National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy at Lingfield are presented with a specially made tricycle

In October Brid Hancock, and I went down to the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy at Lingfield to present a specially made tricycle.  Not any old tricycle but one which can carry a full size wheelchair and occupant.  Now, I know we often say that it is the small things which the children we help miss out on that are most important.  Not being able to do the simple things that we all, to the most part, take for granted.  This exemplifies just how much pleasure these children can gain from a little of our help and support. 

The simple act of riding a cycle is impossible for many epileptic youngsters.  The NCYPE came to us and requested this special tricycle so that their more severely handicapped children could be experience cycle rides.  The children’s countenances changed instantly and dramatically when they were on board the tricycle, feeling for the first time, the wind in their hair and the exhilaration of the movement.  It was difficult to remember back to when Brid and I first rode bicycles, but when we saw their faces light up, I think we did.

Mike Bell, Surrey Region Chairman

LADY TAVERNERS FUN DAY AT BROCKETTS FARM

Brid and Joan accompanied by Derrin Gill, our Director, joined children from Papillon House School and Tadworth Court School at Brocketts Farm,Leatherhead for our Fun Day. The weather was beautiful and the children were full of enthusiasm, it did not take long before we were off to explore.
A tractor ride around the perimeter of the farm introduced us to many of the animals in the fields. The pig race was a noisy and exciting interlude after lunch and after handling cuddly animals the children were delighted by the adventure playground full of swings, slide and trampolines. We were not sure whether the staff, who accompanied the children, or the children had better bouncing skills. Finally a play in the sandpit brought the visit to a very happy end. Each child was given a Teddy Bear and a stress ball to take home. Lovely letters and drawings were received from the children thanking the Lady Taverners for a delightful day
 

WANDLE VALLEY SCHOOL PRESENTATION

Doug Bone welcomed Joan Beard and Brid Hancock to Wandle Vally School, Carshalton, to make a presentation of a cheque for £1900 for a new climbing frame. The children lost no time in showing us various ways that they had found to enjoy the new equipment. Mr Bone pointed out that it is important to stimulate the children in their breaks and free time and also this minimises the likelihood for disruptive and negative behaviour. We were very surprised to be asked to plant an apple tree in the new orchard which will also have a plaque thanking the Lady Taverners for their kind donation

LADY TAVERNERS SPRING LUNCH

56 Lady Taverners, husbands and friends, turned back the clock, and enjoyed a delightful visit to the historic house of Great Fosters, Egham.
Great Fosters dates back to long before the 16th Century, at which time it was able to boast royalty amongst its early inhabitants. It is said that King Henry V111 used the house as a hunting lodge and Queen Elizabeth 1st crest is displayed over the main porch.
Guests were able to enjoy purchases from the many stalls whilst partaking of a glass of sparkling wine. A delicious lunch was served in the Barn with its many beautiful features. Our speaker at the lunch Graham Gates told us few ‘Tales of a London Taxi Driver’. The day ended with an excellent raffle and we were delighted that the total profit was £2010.00.
 

THE LADY TAVERNERS CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND PANTOMIME 2010

Ladies Christmas Lunch 2010

The Hilton Hotel, Cobham, was the venue this year for our Christmas Lunch. 81 members, husbands and friends enjoyed a seasonal day. The day began at 11.30am with a selection of stalls for early or late Christmas shopping which was followed by a sparkling reception. A three course lunch, amongst delightfully decorated tables, was much appreciated. We were very lucky to book the very busy and popular Shane Hampsheir, to entertain us, who has been compared to Michael Buble and who was inspired by Frank Sinatra and Matt Munro. We were delighted to raise a total profit of £2,460 on the day.

Pantomime Fairfield Hall, Croydon.

Many thanks goes to David Robinson who, once again, obtained tickets for us to invite 50 children from the special needs Clifton Hill School, Caterham, to see Cinderella. It is always a delight to see the pleasure on the children's faces and I am sure it is a good beginning to their Christmas.
 

THE LADY TAVERNERS TOUR OF DOWNING STREET - THURSDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2010

An invitation was received for 30 of the Surrey Region Lady Taverners to have a private tour of No.10 Downing Street followed by lunch at Head Office – the other No.10!
We had a brilliant day out and were amazed by the grandeur and size of the building behind that famous front door.
David Cameron and Nick Clegg welcomed us and the Committee and loyal supporters of the region experienced a really memorable day whilst raising money for our Charity.