Charity No 283931 Issue 30 • Autumn 2014

KIT is the magazine of National Phab, whose aim is to promote and encourage people of all abilities to come together Contents on equal terms, to achieve complete inclusion within the wider community. Visit www.phab.org.uk for details Celia Imrie is Phab’s Special Page 1 Phab Gold Rose – • Celia Imrie at Guildhall Guest at London’s Guildhall a promotion to • Phab Gold Rose celebrate Phabʼs 60th • Heartbeat Hike Anniversary • 2014 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100

Page 2 • Phab Projects • South West Arts and Crafts Page 3 Phab Gold, a rich vibrant golden Virgin Money London Marathon • yellow Floribunda rose, was • 2014 Prudential launched to celebrate Phab’s 40th RideLondon-Surrey 100 Anniversary in 1997 by Fryers • Welsh Festival of Sport Roses in Cheshire and has proved to be a popular and very attractive Page 4 John Greenwood, Chairman of The Hospital Saturday Fund, addition to gardens, patios and tubs. Devizes Phab ensured that Special Phab Weeks presenting the cheque to Celia Imrie • the rose was a major feature of a Phab was delighted to be staff. Anne Joyce presented an roundabout planting in the town Page 5 chosen as the guest charity at the overview of Phab and the centre and it was chosen by the Special Phab Weeks Annual General Meeting of the wonderful donation of £20,000 Royal Parks for the world famous • Hospital Saturday Fund; this very launched an appeal to provide a • Heartbeat Hike Queen Mary’s Garden which has special event was held in May at further fully accessible holiday the largest collection of roses in the magnificent and historic home at Waterside Park in Page 6 London. Guildhall in the City of London. Weymouth, a setting which has It is still available to order from Club News • The Hospital Saturday Fund is a proved so popular with Phab Fryer’s Roses and will be specially grant-making charity which members and their families, for promoted to celebrate Phab’s Page 7 supports hospitals, hospices and Phab’s Diamond Jubilee in 2017. Diamond Jubilee in 2017. medically associated charities for Celia Imrie was invited as Phab’s New Clubs It would be wonderful to have • care and research, and to some special guest speaker and after beds of Phab Gold in Parks and individuals with health problems accepting the cheque on behalf of Page 8 Gardens throughout Britain to throughout the UK and Ireland. Phab, gave a delightful and celebrate 60 years of Phab and to • Club News Donations are made possible by amusing insight into her promote the charity more widely. Rose Walster Obituary the gifting of profits by HSF Health fascinating and successful career. Please contact Anne Joyce at • Plan Limited, which is the trading We were honoured and privileged Phab – – if you subsidiary of the Charity. that Celia was able to support know of020 a Park 8667 or Public 9443 Garden The event was attended by the Phab on this memorable near you that would like to support Chairman of Phab, John Corless occasion. Phab by planting a bed of these Follow OBE, other trustees and senior lovely roses for more people to Phab enjoy. on Heartbeat Hike – Sunday 8th June

re Hyde Park, London Chief OperationsAnne Officer Joyce fanfa nkinson chard Je ctor Ri Condu Grice t Ian Le Organis Clubs from around the country O descended on Hyde Park for the

of Phab Carol in aid 35th Annual Heartbeat Hike. Concert See full story on page 5

y iccadill 7.00 pm urch, P 2014 at es’s Ch ember 2014 Jam ec St 17th D ilable) esday, ons Ava Wedn oncessi 3 15.00 (C 67 944 ickets £ s 020 86 T nquirie ets & E org.uk Tick @phab. nfo 283931 il: i rity No ema d Cha or accepte it cards Cred k ab.org.u www.ph W e d n e s d a y 17th December 2014 at St James’s Church, Piccadilly. Tickets are £15.00 – there are special rates for Phab members. For further details contact Jan Clifford at Summit House on or email 0208 667 9443 [email protected] Ed Stewart with Phab member and (right) at the start of Heartbeat Hike See full story on page 3 Read all about Phab Projects on Page 2 1 Phab’s Phabulous Projects!

