Something tells me it’s all happening at the Zoo (part two)
It is always difficult embarking on a second event following such a successful experience, as we all had last year.
On this occasion, a group from the Dreamdrops ‘Collins Club’ welcomed Arlo, Emilio and parents, together with 23 other children, and ventured out into the Savana evening heat for the second annual zoo safari.
Not across the African plain… but the wilderness of Oldhurst, Cambridgeshire and specifically Johnsons Zoo.
The warm summer temperatures embellished the imagination, as our intrepid adventurers got ‘close up’ to exotic animals; Bengal Tigers, Lions, Sloth Bears, Puma, Otters, Meerkats, Crocodiles, Alligators, Snakes and Iguanas, all of whom were only too willing to interact; some too enthusiastically!
The Peafowl obligingly greeted everyone upon arrival with their young, chickens ran wild and frenzied under the gaze of a ‘judgemental’ Owl and the terrain was traversed tentatively towards the notorious Goat enclosure.
Here only the fearless would prevail, such as Noah ‘the goat whisperer’ who led them in precession before they embarked on a fine dining experience, with Liz Erskine’s dress as a main course (not the most nutritious!)
Other notorious sightings were diligently recorded to chronical scientific record attributed to the expedition, such as; Capybara’s, Lima’s and Kangaroos but unfortunately no new species were discovered.
There is always next year!
A huge thank you to Johnsons (Ellie and Harry in particular) for hosting and allowing us to have exclusive access to their phenomenal zoo after normal closing time.
Having the space to ourselves helped the children to relax, feel safe and really enjoy the experience together.
Finaly; African tradition has a time-honoured custom of the ‘sun downer’, where drinks are served in the bush, as the sunset is observed from the outback.
Never to be upstaged, the parting farewell was the biggest solar eclipse for the last 27 years, toasted with a ‘Fruit Shoot’ – that took some commendable arranging!
Cambridge Cognitive iPad donation
Cambridge Cognition has kindly donation 25 iPads to Dreamdrops.
The donation forms part of Cambridge Cognition’s ongoing programme to facilitate the responsible reuse of mobile technology used in clinical research. At the end of research programmes, and with the permission of its clinical trial sponsors, Cambridge Cognition securely wipes and restores devices to factory settings before making them available for charitable reuse.
Alongside such direct donations, Cambridge Cognition works with Sustainable Tech 4 Good, a charity that refurbishes and redistributes surplus technology to organisations across the UK. Since 2022, Cambridge Cognition has facilitated the donation of 1,503 devices through Sustainable Tech 4 Good, including 694 devices during 2026 alone, extending the life of valuable technology while supporting digital inclusion and reducing electronic waste.
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation of 25 iPads. Dreamdrops supports children in hospital and in the community across Huntingdonshire, and these iPads will make a real difference. As part of our schools project, which helps children maintain access to education, this donation will go a long way in promoting learning and maintaining social inclusion. We would like to extend our sincere thanks for this wonderful support.”
Sue Gowling, Founder of Sustainable Tech 4 Good said: “Our work is constantly expanding, reaching a wide demographic, from refugees and the homeless, to people with mental and physical health needs. We are delighted that Cambridge Cognition has chosen to work with us to facilitate access to tech which has already had a great impact for good.”
Rob Baker, Chief Executive Officer – Cambridge Cognition said, “Alongside our clinical trial sponsors, whose support makes this programme possible by authorising us to donate devices once they’ve fulfilled their research purpose, we’re ensuring this technology continues to make a difference. Whether it’s helping children receiving NHS care through Dreamdrops or enabling Sustainable Tech 4 Good to refurbish and redistribute devices to charities across the UK, it’s a simple but powerful way to extend the impact of clinical research beyond the study itself. We look forward to growing this programme with our sponsors and charity partners, reaching even more communities in the years ahead.”
Going for Gold!
If ever there was an opportune moment to introduce our two participants undertaking the Angling Skills Activity Award Foundation this year, which has all been brought about by the Dreamdrops ‘Collins Club;’ part of the East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust, the first day on the bank at Great Addington, has certainly been the occasion.
Neither Emily Quail or George Ward are strangers to angling adventures; Emily, following in her older brothers’ footsteps, is the second in her family to participate on the Angling Skills Activity Award course and George has been an enthusiastic fisherman for a couple of years.
The Angling Skills Activity Award – Foundation is by no means an easy undertaking; it comprises of 17 core competencies covering several angling techniques, the different branches of fishing, basic anatomy, assembly of tackle and equipment, research and fact files, legal angling requirements, the Countryside Code in relation to angling, staying safe at the waterside, respect for the environment and most importantly the careful handling of fish.
