Hello and welcome to the December 2000 Newsletter

A Note from the New Kid on the Block, a few words to start from our new Treasurer, Katrina.
At the start of the year we had a target of £2,000 for fundraising - we're doing well we've raised almost £1,400 so far but we still need to keep busy over the next few weeks. I would like to say a special thank you to everyone who has been involved at a local level with the various events that have been going on throughout the year. We've seen some large events like the Palgrave Sponsored Walk, the Bardwell BBQ and the Bonfire Party at Wetheringsett. Now obviously not every village can host big events like these but we have had some equally worthwhile events such as the Thorndon Cake Stall and Wine Tasting, Jumble Sales at Wortham and Dennington, and an Alphabet Treasure Hunt by Playbus users at Stoke Ash. As a result of these events we have been able to purchase over £550 worth of new toys.(That'll stop Gill getting bored this winter !!) If you haven't seen them yet ask the children and I'm sure they will tell you all about the new dinosaur Duplo, the giant ball run, magnetic letters and board, Thomas trains, etc.

I would also like to thank the following Parish Councils and VillageTrusts for their kind donations Bardwell, Dennington, Felsham, Hinderclay, Pakenham, Palgrave, Rickinghall and Stoke Ash. Every donation helps , no matter how small, so if your village or community hasn't been able to support us this year then get canvassing, let's make them aware of how vital a service the Playbus provides and perhaps they will open their coffers next year.

Ongoing Fundraising
The Christmas Raffle is going well, and if you haven't already seen (and purchased) some of our very stylish christmas cards, thank you to Lucy Clelland for the design, (other entries can be seen on the website) they are available on the bus.

This probably sounds like a typical Treasurer's plea for you to dig deep in your pockets again - it isn't - I fully understand how difficult it is to come up with new ideas for fundraising but we do desperately need your support to enable us to keep the bus running and properly equipped. In addition, when we apply to the large institutions for grants (e.g. the Lottery Fund, Suffolk Council) it really does help if we can say that our users are actively involved in raising money as well. They are always keener to help those who help themselves.

If you'd like to organise something locally but aren't too sure what to do or how to go about it PLEASE give me a call on 01379 678730. Whatever help you need the committee and I will be only to pleased to offer ideas/help/guidance etc.

That's enough nagging from me, thank you again for all your efforts - and I hope you all have a fun festive season !!!

Katrina Maddams

Stop Press !!
Bedingfield Recipe Books now on sale at £2.50. Proceeds to the bus.

Stamps
A quick reminder that we are collecting used stamps on the playbus for fundraising. Please bring stamps from your Christmas post to the bus so we can sell them.

Soft Room
It is very important to monitor the Soft Room so that every child can have a turn to enjoy safe play in the ball pool. Please make sure that you watch what is going on if you are upstairs, and look out for other peoples children as well as your own.

Follow these safety rules:
Shoes off in the Soft Room. Maximum of 4 children at a time. Use the sand timer to make sure everyone gets out after 5 minutes. Do not allow balls to be thrown. No toys in the Soft Room.

Routes and Term dates
Now for some changes to the timetable. You may remember that we advertised a route review meeting back in September and the results will take effect in January. We are going to say goodbye to Felsham, and thank you to those who have attended the Playbus there, and hello to Mickfield.

The Playbus will visit Mickfield every 2nd and 4th Friday parking at Elm Farm on Debenham Road from 1-3 pm. Please come along if your usual stop is very busy and encourage your friends with young children the Mickfield area to come along with you.

There will also be some other changes to the timetable to accommodate the new stop:
Stonham Aspall 9.30-11.30am (instead of 10-12)
Dennington 1-3pm (instead of 1.15-3.15pm)
Bedingfield and Worlingworth will now have the bus on the 1st & 3rd Friday of the month starting on January 5th 2001
Tostock will have the bus on the 2nd & 4th Friday starting 12th Jan

The last day of term for the Playbus will be at Stoke Ash and Hinderclay on 20th Dec. Gill will be back on the road on Thurs 4th Jan at Stonham Aspall and Dennington.

Free Sessions
If your child is 4 by 31st December or you have a 3 year old with certain criteria he/she is entitled to five free sessions of nursery education per week. Three year old children with English as their second language, who have a special educational need or whose family is receiving income support or income-related job seekers allowance are eligible. These free sessions 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. Your child will also get an extra half an hour linked to the Desirable Learning Outcomes.

If you would like to use your grant on the bus please let Gill or myself know as soon as possible as there is a deadline each term,called the Count Day, for us to return forms to receive payment for free sessions.

Bad Weather
During all the recent floods the Playbus didn't miss even one stop. However if we get a spell of severe weather the Playbus may not be able to get to everybody, so make sure you have completed a registration form so we can let you know of any cancellations.

Craft Shop
The New Year brings new prices, some items have gone up more than others to keep in line with increases charged to us, pick up a price list on the Playbus.

Committee
We have said a huge thank you and goodbye to Sue Ashton on the committee. She has held every post from Secretary to Treasurer to Chairman and has worked extremely hard for the Playbus. Sue was the Treasurer during the lottery bid to buy the new bus and even learned to drive it whilst pregnant with her 3rd child. We wish her all the luck in the world as she leaves the area to relocate with her husbands new job, she will be sorely missed.

Which leads onto the subject of the committee which is now a bit thin on the ground. If you are interested in how the Playbus is run and can spare 2 hours once every 6 weeks or so please consider coming along to a meeting. The committee are very friendly and welcome new faces, but you are under no obligation to join. There are leaflets on the Playbus if you would like to know more, or talk to Gill or give me a call.

Toy Library Special Offers
From now until Easter all the large ride-on toys cost just £1 per month to hire, book with Gill.

Dates for your Diary
Wedsnesday December 20th
Last day of term

Thursday January 4th
New term starts

Monday 15th January 2001
Committee meeting; 8 pm, Gill's house, Frog Cottage, Thornham Magna, speak to Gill if you are interested in coming along.

Remember
This newsletter is for you, if you have any comments or suggestions, or would like anything included, let me know, the next issue will be out in March. In the meantime have a wonderful Christmas!


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Newsletter DECEMBER 2000 - Registered Charity No. 283401 - www.pyramidsplaybus.org.uk

Gill Telephone 07836 745050 - Sue Telephone 01379 650746