2014 has been an amazing year Lodge. This week was just as Dukes Barn in Derbyshire from the all the previous projects. You will for the Phab Residential Projects busy and there were so many 25th – 29th August. Fifty people hear all about the adventure in the and due to such a high demand activities including Bendy Beam, took part and embarked on a next edition of KIT magazine. we have been extremely busy! Archery, the Tyrolean Traverse week of confidence building The Phab Residential Projects are and some of the group even activities, learning new skills and open to anyone with or without a attempted Bendy Pot which is not outdoor pursuits. During their time disability and offer the opportunity for the faint hearted! away the 18 – 25 year olds shared to take part in adventurous dormitories, a large living area activities, learn new skills, make and a pool and table tennis room new friends and have lots of fun and spent their time living and whilst doing so! working together. This enabled This year, everyone to form new friendships, c h i l d r e n , socialise and take part in a wide y o u n g variety of activities such as people and bowling, ropes courses, climbing a d u l t s and abseiling. came from all over the country to take part on one of There were two projects held at the nine Avon Tyrrell in Hampshire from Phab is very fortunate to have unique and the 11th – 18th August. Sixty the support of some amazing e x c i t i n g people joined either the Inclusive volunteers who give their time and projects held at accessible Living Experience Project (8 – 18 effort not only during the weeks outdoor activity centres or Tall years) or the Skills for away, but also at the required Ships offering specialist tuition in a Independence Project (18 – 15 At the end of all the projects we training sessions and huge thanks safe and supportive environment. years). Both groups stayed in the finish with a disco and an award goes out to every one of them! The first of the projects was at wonderful woodland lodges and ceremony where everyone who Phab is most grateful to the Easter at Bendrigg Lodge in the the range of activities was huge takes part receives a personalised individual donors, major funders Lake District. Thirty four people and included canoeing, zip wire, certificate of achievement. It is and Charitable Trusts who have took part, many of whom had arts and crafts, team building always a difficult time when it given so generously to make never been away with Phab activities, drumming workshops, comes to saying goodbye but the these Projects possible. before. The weekend was swimming and many more. friendships that are made are Rebecca Hargreaves (National crammed packed with activities often continued once the project is Projects Manager) is already and the whole team achieved a over. planning the 2015 projects huge amount. Our final project of 2014 will be and if you would like more held at Bendrigg Lodge. Thirty two information you can contact people will be taking part at this her on or 01254 824784 weekend project which is sure to [email protected] be as much fun and as exciting as

The Jubilee Sailing Trust Project South West Arts & Crafts Day enabled four people with and On Saturday 31st June 2014, followed by lunch and an option of without physical disabilities to sail many Phab club members from sports in the afternoon. On the 2nd August we returned on the tall ship Tenacious. They the South West and Wales region Members tried a range of to Bendrigg Lodge for our first set sail on the 18th August and of Phab, attended an arts & crafts activities from bag decorating, seven night project. This amazing headed toward the Channel day that was run by National hama beads, badge making, plate centre has such a vast variety of Islands returning back to Phab. decorating, boccia and New Age adapted equipment that anyone Southampton on the 22nd Over 100 members attended at Kurling. can take part in any activity they August. This is an exhilarating Trowbridge Phab Club in Wiltshire, wish – as long as they have the experience where every sailor and were treated to a fun day, JanineNational Williams Club nerve! During the week forty three gets the opportunity to be part of Development Manager participants took part in caving, a team of fifty crew and assist in abseiling, canoeing on Lake all aspects of sailing this Windermere and the ever popular incredible ship. trip to Morecambe for fish and chips! Our second seven night project started on the 9th A u g u s t when a new group of Pictured are members enjoying the forty five creative activities p e o p l e Our final project for the summer arrived to at was our second Skills for B e n d r i g g Independence Project held at More club news on pages 6, 7 and 8

