Christmas is coming!
Christmas is fast approaching and we are striving to make this year extra special for lots more local children.
Dunelm in Huntingdon are already planning their Christmas Giving Tree and we are luckily to be chosen as one of the charities they are supporting.
Last year saw over 300 gifts delivered to the community nursing team in Huntingdon as well as children with hidden disabilities and complex needs.
We would love your support again this year, and all you need to do is pop along to Dunelm in Huntingdon take a tag, buy a gift, return unwrapped to the store, and write the age and gender on the tag.
This makes Christmas so special for lots of poorly children and their families, and we could not do this without you. Thank you!
Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Karl Brockett, laptop donation to Dreamdrops
Many thanks to The Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Karl Brockett and his wife Julie Mayoress of Huntingdon for their amazing laptop donation to Dreamdrops.
Dreamdrops is one of the mayor’s chosen charities for 2024/25 for which we are extremely grateful.
Charity Fly-Fishing Raises Money for Dreamdrops
Summerfield’s Trout Fishery hosted a unique charity fly fishing competition, The Three Fly Cast, to raise a phenomenal £834 for Dreamdrops.
The Three-Fly Cast has evolved to be a monumental charity fishing tournament devised to test the skills of fly fishers, with each competitor confined to use just three fly patterns: each fly is associated with a number of points, dependant on the fish enticing properties of it! Points are then awarded for the weight of each fish caught, which are multiplied with the points associated with the fly used to catch it, denoting a score figure. It’s a complicated equation!
All fish are carefully released and safely returned to the water, having been witnessed by an independent competition adjudicator.
Seventeen anglers battled it out for a demanding five hours of intense competition before points determined the 2024 Three Fly Champion, second and third places!
Competition organisers, Richard and Phillipa Winser of the Fly-Fishing Academy said: “This is a popular competition, a highly sociable and friendly event, which has developed somewhat of a following due to the quite unique format. When restricted to just three fly patterns, those taking part are often compelled to experiment with different tactics and it really can be anyone’s game.”
Richard added: “During the past six years Phillipa and I have hosted angling events for the Dreamdrops children’s charity, and a couple of years ago we arranged for some selected participants to undertake their first angling qualification. It was so successful that we now have five individuals that have achieved the qualification. To be able to raise money for this charity, having seen the differences that it makes to both the children and families living with Autism, has been very rewarding in itself.”
Summerfield’s Fly Fishery is managed and operated by Dave Rice who took over the fishery in 2023.
Dave said: “We are a small trout fishing syndicate in Bedfordshire and it has been great to hold this event and donate the proceeds to such a worthy local charitable cause. It gives me great pleasure to donate this money to Dreamdrops, a cause I feel passionate about, in recognition of everything they do.”
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “Dreamdrops are extremely grateful to the fly-fishing academy for their continued support over the years. The difference it makes to the children we support is amazing to see. The funds raised will be used to continue to provide days like this to the children in the local community. Thank you all so much and well done.”
As scores were totalled, the three highest scores were announced as Ben Savage, who accrued 43 points, second was syndicate member Ettiene Frenandes with a fantastic 24 points, narrowly followed by his father, Dean Fernandes in third place with 15 points!
Arrangements are already being made to hold the next event, which will be the ‘Bank Partners’ competition, planned for Saturday 26th April 2025.
Old Nene Golf Club raise £1,876 for Dreamdrops!
Members of the Old Nene Golf and Country Club have been raising funds for Dreamdrops throughout the year.
At their charity fundraising they raised £700 by holding an auction, raffle prizes, and a Golf Hole Sponsorship and along with their annual charity shield event at the weekend they have raised a grand total of £1,876!! Absolutely amazing!
The golfers were asked to wear bright coloured golf gear to reflect the colourful Dreamdrops logo, check out their wonderful attire.
Jacquie Richardson, Lady Captain said: “Prior to the event an auction of rounds of golf took place which were all donated by local clubs and then bid for by members.
“Fantastic raffle prizes were donated by local businesses and the golf club members. Some of the holes on the course were also sponsored by businesses and individuals and the raffle was well supported by members and non-members.
“The golf was played by 30 entrants, in windy but dry conditions and the winner of the Charity Shield was Sally-Anne Barnard Taylor.”
But the best winner of the day was Dreamdrops who received a magnificent donation of £1,876!!
