Hello and welcome to the September 2001 newsletter,

Hello and welcome back, with a special hello to Sara, our new Playworker. Sara started on September 12th and her job is being funded by the Community Fund grant which we were awarded in April this year. Sara has a one son and she has been working as a Registered Childminder while studying for her NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education. We are all looking forward to her involvement on the bus and she will be learning to drive it next month. If there’s anybody interested in learning to drive the bus, as we can train 2 drivers at the same time, please give me a call or have a chat with Gill about what’s involved if you think you would like to drive the bus as a volunteer.

Looking to the next few weeks there’s plenty happening, so read on for all the details

August Playscheme
The August Playscheme was very successful again this year and about 100 children attended either playscheme or play sessions. On top of that every one who completed an evaluation form about the Playscheme rated themselves as ‘very satisfied’ with the service provided. Due to the level of support I hope we will be able to run the Playscheme for 4 weeks again next year instead of just three.

Events/Fundraising
There are several things in the pipeline:

Mickfield are organising a Car Boot Sale on Sunday September 30th 10-2 pm. Among the attractions will be face painting, cake stall and of course you can pre-book a pitch for the reduced rate of £5 per car, ring Rachel on 01449 710151. In addition to all that John will be there with his steam engine and you can also meet Brum from the BBC TV series.

The Bonfire party will be on Sunday November 4th and be similar to last year with a bonfire and some hot dogs etc. and a quiet firework display to avoid the tears often associated with small children and Bonfire night.

The Christmas Party of course is also coming up, this year it will be on November 30th and tickets (£3 as last year) will be available on the Playbus soon. Father Christmas will bring a present for each child and food and entertainment from ‘The Fun Force Experience’ will be the included in the price. The Raffle will be drawn at the party.

Raffle tickets will be sale once again from the beginning of October so please take a few books to sell. There are some excellent prizes, including £50 for the first prize. A wooden dolls house and Christmas hamper for 2nd and 3rd, plus many other fabulous prizes.

Fundraising catalogues are already on the bus to take home, 25% of the value of all orders placed will go directly to Playbus funds.

Committee
Following the AGM in June we said goodbye to 2 committee members and now welcome Sam Budds from Palgrave. There are still a couple of vacancies so please consider coming along to a meeting and see what goes on. The next committee meeting is on Tuesday 16th October at 8 pm at Thornham Four Horseshoes pub. We aim to get the business over by 9.30 and then have time for drink and chat before it gets to late for those with babysitters. There’s no need to commit yourself if it’s not for you, just being willing to be involved with the running of the Playbus is a help.

Nursery Grants
Children aged 4 and some 3 year olds you are entitled to five free sessions of nursery education per week. These can be divided between a number of providers as long as each is registered to accept this funding. Your playbus is one such provider and by bringing your grant to us we will guarantee a place for your child at the session/s of your choice during term-time. Your child will also get an extra half an hour of activities linked to the Desirable Learning Outcomes. There is a chart on the bus to work out when your child is entitled to funding. We now have 2 members of staff to ensure an adequate adult:child ratio, and have linked villages on the new route so that children may attend the bus in neighbouring villages if there is not a weekly stop in your village. If your child/ren are eligible and you would like to use your grant on the bus please let Gill or Sara know, either on the bus or call 07836 745050

Lost property:
There are several items in the lost property box on the Playbus

Half Term holiday
I know we’ve only just got back to school but the committee has been discussing school holiday sessions and has come up with a plan to try in the October half term holiday. The Playbus will run on Tuesday 22nd October at Thorndon. There will be 2 sessions 10-12 and 1-3 and all places will need to be booked and paid for in advance. Please see Gill or Sara if you would like to book a place.

Playbus Sweatshirts:
There will be a new order of Playbus sweatshirts for sale on the bus in October, children's sizes are £7.50 and adults sizes are £11.25

Dates for your Diary

Sunday 30th September
Mickfield Car Boot Sale 10-2 pm

Tuesday October 16th
Committee meeting

Friday 19th October
Last day on road

Tuesday 22nd October
Book sessions at Thorndon, 10 -12 or 1-3pm

Monday 29th October
Back on the road

Sunday 4th November
Bonfire party, Mickfield

Friday 30th November
Christmas party, Kerrisons, Thorndon

Wednesday 19th December
Last day on the road

Tuesday 8th January 2002
Playbus back on the road.

Newsletter SEPTEMBER 2001 - Registered Charity No. 283401 - www.pyramidsplaybus.org.uk

Gill Telephone 07836 745050 - Sue Telephone 01379 650746