It takes a minimum of 16 hours to complete, and the emphasis is on learning techniques and new skills, with an understanding of ‘science’ to influence tactical angling decisions.
It is apparent, both Emily and George have embraced everything from the first moment of enrolment. They have already covered many of the theory aspects and an in-depth study of predatory coarse fish by remote tutorials online.
The excursion to Great Addington started with a bank tutorial on hooks, tying three types of knots used often when fishing and assembly of their new float rods, reels, and margin poles, which were acquired through grant opportunities and sponsorship.
The next five hours of intense fishing with one-to-one tuition, focused on putting the techniques into practice and achieving a remarkable 69 fish, comprising of four different species between them.
Meanwhile, for the first time ever this year, Aimee, and Ella, two of the previous participants that had achieved the ‘Gold’ level on previous courses were invited back to fish as a ‘Gold Group,’ alongside them. Fishing with Steve Bradshaw, they achieved a commendable 55 fish!
However, the top ‘numerical’ angling accolade had to be awarded to Matthew and Nathan Quail, Emily’s two younger brothers, fishing with Phillipa Winser, who caught an outstanding 100 fish between them on their new 3-meter margin poles, which were again acquired through sponsorship and grant opportunities.
That makes for a staggering total of 224 fish on the first Gold Group outing and ‘sets the bar’ for the next three trips!
Mike Andrews from the Dreamdrops Committee was on hand to witness this angling spectacle and independently adjudicate and authenticate numbers, remarked; “a fantastic day was had by all again, it is remarkable to see the whole fishing operation in action, I can personally testify to the size of some of the ones ‘that got away’!”
For more information about fly fishing and angling opportunities, please contact Richard or Phillipa Winser via their website: https://flyfishingacademy.uk
Photos
Top row: Matthew Quail, George Ward
Second row: Emily Quail, Ella Huggins, Matthew Quail + Phillipa Winser
Bottom row: Nathan Quail + Phillipa Winser, George Ward + Richard Winser, Matthew Quail
Teddy Bears Picnic
A huge thank you to Anne-Marie and Rob Hamilton for kindly inviting
Dreamdrops to use their beautiful garden for our Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
We were incredibly lucky with the weather, which made for a perfect day filled
with laughter, fun, friendship, and plenty of teddy bear adventures!
Events like these give families the opportunity to spend precious time together, meet others with shared experiences, and create special memories in a relaxed
and welcoming environment.
We’re so grateful to Anne-Marie and Rob for their generosity and support, helping to make the day such a wonderful success.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the Teddy Bears’ Picnic such a special day.
An Unbelievable Experience for the Collins Club Children
Daring to go into the unchartered world of angling adventure, seven members of the Dreamdrops ‘Collins Club;’ part of East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust, had the phenomenal opportunity to experience mixed match coarse fishing at the nationally renowned match angling venue – Rookey Waters, Fen Road, Pidley, Cambridgeshire, owned and operated by Alex Bates.
Hosted by Richard and Phillipa Winser of the Fly-Fishing Academy and their band of regular instructors, they were invited on Saturday 25 July to the 2026 Angling Experience Day, and what was for many, their first ever fishing experience!
Richard said: “The Experience Day is now one of the real highlights in our angling calendar. Now in its seventh year, we were certainly not disappointed; the weather was fantastic, concentration levels were first rate, and it was just great being out in the open air together.”
The Dreamdrops fishing programme has enabled so many local children to embrace angling as a gateway to achieving both personal goals and core skills, such as: problem solving, decision making, communication, resilience, effective listening and working with others, all wrapped up with ‘lashings’ of excitement and fun! This year was no exception, everyone caught fish.
Ella (a previous Gold Award holder) caught an outstanding seven, but lost a further two sizable carp, which would have been the finale on another top angling performance.
Certificates were awarded for the Angling Skills Activity Award (Bronze – participant level) with many other notorious ‘titles,’ most notably; first fish to Reece, who managed a total of six, last fish to Ava, who managed a total of five, most fish (but one) to Diogo, ‘Best Brace’ of fish to Rachel and most deserved fish to Aimee, our other Gold Award holder!
In addition to this one ‘Open to All’ angling experience day, two individuals have been selected to undertake the Angling Skills Activity Award – Foundation (Gold) course between now and September this year. George Ward and Emily Quail will participate in three remote tutorials, delivered online and then have a further four days fishing to learn various techniques, evidence seventeen competency areas and complete the qualification.