2 Autumn 2014 Charity No 283931

Virgin Money London Marathon Sunday 13th April 2014

Another fantastic Marathon day facilities at The Storeyard in St emphasis on our amazing post Phab Clubs will for Phab and Phabkids! The James’s Park as the post-race race facilities. be present months leading up to April 13th venue for our runners and their Our early on the day to were extremely wet and windy - families. finishers who give their not ideal training weather for all Martin Holdsworth, Anne Joyce, visited the support. If your our marathon heroes but Janine Williams and Trevor Storeyard were Club would like thankfully April 13th dawned Williams together with our Liam White (left) to be there on bright and sunny but not too hot, wonderful team of volunteers gave with Graham Sunday 26th perfect conditions, for both our runners who visited The Gidney and April next year runners and spectators. Storeyard a warm and Derren Stroud please contact Unfortunately numbers were enthusiastic welcome. Mick and (below) Madeleine Fry by email slightly down this year and we had Angela Formby were again with or 178 Golden Bond runners and 17 the team at The Storeyard to take phonemadeleine@ on phabkids.co.uk- it truly is own place runners taking part on photos of Each year a great day01572 out! 823332 the day. our runners there is one Finally, and most importantly, as they thing missing for thank you to our dedicated Phab arrived after our runners and runners who devoted time, energy their 26.2 that is visible and effort in training, running and mile run. support on the raising sponsorship. They have Many took course from done so much for Phab and on a advantage of Phab. Marathon personal level their own our post race runners need achievement in completing the s h o w e r s , support and encouragement from Virgin Money London Marathon is m a s s a g e their chosen charity whilst running a lasting memory for them to be and refreshments. A team of 10 and it is hoped that for the Virgin proud of. Our new Phabkids running vests massage therapists led by Dan Money London Marathon 2015 were a huge hit with our runners Scott worked tirelessly all and their supporters. They were afternoon to help ease aching Marathon EventMadeleine Co-ordinator Fry extremely visible and recognizable muscles, a facility appreciated by from some distance so our all who received the treatment of runner’s supporters were able to caring and healing hands. Special spot their loved ones easily on the thanks must go to Jackie who, as course. in previous years, supplied many Once again our sincere much needed and appreciated appreciation and thanks go to The cups of tea!! Royal Parks who allow us each As always we have received year to benefit from the unique fantastic feedback with special

2014 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 Welsh Festival of Sport The event took place on Sunday The annual Phab Festival of it was not possible for everyone to 10th August just as the remnants Sport was hosted by Merthyr win a trophy, they were all winners of hurricane Bertha descended on Phab in June. for taking part. The overall winning the UK! The weather conditions This year's event was enjoyed by team was ‘Access 4 Life’ from were atrocious and the organisers over one hundred competitors Llanelli Phab with Merthyr Phab of the event made the wise who all did their best and although as runners up. The sports events decision, for safety reasons, to were followed by several games of shorten the 100 mile course to 86 "It’s a Knockout" with most of the miles, leaving out Box Hill and competitors getting wet, not from Leith Hill. Many of our riders were the weather but by the last game disappointed that the course was which involved a lot of water. less than the 100 miles they had The special award for trained for however the feedback Personality of the Games was won has been all very positive from an by James Amia from Penarth organisational and enjoyment Phab with Carl Pleece from point of view. Merthyr Phab winning the ‘True Phab are delighted to say that all Grit’ award. At the end of a most 62 participants riding in support of Our sincere and grateful thanks Merthyr Tydfil Phab enjoyable day the trophies and Phabkids successfully and safely to all our Phab riders who should medals were presented by the completed the gruelling course, be very proud of their own Mayor and Mayoress of Merthyr, raising much valued funds. personal achievement in Councillor Brian Mansbridge and Thomas Fuller was our first rider completing the Prudential his wife Brenda, assisted by Ros to cross the finish line in the RideLondon-Surrey 100. Well Probert. amazing time of 3.59.29 with done to everyone. The committee of the Festival of several others following close If you would like to ride for Sport would like to thank Ros and behind in just over the 4 hour mark Phab in 2015 – please National Phab for their support. including Mark Shepherd from contact Madeleine Fry on Epsom & Ewell Phab and Nick or email 01572 823332 Terry Collins Maloney of Epping Forest Phab. [email protected] Merthyr Phab

3 Phab School Weeks at Merchant Taylors’ & St

part in many Merchant Taylorsʼ varied and e x c i t i n g and St. Helenʼs For more than forty years, activities. The around forty Sixth Formers from phenomenal Merchant Taylors’ School and St. s e n s a t i o n Helen’s, aided by members of staff that is Phab from both schools, run a week’s Week allows holiday camp during the Easter guests to leave behind for lunch, somehow everyone break for twenty disabled ended up at Nando’s, and we A special thank you and farewell teenagers. Approximately £10,000 their everyday life for a week and enjoy a period of pure fun. literally took over the whole to Mr. Howell and Mr. Simons, who is raised each year for Phab restaurant! The week concluded are leaving MTS after nine and Week, where hosts are paired with This year’s Phab Week was no different, with fantastic activities with a fancy dress disco on the four years at the school guests and spend an exhilarating last night, where everyone could respectively. Final thanks must go week together. such as bowling in Garston, sailing on the lake, and a visit from just relax after a physically and to Rev. Dan Bond, who took over the Watford Fire Brigade. The emotionally exhausting week. from Dom Howell this year. Rev. special day trip to Warner Bros. The week was an incredible Bond’s extraordinary leadership Studios in Leavesden, home to success and thanks must go to skills really made my first Phab the Harry Potter film series, was countless members of staff Week a wonderful experience, amazing for both hosts and guests including John Reynolds, Les one which I am thrilled to be able alike. Personally, something that I Chappell and both their teams, as to repeat next year. definitely will not forget is the well as the MTS and St. Helen’s afternoon we spent at Watford – staff for their co-ordination. JulianPhab HostMan Through its fun and care-free nature, Phab Week encourages relationships to be built and nurtured, and a friendly and engaging atmosphere blossoms. Disabled guests are paired with more able-bodied students who help them get around and take