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Old Nene Golf Club for a fantastic amount raised. Special thanks must go to Jacquie and Gary for nominating Dreamdrops as their charity of the year. We are extremely grateful to everyone that took part and contributed to what was a very successful tournament. Congratulations to Sally-Anne for winning the shield!”
Photo Collage:
- “Captains” Jacquie Richardson (Lady Captain) and Gary Hastie (Men’s Captain) dressed in their colourful golf outfits
- “Charity Shield” – Sally-Anne Barnard Taylor with her trophy for winning the golf
- Raffle Table 1 & 2 showing the prizes
Elm Court, Huntingdon, raise £204 to Dreamdrops
A big thank you to the Elm Court, Huntingdon, residents for their donation of £204.
The residents were very interested in the projects that Dreamdrops are supporting this year, and the money donated will be divided between two projects, one providing sensory items to mainstream school’s that support children with additional needs.
The residents hold regular raffles, coffee mornings and collect donations and we value their continued support.
Photo: Christine Luckham, Chairman, Wendy Knight House Manager, and some of Elm Court’s residents.
19402 weekend in Ramsey raises £140 for Dreamdrops
Trisha Lloyd, Cllr Karl Brockett, Mayor of Huntingdon, Christine Luckham, Dreamdrops Chairman and Julie Brockett, Mayoress of Huntingdon
A wonderful 1940s weekend was held by the Mayor of Ramsey and Dreamdrops were invited to attend as one of Cllr Karl Brockett’s, the Mayor of Huntingdon’s, chosen charities for 2024.
£140 was raised – thank you to everyone involved.
Bill Boles Adventure Day
This year’s Dreamdrops Bill Boles Adventure Day was held at Grafham Water.
The day provided local children with complex needs to come together and have great fun on the climbing wall, sailing and archery.
Everyone enjoyed a BBQ lunch together.
Christine Luckham, Chairman said: “Thank you to Martin Becker for organising the adventure day, and to the Dreamdrops Committee Members for supporting the families, in what was a memorable day for all!”
Angling Activity Awards for 1st Brington Scouts
Six scouts from 1st Brington Scout Group recently completed their Angling Activity Award Badges which concluded with their second outing on the bank to Browns Lake, Great Addington, Northamptonshire. This was the perfect venue, a little-known private lake discreetly hidden in the Northamptonshire countryside and packed full of Carp.
This is the second of two excursions facilitated by Dreamdrops, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Children’s Charity.
The Angling Activity Award Badge is not for the faint hearted, it entails learning basic anatomy, assembling equipment, casting, understanding bait and fishing tactics, mastering three different types of commonly used fishing knot, the Countryside Code in relation to angling, staying safe and fish welfare.
This was no ordinary group, each had already admirably demonstrated identifying a ‘fish bite,’ playing and landing a fish, carefully unhooking it, and releasing it back into its watery environment on a previous excursion earlier in the year.
Under the watchful eye of Richard and Phillipa Winser, the theory aspects were conveyed without any distraction at the waterside, and the instructor line up was complemented and concluded by the angling legend… Roger Adams.
Roger commented “I suspect that by the time the participants have completed the various elements to achieve this award, their knowledge surpasses that of the average seasoned adult angler. Well done to everyone!”
Richard said “As instructors we were really looking forward to getting out with the 1st Brington Scout Group again, my only apprehension was having had such a phenomenal day in Bedfordshire back in May, could we replicate such fishing adventure again?
“On this occasion we had studied ‘feeder techniques’ to present our tackle differently and at far longer range. This is a method often employed to entice species like Carp and we were not disappointed!
“As the secret feed mix recipes were loaded on to the ‘Method Feeder’ cages, and the tackle assembly cast to a reconnaissance led ‘likely area’, all that remained was to wait patiently for a sharp twitch of the ’quiver tip’ that indicated a fish had taken the bait… or as Johnny found out, your whole rod moves suddenly forwards as it gets pulled into the lake!”
It was not a long wait for Johnny who claimed the first fish of the day, a fin perfect Common Carp of about 3.5lb in weight, within seconds of starting.
Scout Leader Tim Collins managed to catch the largest (and his first ever fish), being a Carp of around 6lb, and Connie claimed the smallest fish of the day with a tiny Roach!
Finn also caught his first ever fish, followed by at least nine others, which fuelled a determination to go fishing again, and Bailey who caught the first fish of the afternoon competition session and consistently did well, catching in excess of 16 fish, many of which were unaided.
As for Martha, she systematically set about catching nearly every fish in the lake!
