500967089 Page [email protected] Welcome 3 Hayley Futcher Christmas Activities 4,5,6 & 7 01278 455077 [email protected] Communal Christmas Card 8
Swimming 8 Shrek The Musical! 9
Fundraising News 10 Staff Fundraising Target 11 Carers Christmas Lunch 12 FAMILY SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Cathy Mercer Reply Form 13 [email protected] Mamma Mia Report 16
100 Club 17 FAMILY LIAISON & SUPPORT OFFICER Abbey Peebles Members News 20 [email protected] Team talk 22
Looking Ahead 23 UNDER 12’S PROJECT OFFICER Sara Farr
Whos’ Who 26 [email protected] Contact Us 28 ADMIN ASSISTANT Angela Farrow
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ESCAPE Who’s Who Hello and welcome to our CHAIRPERSON - Helen Smith Winter Newsletter ! 01823 444495 [email protected] Well it looks like we have definitely left Summer behind us and for many I hope, a lot of nice memories of great holi- TREASURER - Linda Fisher days, trips and new experiences. Many of you enjoyed a 01823 330027 great time at Alton Towers, and lots of the trips provided over [email protected] the summer. The children are settled in school and our thoughts are now SECRETARY - David Harvey looking to the exciting events leading us up to Christ- 01823 661785 mas.....WOW yes it will be upon us soon. We have just had our long awaiting Carers trip to Cardiff, [email protected] and what a treat that was. I for one look forward to this every
year. Lynda Edemenson Fundraising is continuing to bring these events to you all. 01823 256957 The MAMMA MIA night was fabulous and a true credit to [email protected] the staff as very enjoyable night. Don't miss out on the next
one as it will most definitely be one not to miss. Jumble sales Vicki Pearson and bag collections are continuing and we have received 01823 327419 some fabulous cash donations to the charity which help us to [email protected] continue offering these wonderful trips and outings for you all. We hope to have some exciting new developments coming in Kelly Saunders the new year and more fabulous fundraisers for us all to at- 01823 660761 tend. [email protected] As always please join me in thanking the staff who work tirelessly on our behalf to bring you trips, holi- days, parties and a wonderful selection of under Steve Bidgway 12's activities. 07721461798 Until next time Escapees...... have fun, be good [email protected] and enjoy everything you do.
HELEN xxxxx 26 3
Christmas Celebrations SHOP ONLINE AND
Saturday 30th November - Day Trip to Bath for RAISE FUNDS their Christmas Markets MORE AND MORE OF US ARE SHOPPING ON LINE. ALMOST The closing date for this trip has gone but there are a EVERY TIME YOU MAKE A PURCHASE, YOU COULD BE RAISING few seats empty on our coach. If you would like to MONEY FOR ESCAPE. SO IF YOU ARE AN ON-LINE SHOPPER: come, call the office before replying to make sure there is still space. The trip will cost £7 each and VISIT Coaches will leave Wellington, The Skylark at 8.00am, WWW.EASYFUNDRAISING.ORG.UK/ESCAPE Taunton, The Football Ground at 8.30am and Bridgwa- ter Bus Station at 9.00am. Expect the journey to take 1. Register your details nominating ESCAPE as your chosen cause. around 2 hours getting to Bath at 11am. We will leave 2. Log on using your user name and password again at 4pm. 3. Using the links on this website, go shopping This trip is open to the whole family but please be warned the market area will be VERY busy and the Majority of our favourite shops are listed and in terrain is very rough with steep hills, so could be diffi- fact by using this site as a starting point it may well cult for our youngsters in buggies or wheelchairs. highlight shops that you were unaware of.
********** Saturday 14th December - Christmas Bingo You have nothing to lose and ESCAPE has a lot to Our favourite seasonal fundraiser, kindly hosted by gain so make this a habit you won’t forget.
Averil & Matt Long, & Mike Leggett, taking place at The Comeytrowe Com- Bookmark this site munity Hall, Taunton and starting at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/escape 6pm, eyes down at 6.15pm. Bingo books cost £1 and are purchased on the evening. Tea, Coffee, Squash and maybe donuts will be available.