Phab 2014: The Phinal Phrontier Film for everyone, but I myself night heralded the Barbecue and chose dance and experienced a subsequent movie screening. It measured progression towards was during these hours that I as a the production of a play revolving host found myself most weary, around the theme of the end of the when an opportunity to recollect world. The other workshops each one’s senses arose and produced their own masterpieces. everything catches up with them; These workshops provided an however in those moments it was opportunity for much fun while most clear how important Phab is sticking as closely as possible to in the lives of so many people, and Westminster School our spaced out theme. how the atmosphere of love This year the theme surrounding surrounding you, carries you, our Phab extravaganza was an regardless of your physical being expedition into outer space and or fatigue. Finally, as a climax in everybody involved were the contrast to Friday’s relaxed vibe, passengers. School was Saturday was the day of the Phab arrived to partake in a Barbecue transformed into a Launchpad Space Disco, during which many lunch. from which our voyage of fun and emotions came forth in celebration During the Show, Dance/Drama relaxation was going to take off; of such a wonderful and amazing and Music performed their with decorated planets hung from week spent together as the crew productions for the packed the rafters and the motif of a of Starship Phab. audience and the Film workshop rocket ship in ascent gracing the In the evenings, there was a exhibited their film of the back of every bright pink hoodie. different activity every day. On the Highlights of the week. However From the very first day it was clear first night we had an arts and this only delayed the inevitable, as that Phab 2014 would be a crafts themed circus in which the teachers stood up to thank journey like no other. guests and hosts moved in everyone for the wonderful Following our daily wakeup opposite directions around a experience, and that dreadful routine, we took part in a number string of stalls so that everybody moment where parting with our of practical and hands on could meet each other. Thursday guests would occur edged closer. workshops. There was a difficult night the group split in order to On the final day last minute After the whole week everyone choice between Music, visit four different Covent Garden rehearsals were in process, as was touched, and it was Dance/Drama, Art, Design, and performances in one night. Friday parents of hosts and guests alike impossible not to become

4 Autumn 2014 Charity No 283931 t. Helen’s, Westminster & Wellington Schools

Trilakes Country Park, where a everybody went to bed having Wellington School guided tour of their animal thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Wellington Phab continues to go enclosure gave us all the chance One of the greatest features to from strength to strength and this to get up close and personal with return to Phab this year was our year we had an amazing time with their chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits day trip to the Camberley our biggest Phab week yet. There and Shetland Ponies, which Aerodrome. Run by Aerobility, the were plenty of new guests as well everybody had a chance to day out gave all our participants as familiar faces, and as ever, a groom. the chance to go up in small team of keen sixth formers helped As ever, we made a day trip to aircraft – and many of them even to run the course. Blessed once attached in some way to our London, taking in the sights, had the chance to fly the plane again this year with fabulous guests. Therefore as we said our smells and tastes of the West End. themselves once they were up in sunshine and plenty of free time to goodbyes and prepared for Culture ranged from the National the air. For the last few toast ourselves gently on the lawn, departure, it was with truly warm Gallery to some great seats in the years weather conditions have it was lovely to share a great and heavy hearts that we bid stalls at Phantom of the Opera, prevented us from going, so it was chilled out week of fun and farewell to our once fellow where some prime positions a special treat to take off this year relaxation. We had a loose travellers from the Starship Phab. underneath the plummeting and enjoy some beautiful views of ‘Phootball’ theme to tie in with the chandelier made everybody the local countryside. world cup. scream a bit! It was a late night All in all, it was another great Siegfried von Thun-HohensteinPhab Host We turned our usual format on getting back, but well worth it, and week with much fun had all round. the head, starting the week-long We’re always looking for new course with a formal dinner guests, so if you are interested in followed by ballroom dancing joining us then please get in lessons. We weren’t quite at the touch 07900 784 802 or email standards of Strictly with only an [email protected] hour-long lesson, but we certainly all had a good time, even if there were a few bruised toes and egos LeaderHarriet of Phab Johnson Week at the end. Other highlights included a return to the nearby