Finally, with a collective, staggering 72 fish in between (includig three Mirror Carp), the last fish of the day was awarded to Maker, who was still bringing fish to the bank at the eleventh hour!
Tim Collins, Scout Leader at 1st Brington said: “What an amazing experience for our scouts, I can’t thank Richard, Phillipa and Roger enough for their infectious enthusiasm and calm tutelage. So impressed that they dedicate their time to share their angling experience so compellingly, turning our novice young people into budding anglers.”
Christine Luckham, Dreamdrops chairman said: “We were delighted to support the 1St Brington Scout group on their fishing experience day. The fly-fishing academy have supported Dreamdrops children’s charity for over 5 years enabling children with additional needs to gain confidence, and new skills.
“The photos show how excited the scouts were in catching their fish and it is wonderful to see such happy faces. Well done to everyone on gaining your Angling Activity Award Badge.”
Photos: Bailey, Johnny, Finn, Maker, The Instructors and Scouts with their certificates and Connie.
Children’s Outpatient Physio Department at Hinchingbrooke receive equipment donation
Dreamdrops were delighted to support the Children’s Outpatient Physio Department, at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, with essential equipment for the rehabilitation of children pre and post operative surgery.
Hannah Grimshaw, Interim Team Lead – Paediatric Physiotherapist said: “Thank you to Dreamdrops so much for our lovely equipment additions. It is really going to help us engage patients to maximise their rehabilitation potential during their physiotherapy sessions and during our young classes here at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. This will provide strength and conditioning following injury or surgery and to help provide children with the confidence to return to their full activities.”
(Photo: Hannah Grimshaw – Interim Team Lead- Paediatric Physiotherapist)
Houghton Pre-School Play Group £700 donation!
We’re jumping for joy thanks to the amazing Houghton Pre-School Play Group who donated £700 to Dreamdrops!
We couldn’t be more grateful to have such caring and generous supporters in our community.
A big round of applause to all the teachers, parents, and little ones who helped make this donation possible. You truly are making a difference in the lives of local children.
£500 donation!
Thank you to Councillor Philip Pope for his generous donation of £500 and unwavering support during his time as St Ives Mayor from May 2023 to May 2024!
This contribution will have a huge impact for our local children, and we are grateful for your support.
Spring Common Academy Donation
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops, was delighted to present some sensory items for the children at Spring Common Academy.
The sensory bags will be used for the classroom and the bubble tube for the sensory room, which is a quiet safe place for children.
Although Spring Common is a SEND school, they still need lots of sensory items to meet the individual needs of the children and Dreamdrops is delighted to support this.
Photo: Christine Luckham and Ms Grieg, Head Teacher, Spring Common Academy
Dreamdrops Pottery day
You can only wonder what an archaeologist would conclude, if in years to come, they ever excavate the site of the Dreamdrops pottery experience day and discover the many artefacts that can be ascribed to Dreamdrops history.
Ten budding Dreamdrops Clay Modellers, divided into two groups, let their imaginations run wild and channelled their creative flares, to form some of the finest clay ornaments (yet to be discovered).
Under the watchful tutoring of Richard Cranwell, Liz Deeks, and Romayne Brown – Anglian Potters, lumps of innocuous clay, were transformed to life as they took on shape, colour, and expression in what can only be described as a phenomenon of metamorphosis!
The pictures say it all!
Pip Winser and Pauline Rawlings of the Dreamdrops Committee said “This has been a phenomenal day and a fantastic experience for the Collin’s Club. Can we look forward to our own exhibition next?
“We are very grateful to Potclays for sponsoring the air-drying clay used for the event and Richard and Kate Cranwell for hosting the day.”
Collage:
Top left in pink top – Aimee Bradshaw
Top right in yellowy top – Noah Morris
Middle left – either Evie or Autumn Stewart and Emily Quail.
Bottom left – Evie and Autumn Stewart with Emily Quail at the back
Bottom right – Emily Quail
A new year, a new group, a new adventure!
Treading a well-worn path of angling adventure, eight members of the Dreamdrops ‘Collins Club,’ had the opportunity to experience mixed match coarse fishing at the notorious match angling venue – Rookey Waters, Fen Road, Pidley, Cambridgeshire, owned and operated by Alex Bates.
Facilitated by the Fly-Fishing Academy and their band of familiar instructors, they were invited on Saturday 6th July 2024, to what was for many, their first ever fishing experience.