Finally, for the first time ever this year, those that have achieved the ‘Gold’ level on previous courses will also be invited back every Tuesday, during the school holidays to fish as a ‘Gold Group’ fishing club, which will take place at Great Addington, Northamptonshire.
This will run concurrently and coincide with the dates of Emily and George’s course… there is a lot going on!
Roll on the Gold Group sessions!
For more information about fly fishing and angling opportunities, please contact Richard or Phillipa Winser via their website: https://flyfishingacademy.uk
Dreamdrops SEND Prom Graduation Ball
Everyone had a fantastic time celebrating at the SEND Prom Graduation Ball, kindly supported by Dreamdrops, with plenty of dancing and smiles throughout the evening.
A huge thank you to Rachel Peacock for organising such a special event and to Rob Bradshaw for keeping everyone on the dance floor as our fantastic DJ.
It was a memorable night for all involved, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. 💙
Hail Weston Neighbourhood Cafe donation
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to Dreamdrops during the
Hail Weston Neighbourhood Café on Sunday 21 June.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who came along, £95 was raised for local children.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a real difference to the children and families supported by Dreamdrops. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make this donation possible.
Shirley’s Community Cafe raises £350!
A huge thank you and congratulations to Shirley Chapman for raising an amazing £350 for Dreamdrops. 💙
Shirley raised the money through a craft fair stall, donations from Shirley’s Community Café at the Corn Exchange, volunteering at a birthday party, and even adding her own contributions.
What a fantastic achievement and a wonderful example of community spirit. Thank you, Shirley, for your dedication and support of Dreamdrops. 😊
A Wonderful Weekend at Dreamdrops Clay Day
What a fantastic weekend of clay and creativity at this year’s Dreamdrops Clay Day!
Members of the Collins Club spent two enjoyable days getting stuck in with clay, learning new skills, and creating an amazing variety of pieces. With support and encouragement from Dreamdrops volunteers Phillipa Winser, Pauline Rawlings, and Liz Erskine, participants of all abilities were able to explore their creativity and put their own unique stamp on their creations.
Kindly hosted by Richard and Kate Cranwell, the event was filled with laughter, imagination, and plenty of fun throughout the weekend.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated their time and talents, and helped make the event such a success.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Clay Day!
Supporting Children at Somersham School
Dreamdrops was delighted to visit Somersham School and present a selection of SEND equipment to help support the children in their learning and development.
The equipment was received by the school’s dedicated SEND Coordinator, Vicky Gardner, who was thrilled to accept the donation on behalf of the students. These resources will help ensure that children with additional needs have access to the tools and support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
At Dreamdrops, we are passionate about improving opportunities for local children and young people. Seeing first-hand the positive impact that these donations can make is always incredibly rewarding.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supports Dreamdrops. Your generosity enables us to continue providing vital resources and creating brighter futures for children across our community.
Big Dreams, Big Music!
We have some extremely exciting news to share about our
children’s weekly music sessions and it all started with a big drea
m!
Back in late 2024, we wanted to create something truly special for our children. Inspired by Sir David Stanley and The Music Man Project, our committee member Wendy Baker attended an incredible performance at the Royal Albert Hall. It sparked an idea – why not create something similar for our local children?
And so, our music sessions began, giving children the chance to experience the joy of music and, one day, perhaps even perform on a big stage themselves.
Wendy said: “Fast forward to now and wow, what a journey it’s been! Our children have grown in confidence, found their voices, and absolutely blossomed. Watching them sing, smile, and support each other has been truly magical.”
And now for the exciting part…
We are delighted to share that we’ve been accepted into The Music Man Project, an amazing international charity that opens music and performance opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
This means even more opportunities, incredible experiences, and the chance to perform at larger venues – maybe even the Royal Albert Hall in the future!
With the support of The Music Man Project and our fantastic music tutor, Nicola New, our children are going from strength to strength. Most importantly, they are being given the chance to shine, be heard, and show just how amazing they truly are.
This is only the beginning and we can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us!
Find out more about The Music Man Project: https://themusicmanproject.com/
Download The Music Man Project Flyer 2026 and see their press portfolio The Music Man Project Press Portfolio.
Volunteers’ Week – Celebrating the Heart of Dreamdrop
During Volunteers’ Week, from 1-7 June, we proudly celebrate the incredible people who give their time, kindness, compassion, and energy to support children and families across Huntingdonshire.