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Don’t Forget…….. VOLUNTEERING AND FUNDRAISING INCENTIVE Christmas Celebrations Your family will be awarded a £10 ESCAPE voucher if you take part in AT LEAST 2 Fundraisers or events during the year Jack & The Beanstalk @ Weston Playhouse some of which we can only give you short notice for, usually via If you still have money owed for this trip, please send email. payment now. On Sunday 22nd December the The following Terms and Conditions will apply;- show starts at 1.30pm, therefore coaches will leave
Only one £10 voucher issued per family, regardless of how Wellington, The Skylark at 11am, Taunton Football many family members help. Club at 11.30am and Bridgwater Bus Station at Each family must take part and/or help at, at least 2 12noon, to ensure that we make it in plenty of time. events. Panto usually lasts 2 - 2 1/2 hours so expect to return Attendance records will be kept and vouchers will be issued home around 5.30pm. to qualifying families in April 2014. Vouchers can be redeemed against any trip that takes place Children’s celebrations, Party or Bowling
during 2014. On the following pages are details of our two FREE Christmas Parties for our children. And…... WIN *FREE TRIPS FOR A YEAR!!!!! As last year we are holding a Bowling Party for our older children and a Traditional Disco Party for the EVERY time you or a member of your family helps out at an ES- younger ones. Unlike last year though, we are open- CAPE fundraising event, or holds your own personal fundraising event, you will be given a raffle ticket, for example if a family of ing up the Disco party to children up to the age of 4 helps out at a bag packing event that family will be issued with 16, with Bowling open to anyone aged 12 and over, 4 raffle tickets, if the same family helps out at another event they so there is a bit of an overlap but I must stress for will be given a further 4 tickets and so on and so forth. those children in the overlap you can only choose one, Bowling or Party. The following Terms and Conditions apply ;- The choice must be based on the requirements of Only 1 winner regardless of how many in a family participate. your Special Needs Child, younger or older siblings The winner can be an Adult or Child are welcome to either choice regardless of their age. Draw takes place at the end of March 2014 Free trips to be taken from April 2014-March 2015 We hope that by introducing these new age guide- *Free trips excludes, Annual Special, Carers Events or lines that there will be something suitable for every- Theatre visits. one. Please read this carefully before making your Physical Raffle tickets will not be issued but full records party choice. will be held in the office and can be inspected at anytime. 24 5
those completed questionnaires only represented less than a third of the families who meet the criteria to attend the under 12’s project I’m currently looking at the 2014 programme and would like to ask you for some more feedback regarding your ideas for the forthcoming programme. This year will be the last year funded by our current Children in Need grant and I really want to put together an interesting and varied programme. We have been wondering about making the day for our sessions a regular monthly date eg the first Saturday morning each month, with extras being fitted in for trips etc particularly around the Over 12’s school holidays. Christmas Bowl I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea, do you think it would be a good idea to have a regular day of the month for the sessions, would you favour a Saturday or a Sunday, Thursday 19th December morning or afternoon or do you prefer to have the session dates varied as we do at the moment, please could you let me know Arrive at 6.45 for a 7pm start your thoughts either by email [email protected] or over the phone 01823 256841 I’m normally in the office Tues, Weds, Thurs mornings. One game of bowling I really hope you all have a very Happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to hearing from you with your com- Adult Meal ments in the next couple of weeks. and a Mocktail
(A parent or carer must stay) Looking Ahead - February Half Term
Bookings will be taken in our January news- letter, but make a note of the date now - Tuesday 18th February 2-4pm at The Comeytrowe Centre, Taunton- a session especially tailored for you held by ‘The Sci- ence Boffins’, take a look at PLEASE RETURN THE REPLY FORM BY THE www.scienceboffins.co.uk to see what fun 9th DECEMBER we will have.
