Newsletter 19 (Feb 08)

NEWSLETTER 19 February 2008 www.ddcs.org.uk

1. MEMBERSHIP FORMS are attached. It is still FREE to join! There are
   

three additional pieces of information we require. A) Please indicate whether or not you wish your details to passed to the National Deaf Children's Society B) Permission is required for photographs to be taken and displayed C) Indicate if you would like the newsletter printed in an alternative language such as Urdu.

1. NATIONAL DEAF CHILDREN'S SOCIETY. www.ndcs.org.
2. Please log on for up-to-date information on courses, books, toys, benefits, and so much more for parents, carers and professionals.
   

3. 
   

   PRE-SCHOOL FAMILY WEEKEND 11^TH – 18^TH APRIL 2008 at The Hilton Hotel, Chepstow Road, Newport, NP18 2LX.
   

   The weekend FREE and is designed as a follow-up to the NDCS newly identified family weekend. Further details are on the NDCS website. The contact person is: Elizabeth Bryan, Wales Programme Co-ordinator, 4 Cathedral Road, Cardiff. CF11 9LJ e.mail address: elizabeth.bryan@ndcs.org.uk Phone number: 029 20373 474. Registration has to be in by 7^th March.
   

   
   

   FAMILY FUN DAY AND EXHIBITION 2008 15th
   JUNE 2008, 10.00am until 5.00pm, Crewe Hall, Weston Road, Crewe, CW1 6UZ.
   

   As in previous years there are a huge variety of activities and exhibitions on offer for all the family from toddlers to teens and parents/carers. There are indoor and outdoor activities but these may be amended if there are adverse weather conditions! More details will appear in the next newsletter, but there is funding available for us to hire a mini bus or coach. IF YOU THINK YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO…..please complete the form at the end of the newsletter and return it as soon as possible so that we can make an application for the funding.
   

   
   

   WEEKEND FOR FAMILIES WITH NEWLY IDENTIFIED DEAF CHILDREN – BIRMINGHAM 11^TH JULY – 13^TH JULY 2008, at The Deaf Cultural Centre, Ladywood Road, Birmingham. B16 8SZ. Contact Helen Bell, Event organizer, 37a Great Charles Street, Birmingham. B3 3JY. Phone: 01212349820. e.mail: Helen.bell@ndcs.org.uk
   

   FREE to members. There are more details on the NDCS website.
   

   
   

   If you haven't got access to a computer please do contact me as I can send the necessary booking forms for each event directly to you.
   

   
   

   3. PARENTS AND TODDLERS. 10.00am until 11.30am
   

   Friday 7^th March CHILLY KIDDY'S –Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge Industrial
   

   Estate, Stourbridge,
   DY8 1JN
   

   Friday 11^th April Landlords Management Suite, Merry Hill Centre
   

   Friday 2^nd May CHILLY KIDDY'S
   

   Friday 6^th June Landlords Management Suite, Merry Hill Centre
   

   Friday 4^th July Proposed summer outing to West Midlands Safari Park.
   

   
   

   4. BEER, SKITTLES, FISH and CHIPS EVENING Saturday 2^Nd February
   

   An excellent turn-out of 19 families came for an entertaining evening of skittles, chips, fish, nuggets, sausages, …. and some liquid refreshments! The final elimination round was hotly contended between Ellie Willetts and Josh Dovey, both pupils at Ashwood Park Resource Base for the Deaf. In the end it was Ellie who won a bag of skittles to take home.
   

   WELL DONE ELLIE!!!
   

   A warm welcome to the new families who joined us for the first time …. we hope to see you again soon! We shall be looking for a bigger venue for our next event!
   

   
   

   5. HEARING IMPAIRMENT SERVICE UPDATE
   from Mrs. Gill Pillar, Head
   

   of the Hearing Impairment Service.
   In January we welcomed Mrs. Katie Tingley
   

   to the service as a Teacher of the Deaf. Katie will be based in the Listen and
   

   Learn Centre at Crestwood School.
   

   Following a consultation with parents via the Children's Hearing Services Working Group (CHSWG), the DUDLEY DEAF CHILDREN'S SOCIETY have very kindly agreed to purchase a hearing aid care kit for all families. This will help ensure that all hearing aids are maintained in good order. Workshops will be arranged so that training can be provided to use the packs. Watch this space - and many, many, thanks to the DDCS!
   

   
   

   6. EASTER EGG COMPETITION There
   are three age ranges:
   

   If you would like to comment on anything in the Newsletter – or write an article yourself – please send it or phone Shelagh James, The Education Centre, Church Street, Pensnett, Dudley, West Midlands. DY5 4HB. Phone: 01384-811747. e.mail: shelagh.james@dudley.gov.uk
   

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   Reply for the NDCS FAMILY FUN DAY and EXHIBITION 16^TH JUNE 2008, CREWE.
   

   
   

   First name……………………… Last name………………………...... Age…………
   

   
   

   Your child's school………………………………………………………………………..
   

   
   

   Parent/Carer details
   

   Title Mr / Mrs / Ms ………… Name…………………………………………………....
   

   
   

   Address…………………………………………………………………………………….
   

   
   

   Post Code…………………… Phone number…................................................
   

   
   

   Number of seats required on the bus: Adults…………… Children………………..
   

   
   

   Please return the form as soon as possible to: Mrs. Debbie Gough, 258 Wolverhampton Road, Sedgley, Dudley, West Midlands. DY3 1RU