As normal, Richard and Phillipa Winser were ably assisted by angling legends Roger Adams, John Clark, Ginnette Waters and Richard Frood, as they embarked on yet another gruelling session of demanding concentration, all in pursuit of angling goals. For some, this would be catching their first fish but for others, it could be any number of things – fishing is so much more and full of complex challenges.
Richard commented: “There are numerous reasons why people go fishing; being in an outside environment, learning new things, doing things with their friends, or just finding nature. It brings together a complex spectrum of many skills. It is competitive but not just in a way where you compete against another; you are often competing and challenging yourself to set and excel your own personal ‘bests,’ and you never stop learning.”
Perhaps this is why there is a renewed emphasis on fishing within ‘social prescribing’ or to enrich school curricular activities?
Having braved persistent rain at the start, the day consisted of two parts, with a break for lunch and incorporated a traditional light-hearted competition.
Certificates were awarded for the Angling Skills Activity Award (Bronze – participant level) with many other notorious prizes, most notably; first fish to Jack, last fish to Noah, prettiest fish – a beautiful ‘ghost’ carp to Nathan and largest fish – a fantastic mirror carp to Aimee.
Now in its fifth year, the Dreamdrops Fishing Programme has enabled so many local children to be immersed in angling as a canopy to core skills such as problem solving, communication, working with others, resilience and having massive amounts of fun!
Chris Luckham, Chairman of the Dreamdrops Charity said:” “For me, it has been one of the major highlights of Dreamdrops. Seeing children who are often sidelined by most people, suddenly come into their own and be happy and feel valued. You simply cannot put a price on that. If I had not seen it for myself, I would never have thought that it would be possible.”
Dreamdrops were successful in being awarded grant funding, from the Get Fishing Fund (in conjunction with the Angling Trust and The Environment Agency), where money generated from the sale of Environment Agency Rod Licences is awarded to good causes.
This has enabled the acquisition of fishing tackle for the charity and facilitated days like this.
For the second year running, Richard and Phillipa will volunteer their time to coach on a one-to-one basis and take some of the nominated Dreamdrops group through a formal angling qualification.
Roll on the individual sessions…
Collage:
- Ella receives her certificate (one of two Dreamdrops participants), who will now undertake a wider angling award with one-to-one tuition
- A very proud Malcolm
- Nathan receives his certificate
- Nathan, winner of the prettiest fish category for his beautiful ghost carp
- Aimee and her mirror carp
- Nathan and his carp
- Mathew and his roach
- Joshua and his certificate (one of two Dreamdrops participants), who will now undertake a wider angling award with one-to-one tuition
- The Bradshaw Family in action
- Ella and Josh in action
1st Brington Scouts and a Piscatorial Pilgrimage to Bedfordshire
Eight scouts from 1st Brington Scout Group have recently had the opportunity to experience some of the country’s finest coarse and match fishing at Greensands Fishery near Sandy, Bedfordshire.
Enabled by the Dreamdrops Children’s Charity, who are part of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, they were invited to their inaugural fishing experience event this year and immersed in a memorable piscatorial adventure!
As normal, Richard and Phillipa Winser were ably assisted by angling legends Roger Adams and Richard Frood, as they embarked on yet another epic day; introducing the scouts to the many skills, tactics and challenges of specialist coarse fishing – and optimising their collective experience to bring some sizeable carp to the bank.
Greensands Fishery is owned, operated, and managed by Chris Rose.
The fishery is infamous amongst coarse anglers, and is regarded as a top competition water, hosting many matches each week throughout the fishing season. Tuesdays tends to be the day when matches stand aside and allow group events, such as ours, the opportunity to fish there.
Richard commented: “We are very grateful to Dreamdrops and Chris for making this day possible, without doubt it will be one that will be remembered. The tactics we adopted from the outset were to employ two approaches; the first using elasticated whip poles to allow fine presentation to the fish and the second to target Carp specifically, using more specialist feeder techniques”.
It certainly paid off… if you took your eye off your rod for a split second, it risked it being towed off to the other end of the lake!
Rob managed to catch seven different species, the largest being a carp of around 4.5lb.
Jonny was justifiably proud of his Mirror Carp which weighed 5.5lb and was possibly the largest fish of the day. Followed narrowly by Maker with another Mirror Carp that weighed in just over 5lb.
The first fish of the day was claimed by Bailey, who also caught the first fish of the afternoon session, and a massive Common Carp of 5lb.
Not to be upstaged by the ‘Prettiest fish’ category, awarded to Martha who managed to catch a staggering 30 fish!