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Team Talk
Cathy & Angela - A great response from you all following our Survey that we pub- Under 16’s Christmas Party lished in September. Thank you. These results will help us plan for 2014. All be- ing well we will issue you with a Calendar in January, which details everything we are planning for the whole year. But in the meantime, we hope you all have a Saturday 28th December fab Christmas and Happy New Year 2.00 - 4.00pm Abbey - Sitting here on a dreary Monday morning at with a stinking cold and feeling very sorry for my- The Comeytrowe Community self…….but wait, just four more sleeps until we go to Cardiff for our annual carer’s jolly…Yippeeeeee!! Hall, I’m really looking forward to some essential ME time, Galmington, Taunton. a good giggle with friends, a little retail therapy and a big sleep. I appreciate that by the time this goes to print and you Food, Dancing all get to read it Cardiff will have been and gone but a really hope and perhaps, if everyone is good, a that you all enjoyed it as much as I know I will. Once again we have had lots of new member enquiries visit from a special guest. over the past few months, please bear in mind when attending activities that our new members need lots of support and encour- Our parties are always a huge amount of agement. A warm smile can go a long way to making everyone fun so don’t miss out. Parents should feel welcome. We have a range of activities on offer where par- stay and enjoy the fun too!! ents can meet with friends and make new friends. If you are feel- ing a little uncertain about attending please do give me a call and I will do my best to support you where and when I can. I am also available for home visits during term time and always happy to meet for a cuppa and a chat with members old and new.
Sara - Thank you to those of you who competed your Under 12’s questionnaires on-line, the responses have been very helpful PLEASE RETURN THE REPLY FORM BY THE but I am still keen to hear more feedback from more families as 19th DECEMBER SO SANTA KNOWS HOW MANY CHILDREN TO EXPECT!
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Communal Christmas Card Thank you to Olivia Bidgway for her review of
Every year we give you the opportunity to our recent trip to Alton Towers;- send your Christmas greetings to your fellow My family are members of ESCAPE we go on various different ESCAPEee’s via this newsletter. trips and holidays. We call our holidays We have left it slightly late this year, but if our 'Annual Special'! This years annual you would like to make a small donation to special was 2 nights away - 1 night was ESCAPE belated greetings from you will be spent in the Alton Towers resort. We published in our January newsletter got on the bus at Taunton and then made our way to Alton Towers we stopped on the way so we could have a drink. We were all very excited! We SWIMMING then stopped at a place called Channock Chase which was a mas- sive woodland area. You could ride bikes, bang big drums, walk too and explore the area, there was a high and low ropes course! Term Time Swimming - We made a den out of sticks and logs - it was brilliant fun. We then made our way to our hotel which was near Alton Towers, 4.00-5.00pm we had a take away for tea and then went to bed. Continues on Wednesday’s during term-time. However we The next day we arrived at Alton towers! everybody was buzz- do take a break from swimming during December. There- ing with excitement. We made our way into the park so we could fore the final Wednesday swim of 2013 is on 27th Novem- go on the rides. My brother and Dad queued for ages to go on ber with them resuming in 2014 on Wednesday 8th Janu- the Smiler - I didn't want to go on it! I sat there for a long time ary. waiting for them - when they got off they loved it! They went on all they big, fast, scary rides! My sister went on them as well! Sunday Swimming - 2.00-3.00pm They were very brave! After we went in the theme park we went Our final Sunday swim for 2013 is on 24th November, this to the swimming pool. That was amazing! There were whirl will resume again with our January swim being on the 26th. pools, hot jacuzzi and water pistols! We had a great fun! We had
a lovely meal in the restaurant and then fell All swimming takes place at asleep feeling very happy and tried. We St James Street Large Pool in Taunton, spent the next day swimming and back in 50p each. the theme park! Disabled changing facilities We had an amazing time and have some great memories spent with our friends and a chair hoist into the pool available if required. of ESCAPE!
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Congratulations to;- Ok, so I know we haven’t Corbin Nunn - Corbin, Mum and Dad are very proud of even had Christmas yet, you and your GSCE results, you have worked very hard. but here I am asking you Well Done. to book for a 2014 trip, August 2014 at Hannah Taunton - Hannah ran in the 5k weekly Parkrun that…...sorry. at Longrun Meadow for the last two weeks and she came first lady both times with an amazing time of Tickets have been reserved to 20mins 23 seconds as her PB on 12/10/13. She has see Shrek The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome for a been chosen by her running club, Taunton Athletic Club, matinee performance on Thursday 21st August, they are to compete in the National Cross Country Champion- only reserved for a limited amount of time, hence having ships in Mansfield. Well done Hannah. to advertise it now.