We were honouredHeartbeat that Phab’s Hike – Sunday 8th June – Hyde Park, London President Ed Stewart attended the event, and alongside our MC Alain Paver provided witty chat all afternoon. Over 700 people from Phab clubs came from all over the UK, but the club that made the furthest journey was Selby Phab from Yorkshire. But whether from Anne Joyce presenting Chas Adam Members of Wimbledon Park Phab Wheelchair dance the North, Midlands, South West with his Best Male prize with MC Disco with their winning banner. and led a fun session at the or South East, everyone had fun, Alain Paver. and agreed that it was a good bandstand. Phab filled Fun Day. As always, this event would not A great number of the clubs be possible without the support of were adorned with fancy dress so many people, so we would like costumes, in the theme of ‘At the to thank David Jordan and the Seaside’ or ‘Under the Sea’ . staff of The Royal Parks, Everyone made such an effort Scallywags Band, ‘Just Go with it’ with their costumes, with the band, John and Lorna Stephens, winner of the Best Male category, One of the other banner entries Adrian Dorward for supplying and being Chas Adam from Bushey & playing the music, Richard Briggs Watford, with a very colourful Kelly Jackson receiving her the first time after forming in early OBE – Liberty Drives and his beard that must have taken hours Best Female prize 2014. team, Helen Williams, Dan Burr, of preparation. As ever music was provided by Wheelchair Dance Sports (UK) The Best Female fancy dress Scallywags who entertained the Association, 1st Caterham (St costume winner went to Kelly crowds that gathered to watch Mary’s) Scout Group for providing Jackson from Oxford Phab. them perform, also a young band the marshals, Paul Wenham for Hounslow were once again the called ‘Just Go with it’ along with supplying the catering, Alain undefeated champions, and won an impromptu singing Paver as MC, Unity 70, Oxford with a fantastic group entry of performance from Helen Williams Phab Clubs for running the ’Under the Sea’. of Oxford Phab. checkpoints, and too our Many clubs entered the best Hounslow Phab winners of We were also treated to a wonderful Phab members! banner competition, and it was a Best Group martial arts display by Dan Burr lovely sight to see all the banners from Uckfield Phab, and for the Janine Williams go off around The Serpentine. were Wimbledon Park Phab disco, first time the Wheelchair Dance National Club The Winners of The Best Banner who were at Heartbeat Hike for Sports (UK) Association joined us, Development Manager

