BOBBY-DAZZLERS
Co-ordinator's Report for 2004
Our first session of the year was a celebratory one. We shared the iced cake to mark the first anniversary of our group's commencement. Everyone joined in the fun of a new year.
The position of a parent/carer representative needed filling, as Heather King had become a regular volunteer at BOBBY DAZZLERS. May Sands name was put forward and during the January committee meeting it was suggested unanimously that she should be invited; May readily accepted to fulfil this role.
Monday, 2 February brought the first visit from Carla Bowyer, the 'library lady'. With her story time box and finger puppets she proved a great success.
During this first term it was seriously considered that low tables and chairs were essential for the children. Following research and costings this purchase became our main fund raising project of the year. New furniture and other items, such as painting tabards, baby-zone safety matting, safety gate and additional toys have now been purchased by the group.
On the 5 April we closed for the Easter break having enjoyed hot-cross buns at refreshment time. All the children had a chocolate egg to take home.
Re-opening on the 19 April we started a busy summer term. Along with our weekly sessions there were additional dates for fund raising for our new furniture.
Monday, 17 May, Carla Bowyer from Lincolnshire Library Services again visited BOBBY-DAZZLERS. The children are getting to know Carla now. We appreciated the initiative of helping to introduce children to books through stories and interaction.
A play-a-way picnic session was held at the recreation ground, Boston Road, on Monday 12 July. Fun and food was enjoyed by 50 children with accompanying adults. The weather - overcast this year - was cool and manageable. At least the rain held off. We had considered an outing further afield, but travel, insurance, vetting the proposed venue, costings, time schedule etc., made this impractical. We needed to remain flexible. So the 'Rec' it was - maybe 2005 will see a campaign for better and more cared for equipment in Sleaford's main outdoor play area?
A special presentation was held at the end of summer term for each of the 12 BOBBY-DAZZLERS leaving to start 'big school' in September. Each child received a book and leaving certificate presented by Revd Steve Faber. This was held in the church with the whole group supporting - a press photographer came along. Its success has made it an annual event.
BOBBY-DAZZLERS group closed on Monday, 26 July for the whole of August.
Our fund raising venture continued from May through to September.
Ordering our new furniture in July enabled the group to have full use of it when we opened for the autumn term on 6 September. Bright yellow chairs and tables, three of each colour, red, green and blue has made such a difference towards the health, safety, comfort and visual aspect for the children.
The committee made two important changes in September, which are worth noting. Attendance - only children from birth until their fifth birthday with accompanying adult would be able to attend (not, as before, rising six year olds during school holidays). Refreshments - hot drinks would no longer be served at our sessions. In the interest of safety only cold, soft drinks would be available.
This year our fire safety instructions were also simplified and issued with every 'Welcome Pack Brochure'. Full detailed instructions continue to be displayed in the church hall at all times.
Project work has been as varied as possible, simple and inexpensive. The children have made spiders, masks, snakes, sandwiches and more. Gluing, painting, cutting, eating! Popular play-dough is always fun - therapy for adults too.
Literature on family matters was introduced in the autumn for adults to take home and read. Current leaflets on ailments, benefits and special needs etc., have always been on hand. Now there are books too.
BOBBY-DAZZLERS borrow bags for the children allow any favourite toy. game or book to go home for a week or so. This sharing has been appreciated and respected.
At the Christmas party, on 13 December, the children had plenty to do. The ball pool and one or two party games included. Singing in the church was a highlight. The atmosphere was very special as were the decorations and beautiful Christmas tree all adding to the wonder.
Special visitors joined us too. Carla Bowyer, Revd Steve Faber. Revd June Davis (a former minister at Sleaford URC) and Father Christmas (Geoff Cowling) brought his wife! Every child received a gift and card. Party food was served in individual bags with additional refreshments for our last session of the year.
The format, aims, objectives and fee (£1 per family each session) remain the same at BOBBY-DAZZLERS.
All our volunteers have been able to continue to support BOBBY-DAZZLERS throughout 2004. Their hard work and consistent commitment is sincerely appreciated. Wholly benefiting the group. BOBBY-DAZZLERS is for the children and their parent/carers providing them facilities to meet, play and chat. A oneness of warmth and friendship has developed this year. This reaches out beyond our group sessions. A meaningful purpose to the sharing and running of our group for our community.
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LYNDA TASKER
Co-ordinator
BOBBY-DAZZLERS
20th January 2005
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