At Dreamdrops, Huntingdonshire Children’s Charity, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
Behind every smile, every special event, every comforting moment, and every child who feels supported, there is a volunteer making a difference.
Our volunteers give their time in so many ways – helping at events, supporting families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), organising fundraising activities, delivering gifts at Christmas, supporting music therapy sessions, helping at community coffee mornings, assisting with outings and experiences, and standing beside families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
What makes Dreamdrops special is not only what we do, but the way our volunteers care.
They bring warmth, patience, understanding, and friendship to families who often face daily challenges that others may never see.
Many of our volunteers quietly give hundreds of hours behind the scenes, arranging fundraising events, collecting donations, preparing resources, supporting administration, promoting awareness online, and ensuring every project runs smoothly. They do this not for recognition, but because they genuinely care about improving the lives of local children and families.
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops, said: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of Dreamdrops. Their kindness, dedication, and compassion make an enormous difference to the children and families we support. We simply could not do what we do without them. During Volunteers’ Week, we want every volunteer to know just how valued and appreciated they truly are.”
Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity for us all to say:
- Thank you
- Thank you for the time you give
- Thank you for the care you show
- Thank you for the smiles you create
- Thank you for helping children feel included, supported, and valued and thank you for helping Dreamdrops continue making a real difference to local children.
Kings of Belgians helping to raises funds for Dreamdrops
Another busy weekend for the Dreamdrops team at the annual King of the Belgians beer festival, where all profits are donated to local charities, including Dreamdrops.
The event was a great success in the very hot weather, and a huge thank you goes to the King of the Belgians team for all their hard work in making the weekend such an enjoyable one for everyone involved.
We would also like to thank our fantastic Dreamdrops volunteers for helping with the clear-up duties throughout the event, and a special mention to Mr Paul Baker for giving up four hours of his time to support the team and keep all the thirsty customers hydrated!
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from the local community, and we look forward to sharing the fundraising total soon.
Buckden FC Owls Inclusion Development presented with new kit
Dreamdrops presented Buckden FC Owls Inclusion Development with their brand new kit on 29 March 2026 and what a brilliant moment it was!
This is what it’s all about support from the community helping more children get involved, feel part of a team, and just enjoy playing football together. It’s so much more than a new kit! It’s smiles, confidence, and making memories on and off the pitch.
Matt Gill from All Inclusive Football Coaching CIC said: “We’re so grateful to Mike and all at Dreamdrops for our amazing shirts and hoodies. At All Inclusive Football Coaching CIC our whole mission is to help anyone get the chance to play football and be part of a team, especially with SEND children, and this is no more evident than with the group that started it all off for us, Buckden FC Owls Inclusion Development.
“This kit will not only help them feel more part of a team but will mean that they can continue to have fun, playing football without judgement and on their terms, in their own environment, with their teammates. Along with some children from our other groups, we can also take them along to play in matches at local Pan Disability football festivals too.
“Thank you Dreamdrops.”
Pinpoint Annual Conference
The Pinpoint Annual Conference will take place on 10 March 2026 from 9.30am to 2.15pm.
Location: Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 6WU.
For parent carers of children and young people with SEND and supporting professionals.
Marketplace open from 11am to 2.15pm – providing support, information and advice from local services.
To find out more please visit: Pinpoint Annual Conference – Pinpoint
Fundraising Highlight 2025!
What a year! Dream
drops has been buzzing with generosity, creativity, and community spirit, with supporters from across Huntingdonshire coming together to make magical things happen for local children. Here’s our joyful roundup of everything you helped us achieve in 2025!
Fundraising Triumphs and Community Support
- Old Nene Golf and Country Club smashed their fundraising target with an incredible £2,794!
- A generous £500 donation arrived from the Socrates 373 Masons in Huntingdon.
- Dreamdrops rocked Buckfest Music Festival, with a £123 tombola total and an amazing £2,000 donation from organisers as one of their 10 chosen charities!
- Tesco St Neots contributed a much appreciated £200.
- The Royal Oak, Hail Weston Sunday night quiz raised £101 in support of our monthly SEN Parents’ Coffee Morning.
- We proudly presented the Dreamdrops Community Award to Francesca Maddocks and Jessica French (Dunelm Huntingdon) for 4–5 years of Giving Tree magic.
- St Ivo Masonic Lodge of Freemans St Ives donated £290.
- Mary Warren and the Pins and Needles Club in St Neots stitched together a wonderful £200 donation.
- The Simplify Trust named Dreamdrops their Local Charity of the Year.