5 Club News • Club News • Club News • Club News • Club

thank Cherylee for her and warm. involvement with the club, as well Members took part in a variety of Southend Junior South East News– will be as enjoying some refreshments at Christmas Party boating activities such as bell Phab Club the four star city centre hotel. Fiz, hosted by Epping Forest boating, kayaking and canoeing, Southend Junior Phab Club Phab, and will be held on finished for the Summer with a cctress Jenny McAlpine made a and everyone managed to get surprise guest appearance during Saturday the 13th December at suitably wet! bouncy castle and water game Bancrofts School, Woodford the evening. Both stars were so party. Green, Essex. friendly and members were delighted to meet two well-known stars. South East Fun Weekend This20th ever – 22nd popular November fun event 2015 will take place at The Chichester Park Hotel, with practical and fun workshops, and is available to all to come. The cost for the weekend For lunch we were lucky enough if you share a room is £140.00 per to be provided with chips and Southend Junior Phab shop also person – single occupancy rooms lollypops from Dick’s Chips who celebrated it's 2nd birthday this are available. have been serving us chips at August and we had a film made for For more details on the Club members with Coronation Thames Young Mariners for over free by Tunnel Shark productions above, please contact Janine Street stars. twenty years. At the end of the day about what we do: Williams on or everyone was given the Chester Phab meet once a 01825 749826 [email protected] opportunity to jump off the https://www.youtube.com/watc month in a local pub in Chester pontoon into the Thames, there h?v=wQSqAEGzuTc and also organises a diverse fun were many volunteers for this filled calendar of events for its 80+ Selby Phab activity and everyone seemed to members, fully accessible to all. Selby Phab Club have had a enjoy watching! Overall it was a For more information on busy summer which included the great day, it was a nice opportunity Chester Adult Phab or for Annual Barbecue on 26th June, to spend time with the member’s volunteer opportunities, please which was hosted by the leaders, families, especially seeing as call Lynda on Pat and Brian Thompson and was many of our members are second 07828 571952. Or visit our Website: attended by Rebecca Hargreaves generation now as their parents and former Trustee Fred Smith . are former members. We are www.chester.phabclub.org The club are shortly going away definitely looking forward to next year already! for an activity weekend to an Lynda Hesketh outward bound centre called Club Leader Stubbers. EpsomCourtney & Ewell Giles Phab Nene Valley Phab JennyClub Drewer Leader NatashaSnowdon Sephton-Pike, Climb a relatively new member of Nene Wicksteed Park Fun Valley Phab, courageously Various trips have taken place, Chester Adult Phab including a trip to the Crich Tram Day and Meander climbed Snowdon in July with the Our fun day at Wicksteed Park Volunteer Celebration Museum, where the members intention of raising £500 towards and the Midlands Meander was enjoyed the various activities on Evening with the upkeep and maintenance of this year a combined event. offer. Coronation Street our vehicles. Natasha actually Over 200 members from nine raised £1,000. What a remarkable clubs, enjoyed meeting up again Stars feat. The climb took approx 3.5 Chester Adult Phab celebrated with other club members, visiting its third anniversary with a the fun fair and meandering Coronation Street star as its around the park and regardless of Patron. the fact that the alterations in the Chester Phab, a registered park had been delayed by recent charity is a unique and thriving bad weather, our members were volunteer led social club for able to use this opportunity to people with and without The club have recently been raise sponsorship for their clubs. disabilities, affiliated to National awarded £1,000 from Selby CVS, We also held our Annual Skittles Phab . Chester club members / Natasha at Snowdon which will assist towards transport. Tournament for our Midlands volunteers travelled on Tuesday 20 The members of the club would trophy. May 2014, to the Midland Hotel in hours and the descent 2 hours. like to say a big thank you for their Manchester for a special night Natasha then had a four hour support. with their Patron Cherylee drive home. Needless to say, she Houston, Coronation Street’s Izzy rested the following day!. What a Armstrong and also Jenny feat. We are very grateful to Thames Young McAlpine, Fiz Stape. Natasha for her outstanding On SundayMariners 31st August, Epsom Cherylee Houston meets achievement. Phab headed to Thames Young members of Chester Phab Mariners in Ham for a day of family annually at the Midland Hotel, Rita Walsh fun. Around 70 members and their Manchester. Club Leader Wednesday Phab Peterborough families joined in with the day, Members of Chester Adult Phab (Second team) with their trophy which was, luckily for us, sunny were given the opportunity to