The price is £18 each with a £3 per person, non- refundable, deposit payable with booking. This price includes transport to Bristol. For Sale Almost new Medium Chunc Tickets are limited and as we have seen Shrek The Mu- 45 chair, with 2 sets of covers. sical before, anyone who didn’t come with us in 2011 will be given priority allocation. The remaining tickets Cost nearly £4,000 but asking will be allocated on a first come first served basis. for £2,500 or near offer. You Therefore those of you who are wanting to see it for the can find more details on second time need to reply quickly. Chunc's web- site www.chunc.com Closing date for bookings is 22nd December and you will be advised if you have tickets by mid January. If you are interested contact Should we receive too many booking for the amount of Gaynor Wright tickets that we have, in this instance your deposit will be 01278 722638 refunded. The remaining payment wont be asked for un- [email protected] til much nearer the time.
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FUNDRAISING NEWS 100 Club - Winners In addition to our membership fundraising as detailed on the next page, we have also received;- So far 5 draws have taken place with the winners so far A £2000 Donation from The Taunton Inner Wheel Ladies, as being;- a result of ESCAPE being their charity of the year. July - Wendy Futcher & Marie Cunningham Files Mrs Anning, Grandmother to Luke and Becky Evans has donat- August - Eric Nicols & Helen Ingham Cooke ed £80 September - Luke Futcher & Denise Gilbert Easyfundraising has generated £17.13 October - Mandy Lewsey & Robert Windows The Top Drawer Dress Agency has donated £487 November - Melanie Hedgecock– Reeves & The Crown and Sceptre Ladies Skittles Team have donated £83.25 James Dumbleton
Our last bag collection generated £130 It is still possible to join our 100 Club and details are on page 17 ASDA at Creechbarrow Road have donated £100 An anonymous grant of £5000 has been received Turn your Mobile Phone into Cash Ruth Jenkins has donated £23 And finally our own Mamma Mia evening raised £561.92 At this time of year, some of are lucky enough to be given new phones for Christmas, so what to THANK YOU TO ALL DONATORS do with your old one?
Greetings Cards, Gift Wrap, Christmas Cards, If you purchase Give it to us and we can turn it stationery and Gift Ideas, via Debbie, Delivered Direct To Your Door. into cash for our charity. Fantastic Quality, Low Prices. make yourself All Cards £1.20 Each known as an Just drop it into the office For A Brochure, To Host a Card Social or Receive More Information About The ESCAPE Flexibility Of Becoming A Trader. member and ESCAPE will Contact Debbie Ward 07929 497501 get 10% Thank you Order Direct At: http://www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/debbieward cashback.
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A massive, massive thank you to Kaz and Dave Drewett, who organ- £10,000 ised the Family Fun evening in TARGET Brean on 24th October. This was a To help you keep track of our fabulous evening, with some won- fundraising efforts we are set- derful children’s entertainment. ting ourselves a target of £9500 The event raised £304 for ES- £10,000, which will assist in CAPE. funding our 2013/2014 trips and £9000 in each newsletter we will pub- lish this chart indicating the _ Kaz and Dave, ESCAPE members, £8500 wanted to give something back to our charity, here is Kaz’s progress at that time. story…………………… £8000 Included in the amount raised to date is;- ‘Organising the event was fun and exciting but we were going into £7500 the unknown, we had never ever done anything like this before, the Donations from- most I have done in the past is my children’s parties? £7000 Cowin Family of £26 A few challenges along the way with the hardest thing being spread- £6500 ing the word, and convincing people to give raffle prizes as there is so Edwards Family Penny Pots have collected £24.99 £6000 much competition? The Bidgway Penny Pots But somehow everything slotted into place and it was the most amaz- £5500 have raised £4.63 ing night of my life, I was on a high that we, yes we, just normal peo- The Bidgway’s Jumble Sale £5000 ple managed to pull this off. raised £187 £4500
We love children we were able to watch faces light up, parents relax- Rebecca & Co have raised £4000 ing, having a good time and making new friends. The biggest buzz £220 for me was watching the children laugh and £3869.42 Fun Run and Half Mara- the adoring smiles from parents. All of our £3500 thon Sponsorship has lives are tough, constantly fighting battles raised a further £647 and our children often being judged. But £3000 here we all were in the same room having a The Drewett Family fun £2455.80 wonderful time, and I made that happen. evening raised £304 £2500
Amount raised this pe- Would I do it again, too right, I’ve started riod £1413.62 £2000 planning already, so put Sunday19th 0cto- ber 2014 2pm-5pm in your diaries now.’ THANK YOU £1500 18 11
100 CLUB CARER’S CHRISTMAS LUNCH & Purchase one number (or more!) at £10 each, paid annually. SHOPPING Encourage all of your family and friends to purchase one number (or @ SANDERS GARDEN WORLD, more!) at £10 each.