- Dreamdrops Chairman Christine Luckham received a prestigious community award from Cllr Karl Brockett, honouring 20 years of extraordinary service.
- Our Dreamdrops Clay Day gave Collins Club children a creative weekend, thanks to the talents and support of Richard Cranwell, Emandu Cranwell, and Liz Deeks.
- The Huntingdonshire Philharmonic event raised £15.50.
- Ted Francis gifted £200.
- Freight Shield Repair and Service LTD added a generous £500 donation.
- St Ivo Academy raised a jaw-dropping £1,943!
- A kind grandparent donated £35.
- Collins Club children enjoyed a magical Lady Bird Boat trip, spotting wildlife and soaking up nature — thank you to the Lady Bird team!
- Children enjoyed a fantastic fishing adventure at Greensands Fishery, with heartfelt thanks to Richard, Pip, and the Fly-Fishing Academy – sixty fish brought to the bank! A brilliant Great Addington Fly Fishing Day added to the year’s excitement.
- Notcutts Brampton continued to provide a warm, welcoming space for our monthly Dreamdrops gatherings.
- The Bill Boles Adventure Day at Grafham Water gave children with complex needs and their families a thrilling day of archery, climbing, canoeing, and outdoor exploration.
- Steve Bradshaw and friends raised £475 at a charity golf day at Lakeside Lodge Pidley.
- Julie and Karl Brockett raised £200 at their charity bingo event at the Bay Leaf Care Home.
- St Ivo Lodge Huntingdon raised £315 through their raffle.
- Our second Dreamdrops Community Award of the year went to Richard and Kate Cranwell for their exceptional support of Clay and Pottery events for Collins Club children.
- The Tropic Christmas Shopping Event, hosted by Helen from Tropic and Anne-Marie Hamilton, raised £140.
- Penny Wilkes crafted beautiful hand-knitted items that delighted the families we support.
- The Dunelm Huntingdon and Tesco Huntingdon Giving Trees once again spread joy to local children for Christmas 2025 – with deliveries including the Community Nursing Team Huntingdon, Huntingdon Cancer Community Project and The Angels Foundation.
- Hannah Housego’s generous £200 donation with a grant from Foresters Finance Group, helped provide gifts to the Holly Ward, Special Care Baby Unit, and Children’s A&E at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
- Sixteen children enjoyed the wonder of the Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival — thank you to the cathedral and community for a spectacular display.
- SCBU and Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital received festive gifts thanks to the Foresters Financial Group’s generosity.
- Carol Beck and the Bell Family provided sweat treats for children and their siblings.
- Hartford Committee donated an amazing £850!
- Dreamdrops Choir spread Christmas Cheer at the Old Nene Golf and Country Club.
- Christmas gift donations from Dovista.
- Freemasons Socrates Lodge Huntingdon raised £1,000 through their fundraising events.
- Hail Weston Monday Night Carol Singers – raised £140
- Clover Officer Supplies supported us by recycling inkjet cartridges for fundraising.
- St Peters School Huntingdon welcomed Christine Luckham and Pauline Rawlings, who inspired students with insights into volunteering and supporting local charities.
Another amazing year!
Just some of the donations that made a difference in 2025!
Sensory equipment to Winhills Primary Academy.- New sensory resources for Wittering Primary Academy, including a balance ball, pop-up sensory tent, liquid floor tiles, and a giant bean bag cushion.
- Coats4Kids 2025, in partnership with the Rotary Club of St Ives – delivering 40 vouchers for families to buy brand-new winter coats, ensuring dignity, choice, and warmth.
- A pop-up sensory tent for pupils at Samuel Pepys School, giving them a calming, supportive space.
- Special Education Needs Christmas Bowling party – with a special visit from Santa bringing Christmas joy to the children and giving families the chance to enjoy time together.
Dreamdrops celebrates 20 Years!
2025 also marked a truly special milestone – 20 years of Dreamdrops fundraising for local children.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every supporter, volunteer, organisation, family, fundraiser, school, and friend who made 2025 such an unforgettable year.
Here’s to another year of making dreams come true for children across Huntingdonshire!
Hail Weston – You are Wonderful!
Hail Weston continues to show what a generous and caring community it is. Thanks to the incredible support of residents, their Carol Singing raised an amazing £140!
Events like this highlight just how much Hail Weston does for charity throughout the year, with people coming together time and again to support the charity.
The evening was filled with festive spirit and fun.
A huge well done and thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped make the event such a success. Your generosity truly matters.
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