6 Autumn 2014 Charity No 283931 b News New Clubs • New Clubs • New Clubs •

Our congratulations to Blackthorne Road, Canvey Island. more details of the disco, Wednesday Phab Peterborough’s Lickey Phab The club is open from 1-3pm each please contact Hanna on second team, who won the Saturday during term time. or email competition and will hold the Birmingham The club has lots of activities 07852 512 085 trophy for another year. Louise Edgell, who has including music, pool, table tennis, [email protected] Through the kindness and volunteered for many years on the arts & crafts as well as cookery generosity of our members, we Phab residential projects has and outside games. The Club has PhabBlooming would like Autism to welcome were able to run a raffle, and the opened a Phab club. already organised trips and has Blooming Autism to our affiliated event is welcomed by our recently taken the current Phab Phab community. The group is members as it gives them an kids to the Circus that came to made up of families and friends opportunity to meet friends from Canvey in July. Other trips are who have autistic children and other clubs and chat. being planned and extra children who understand the ups and will always be welcome. Future downs of this complex condition. events such as Camping, Fashion They are an allotment based Heather Clarke Midlands Region Development & Shows, a Bake Off and a Bowling group enabling children and Support Officer Night are all in the planning and parents to have somewhere to Lickey Phab club officially the club hopes to have as many relax, play, learn and have fun opened on 28th June with a children as possible to attend. growing plants and vegetables. Midlands Phab Strawberry Fair. We had a great The club is quite small at the The group has had some introduces the Jo afternoon eating scones with moment but is a clear hit with the fantastic support from local Webb Award cream and strawberries, winning children that currently attend as volunteers and Rony Robinson at Phab Midlands is introducing an prizes on the tombola, face can be seen by the pictures below! Radio Sheffield has promoted annual Midlands Member of the painting and being entertained If you would like to attend the club them brilliantly! Despite them Year Award, which will run with some live music! It was or just want some more being a new organization they are throughout the Region’s Club brilliant to be joined by lots of information, please contact Susie moving forward very quickly! They members of the local community now have raised beds, a fruit bush network. [email protected] Known as the Jo Webb Award, it so we could tell them more about area, an orchard, a play area, a Phab! summer house and even a encourages Clubs to identify the Susie Parkin compost toilet! Over the summer person from their membership Club Leader who has done the most to further they have held barbeques and Phab’s aims during the previous Wimbledon Park family days and made lots of produce from the fruit they have year or longer. Jo, who died last Phab Disco December, had been a Phab Wimbledon Park Phab disco grown. We wish them huge supporter for over 35 years and launched on the 28th March 2014 success for the future! was known throughout the Region at Wimbledon Park Primary for her cheerfulness, proactivity School. The club was formed Lickey Phab is based in South Wisbech Junior Phab and leadership. thanks to a grant from The This Children’s Club started in West Birmingham and is a new The new Award provides Clubs Generations Foundation. We are March at the Oasis Centre, club for people aged 14 and with a way of acknowledging Jo’s able to use the school thanks to Wisbech and is meeting above, we meet weekly on legacy to Phab whilst recognisng Sam Wood who is a Project fortnightly. They have some willing Monday nights! Since opening in the contribution of their own volunteer and teaches at the volunteers and their numbers are May we have enjoyed cooking and members. There’s also an school. growing steadily. opportunity to boost Club funds craft evenings, playing board All the usual activities are being because the Award carries a games, learning boccia, quizzes, organised and enjoyed by the bursary of £250 for each year’s eating lots of cakes and generally members and they have been on winning Club, plus a trophy (for the having fun together! We are days out to Skegness, Yarmouth year) and medallion for that Club’s looking forward to enjoying more and Hunstanton which everyone individual winning member. exciting activities in the Autumn as enjoyed. Heather Clarke, Phab’s we continue to grow! They are now planning a Midlands Regional Officer, told us Halloween Party and a Christmas “The first Jo Webb Award will be Members at the club with Party. LouiseClub Leader Edgell presented in April 2015 and I urge Tom Brake MP, Deputy Mayor, Midlands Clubs to enter; Mayoress of Wimbledon, Bob Finch MidlandsHeather Regional Clarke paperwork is not arduous and and Cathy Green from The Development Officer chances of winning are realistic. Generations Foundation. The Award is being financed by At the launch party we were Phab would like to welcome Jo’s parents, John and Annette delighted to be joined by The Enable Me - Littlehampton, Webb, and I would like to thank Generations Foundation, Tom Snaap - Herne Bay. them for their generosity.” Brake MP, and the Deputy Mayor If you run a group and would and Mayoress of Wimbledon. be interested in affiliation to The membership is steadily Bob Finch Phab, please contact Janine growing at this popular club, and Williams, National Club members not only enjoy discos Canvey Junior Phab Development Manager on but have outings to local parks, Canvey Junior Phab has been or email: set up by experienced volunteer and they won the Best Banner 01825 749826 Susie Parkin, who for many years competition at Heartbeat Hike. [email protected] was associated with Southend (see page 5 for a picture) Clubs coming soon to Exeter Junior Phab. Canvey Junior Phab The club is run by Hanna University, Colchester and opened in May and is based at Kerrigan and Louise Selves and a Loughborough. King George V Pavilion, fantastic team of volunteers – for

