Hello and Happy Christmas!,

Well I know it’s a bit early but it’s that time of year again already! In case you haven’t noticed we’ve got Christmas cards on sale on the bus again and you can now choose from two designs, thank you to Hannah Thomson for her Father Christmas design which we have used for the new cards this year. There are still lots of last years cards available so buy plenty and get ahead with your card writing!

Don’t forget that we also have Crafty Ideas and Bedingfield Recipe books for sale and of course Playbus T-shirts and sweatshirts and Shopping bags if you looking for inspiration for Christmas presents. All these items will be on sale at the Christmas Party, and on the bus which, will be on the road until the Redgrave stop on Wednesday 19th December, starting again on Monday 7th January 2002 at Palgrave and Gislingham.

Now for the rest of the news...

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

Storytime
Storytime gives you opportunity you to leave your child for a few minutes and go upstairs for a coffee. It is in the interests of the children for you to go upstairs so that they can concentrate on the story and develop their listening skills and independence, but if your child is reluctant you can go upstairs together to avoid disrupting the story for others. Hot water is in the flasks so that you can help yourself to a cup of tea, coffee (25p each) or hot chocolate (40p).

Craft Shop
There have been a few price increases in the craft shop and we have extended the range of items to include some seasonal materials. See the reverse of this newsletter for the full range and price list.

Nursery Grants
Children aged 3 and 4 years old 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. The 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 Early Learning Goals. From January 2002 children born before 1st September 1998 are eligible, please speak to Gill or Sara if you would like your child to have their free session/s on the Playbus.

Fundraising
Special thanks go to Playbus Users at Mickfield for their very successful Car Boot sale which attracted lots of people and press coverage for Brum, their guest of honour. Thanks also to Gislingham for sharing the proceeds of their fundraiser with the Playbus. Special appreciation goes to everyone involved and all those who helped with the Bonfire Party at Mickfield, and thanks to Parish Council allowing us hold it at the Village Centre.

Money raised from these events has been used to pay for the works which have been completed on the bus. These include the cupboard doors and shelving under the upstairs seating, the new ride-ons and other toys and shelving and lights in the garage to make storing the equipment much easier.

A total of over £1500 has been spent this year which is all thanks to your support with fundraising events.

Lost property
There are several items in the lost property box on the Playbus Please have a look if you have lost anything recently on the Playbus or at any Playbus event or the Playscheme. The box will be at the Christmas party and then any unclaimed items will be sent to a Charity shop during the Christmas holiday.

Dates for your Diary
Wednesday 19th December
last day bus on the road

Tuesday 4th December
Committee meeting at Clare’s, Wetheringsett, ring for directions 01449 767872.

Tuesday 8th January 2002
Playbus back on the road.

Tuesday 8th January 2002
Playbus back on the road.

11th - 15th February 2002
Half term, details to follow

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

Gill Telephone 07836 745050 - Sue Telephone 01379 650746