11 monthly draws where 2 numbers will win £10 each. Bristol Road, Brent Knoll, Burnham-on-Sea, TA9 4HJ In June 2014 there will be a grand draw where your number could win you:- Friday 6th December 2013 at 12.30pm 1st Prize £120 2nd Prize £80 3rd Prize £50 Sanders Garden Centre is the perfect location for 4th Prize £30 retail therapy, creativity and lunch with friends. We Total value of cash prizes is approx. £500 would love for you to join us, arriving in your own time for browsing and selecting the odd purchase or If you have a lucky number and wish to have this number assigned to you, please let us know. (subject to this number being available) two followed by lunch together at 12.30. The first monthly draw will take place in July.
The Lemon Tree Restaurant serves delicious freshly- Terms and Conditions prepared food for all types and sizes of appetite. The The prizes show are based on a membership of 100. The number and/ or values of the prizes may be adjusted slightly so that 50% of the tick- atmosphere is relaxed and inviting so should be just et money will be paid in prizes, therefore may go up or down. right for us all. . We won’t be booking any tables but £10 per number payable once each year. it would be helpful if you could let us know if you Participants must be aged 16 or over, but if you wish to purchase a would like to attend. number in your child’s name please put your child’s name in brackets on the reply form A members number may win only one of the 11 monthly draws. All numbers will be placed into the grand draw. Prize winners will be announced in each Newsletter. In the event of any dispute the decision of the Promoter shall be re- garded as final. Registered under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.
Participation in this scheme will go towards our volunteering and participa- tion scheme so could also win you FREE TRIPS FOPR A YEAR!!!
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ESCAPE Support Group Mamma Mia Sing-a-long November 2013 Reply Form Did you come? If not, you missed a brilliant night. Once a few technical issues were ironed out, every- one sang with gusto, danced away and thoroughly enjoyed the interaction that this Sing A Long gave us. Better still we managed to raise £561.
Thank you so much to everyone that came, you all contributed to a wonderful night and one that we will likely reminisce about for many years to come. How to pay us;- Direct Bank Transfer - if you access your bank Next year Grease???? account through the internet you can pay us direct using sort code 09 01 27, a/c no. 72716791 please quote your surname as a reference and email Cathy to let her know payment has been made. By Cheque - payable to ESCAPE Support Group, posted with your reply form to, 3 Discovery House, Cook Way, Bindon Road, Taunton, TA2 6BJ By Cash - Brought in to the office. Sending cash through the post is at your own risk
Family Name ______Address ______Postcode ______Tel. No. ______Mobile No. ______(For use on day trips if necessary) Email Address ______
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Carers Lunch & Shopping - Fri 6th December 100 Club Membership
Please give contact details for every number you wish to pur- Please indicate if you are hoping to attend ___ chase. Don’t forget anyone can purchase a number, so talk nice- ______ly to family friends and colleagues, anyone who wishes to sup- port our fantastic charity. Christmas Bingo—Sat 14th December First number purchased at £10 Please indicate if you are hoping to attend ___ Name ______Address ______Post Code______Favourite Number ___
Bowling - 19th December—Closing date 9th December Second number purchased at £10 Name ______Address ______No. children attending ______Post Code______Favourite Number ___
Christmas Party—28th December - Closing date 19th December Third number purchased at £10 No. Children attending ___ No. Adults attending Name ______Address ______Please state names and ages of children attending ______Post Code______Favourite Number ______Forth number purchased at £10 Name ______Address ______Communal Xmas Card ______Post Code______I would like to donate £___ towards the Communal Christmas Favourite Number ___ Card ______Fifth number purchased at £10 Name ______Address ______Shrek The Musical - 21st August—Closing date 22nd December ______Post Code______No. tickets req. ____ £3 per person deposit payable with booking Favourite Number ___ Please tick ____ Yes I have seen it before ____ No this will be our first time
Wheelchair position required In theatre Yes/No On Coach Yes/No
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