37 Charity No 283931

Club News • Club News • Club News • Club News • Club News

Meghalaya to Cochin in Kerala in India. A fab summer at The Rickshaw is a three wheeled vehicle and is also known Phabʼs Holiday as a Tuk-Tuk, and has 140cc’s and Homes at Weymouth seven horsepower of spluttering glory. Friday and during August we had Our two well-appointed holiday Fairfield Phab two soft play sessions at Bridge homes at Waterside Park in Chapel, Liverpool. Our Phabbies Weymouth have been fully booked Liverpool sessions have been well this year and Phab members have Over the past 18 months, life at attended both at L’Arche and enjoyed the 5-star leisure and spa Fairfield Phab has certainly been Bridge Chapel. facilities, wonderful weather and busy! In July 2013 we celebrated Emma Boswell, our Phabbies stunning coastal scenery. our 5th anniversary with a party at Co-ordinator raised funds for The holiday homes are fully Goodison Park, home to Everton Fairfield Phab by jumping out of a equipped and maintained to a very Football Club, and we had live plane! Emma’s skydive was from high level with large decking music from local band The Deal. 15,000 feet and was by far the areas, garden furniture and are Rushab with his Rickshaw Our members literally had a ball most courageous fund raising fully accessible. An extra very and loved the live music. event that we have ever had! helpful bonus at Waterside is the Rushab and team were able to We started our own drama Recently, members of the facility to park a vehicle right obtain sponsorship for their group, aptly named Phads, which Fairfield Phab Team also took part beside your holiday home. amazing achievement, and the is an acronym for Phab Amateur in the #ALSIcebucketchallenge. funds raised were split between Dramatics Society. Drama has The evening was full of fun and the official charity, which is Cool played a big role at Fairfield Phab laughter our members certainly Earth, which works with and our new Phads session now enjoyed the evening! indigenous populations in an effort meets once a month at We did say we had been busy! to conserve primary rainforests, Stoneycroft Salvation Army, For more information about and Warwick Junior Phab. They Liverpool. Our Phads members Fairfield Phab you can hope with funds raised it will have been busy over the past 12 visit us online at www.fairfield enable the club to meet weekly as months. We produced our very phab.com. first live performance with our the committee have seen from the Christmas Show 2013, we had first year of running, exactly what a few hours at Phab can make! two performances, one at our ClubPhil Leader Peel main base, L’Arche Liverpool and one at the Salvation Army. Both shows were a huge success and Epping Forest Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth were well attended. We work Phab Club The resort opens at the end of Rose Walster Obituary closely with In Another Place, we The Club celebrated a year of March right through until 1st Rose Walster, a very valued previously had members that took running with a Harry Potter November 2015 and we are taking member of Nene Valley Phab, part at the Narnia Experience themed party. The hall at bookings for next season now. So sadly passed away on Monday event and earlier this year we Bancrofts School where they meet call Jan at Summit House to check 4th August 2014, after a very were part of the Greatest Story was decorated from head to toe in availability for next year and long illness. Ever Told event, both events took Harry Potter regalia with hanging reserve your favourite weeks now. Rose joined our club as an place at the iconic St George’s snitches from the ceiling – and Early off-season weeks can be a able bodied member but sadly Hall, Liverpool. Hogwarts shields made and great bargain too. Contact Jan developed a form of paralysis Our Phab session has also been decorated by the members Clifford on or which left her in a wheelchair busy. Earlier this year we started a 0208 667 9443 adorning the walls. A choice of hot email: and then, in latter years, she drumming project with Stephen [email protected] meal was served by the school, Waterside is a five-star holiday had both legs amputated Shotton, who is the drummer for finished off with a celebratory park right on the beach at above the knee. Despite this, The Deal. In August 2014 we had cake. Bowleaze Cove, beside one of Rose continued in her role as our very first live musical Dorset’s most stunning stretches co-leader and she was performance. After months of hard of coastline. dedicated to our club. Rose will work our live drumming show was be long remembered for her a huge success and all of our hobby of knitting, in particular members who participated, had a Rickshaw Ride her scarves, and when the great time. winter comes, our members In July 2014 we officially opened Warwick Junior will be kept warm not only by our third project Phabbies. Phab Club her scarves but also by her Phabbies is our dedicated session Rushab Shah who volunteers at memory. Rose, you are sadly for children and young people Membership has grown rapidly Warwick Junior Phab Club missed. under the age of 16. During the at the club, that meets on decided to take part in The summer we ran a Phabbies Mondays, new members are Rickshaw Run, which is a 2,000 session at L’Arche every other always welcome. mile trip from Shillong in Nene ValleyRita Welsh Phab

The next edition of KIT will be published in Spring 2015. Please send your club news and articles to Janine Williams at [email protected] Copy deadline 23rd February, 2015 Phab Head Office: Summit House, Wandle Road, Croydon CR0 1DF Tel: 020 8667 9443 Fax: 020 8681 1399 email: [email protected] www.phab.org.uk Published by Phab Limited 2014.

(Charity No 283931) KIT is compiled by Janine Williams and edited by John Corless. 8