Minutes From March 2011 Meeting

- thank you nicola for the use of your house - appologies(from donna) for forgetting the biscuits and thanks to Louise for popping out for some!!!!!!!!!!!
 
- Welcome to two new members, Mairi and Michelle

- Here is a list of the new committee members  
 
Chair - Faye Whitehouse
Vice-Chair - Marie Wilson
Treasurer - Wendy Martin
Stationary Secretary NCMA - Michelle Noble
Stationary Secretary MM - Dot Chambers
Vacancy Secretary - Group+Wilsthorpe Campus - Clare Guilford
Vacancy Secretary - Brooklands/Grange - Faye Whitehouse
Vacancy Secretary  - Sawley - Donna Fulwood
Vacancy Secretary - Sandiacre - Louise Mason
Minutes Secretary/Website Contact - Sandra Sheldon
Recycling Centre/Craft Material Contact - Gary Martin
 
- We have paid for 6 months advertsing in the Lots for Tots Magazine as many of us have vacancies or are expecting to have vacancies in September. The magazine is already widely circulated around the area but we would benefit further if any members knows of any toddler groups/doctors surgeries/community halls/nurseries where it is not currently available, and could negotiate dropping some off for us. Please contact Marie if you can. The more we get out there the more effective the advertising is and if you are looking to fill vacancies it would be beneficial to you to get as many out in your area of town as possible.
 
-The group has had funding for, and created 5 story boxes, which are to be used at toddler groups to run sessions for the public. If any members are involved in toddler groups and feel they would like to borrow one of the boxes to run a session then please contact Marie. The 5 boxes are: The hungry catepillar, Handas Suprise, Peter Rabbit, Eat your peas and The Gruffalo. If you do borrow one we would expect photos in return of the session you run to support our evidence to the funders.
 
-After the huge success of last summers Sports Day, Wendy and Gary are looking into running some more, maybe in the May half term and definatly in this summer holiday. Please keep your eye out for further details and volunteers to help, provide equipment, go shopping etc..... are always greatly appreciated.
 
-Donna is keen to run another trip to the seaside again this summer, again keep you eye out for the details as its always a fab day out with the kids.
 
-Liz Hart has retired. Fot thoses members for whom she was your development officer you can still access help and support by contacting Derbyshire Early Years directly.
 
- Visit to Ash End Children's farm
After the success of our trip there in October Faye has arranged another visit on Thursday April 21st. We have been offered the group price again which is £5.10 per child and 4.80 per adult (under 1s are free). There will also be the opportunity for us to have reduced entry price to the play barn (large indoor soft play area)- £1.95 per child (adults free) however we can decide on the day if we wish to go in the play barn (not much point if the weather is nice!). Due to the popularity of the farm we have been asked to cap our numbers at 25 children (not including under 1s) and 10 adults so places will be on a first come first served basis. Unfortunately we will not be able to put on a bus for this trip, but hopefully we can sort out something between ourselves, if anyone wishing to go has any spaces in their car please let Faye know and we can try and sort out anyone who doesn't have transport but wishes to go. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the farm and it is just off junction 9 of the M42. We have been asked to arrive at 10.00am and our tour will begin at 10.30am. Our picnic barn is reserved for 12 noon and then we are free to look around the farm all afternoon.
 
For anyone who missed the trip last time here is what is included for our day-
Indoor picnic barn reserved for our exclusive use
Guided tour
Every child picks their own egg, gets to hold a baby chick, bottle feeds a baby goat/lamb and gets lots of food to hand feed the animals
Children get to participate in a short play in the big barn theatre (last time the children took part in three billy goats gruff)
Access to 3 play areas
Giant jumping pillow (massive hit with the older children on our last visit!)
 
Anyone interested please contact Faye on 07725147855 asap!
 
- Many thanks to all our members who have been involved in raising money for the TLC appeal, latest figures from Wendy are that we have raised £1047 to help buy bears for sick children admitted to hospital. Many thanks to Wendy for being the organiser and we have decided to continue supporting this charity in the future.
 


Next meeting to be held at Maries House at 7pm on Mon 4th April. Children are welcome and it would help if you brought your own mug! xxxxxxx