Finally, there was a tie for last fish of the day, awarded to Zac and Martha who both were in the process of landing a fish when the final whistle blew.
Sarah Fox, Scout Leader at 1st Brington said: “Our Scouts had a fab day trying something totally new to them, and as well as covering most of their Angler award, they also achieved their Personal Challenge award for being willing to try something totally different. One of our Scouts is from the Ukraine so nice to be able to offer them a relaxing experience and see a different aspect of our country.”
The Scouts have several badges that you can earn for activities you undertake; one of which is the Angling Activity Award Badge.
Dreamdrops were successful in being awarded grant funding, from the Get Fishing Fund (in conjunction with the Angling Trust and The Environment Agency), where money generated from the sale of Environment Agency Rod Licences is awarded to good causes.
This has enabled the acquisition of fishing tackle for the charity and facilitated days like this.
For the second year running, Richard and Phillipa will volunteer their time to coach on a one to one basis and take some of the nominated Dreamdrops group through a formal angling qualification.
They have probably also been talked into assisting the scouts complete the remainder of their Angling Award Badge…!?!
Phillipa said: “Last year we had remarkable success and Ammie, Jack and Shay have now completed the Angling Skills Activity Award through Dreamdrops. It really was tremendous fun, and we are looking forward to getting started with the new group of participants this year – all very exciting.”
Photos:
- One – Bailey watches her Feeder Rod for the next sign of a fish – Greensands1
- Two – Maker (and Roger Adams) with his 5lb Mirror Carp – Greensands2
- Three – Jonny helps unhook a Mirror Carp – Greendands3
- Four – Connie and Martha admire one of their many fish – Greensands4
Huntingdonshire Philharmonic – amazing end to their season!
Dreamdrops were lucky to be able to attend the final concert of the season held by the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic on Saturday 29th June 2024.
Pauline Rawlings, Dreamdrops Committee Member said: “The performance of Carmen, was wonderful, the music, the full Choir and youngsters from the school made for a memorable evening. With talented soloists from the Opera world.
“We were able to hold a small raffle for Dreamdrops and we raised £84 supported by the audience. Thank you all, for a wonderful evening and your continued support.”
Dreamdrops chosen as the Mayor of Huntingdon’s Charity of the year for 2024/25
Thank you to newly elected Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Karl Brockett, for choosing Dreamdrops as one of his chosen charities for 2024/25.
We are incredibly grateful for his support and partnership in helping us to provide those little extras to local children and their families.
We are excited to work together and to be able to make a positive impact in our community.
£500 Grant
G
reat news!
Dreamdrops have be awarded a £500 grant from Huntingdon Town Council.
This grant will be used to support emotional well-being in schools in Huntingdon.
St Peters School Visit
Dreamdrops were delighted to visit St Peter’s School in Huntingdon, to meet with the Year 9 students as part of their Supporting Local Charities’ event.
The students were able to find out more about the incredible work the charity does to support local families and the community and how they could be involved in volunteering.
Huntingdonshire Philharmonic raise £100 for Dreamdrops
Thank you to the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic for a truly wonderful evening of music; Elgar, Rachmaninov Verdi, and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana.
A full house enjoyed fabulous music, and Dreamdrops were happy to have their bucket collection at the end of the evening raising over £100.
The next performance will be the music and Opera of Carmen – something to look forward to.
Thank you to everyone involved.
Easter Egg Donations
Lynn, Community Champion for Tesco Extra Huntingdon
A big thank you to Tesco Extra Huntingdon for donating 24 Easter eggs, the Bradshaw family and Pauline Rawlings for donating 10 eggs each.
These will be given to local children under the care of the community nursing team and the complex care team, making Easter Eggstra special this year. 😊
Donation to Riverside Meadows Academy
Dreamdrops were delighted to support the Riverside Meadows Academy, St Neots, with a donation to support children’s emotional well-being in school.
The recent donation consisted of a sensory voyager, tactile tiles and bean bags for their calm room and library area.
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “On a recent visit to the school we asked the students what would help them when they felt overwhelmed. Their response was fairy lights and a quiet area to sit and feel calmer. We hope this donation helps”.
Over £1,000 raised at our first Quiz night of the year!
Everyone had a great night at the Dreamdrops quiz evening on Friday the 9th of February at the Coneygear Centre in Huntingdon and we were pleased to be joined by the Deputy Mayor Karl Brocket and his wife Julie.
The quiz night also had a raffle with donations from the Mayor of Huntingdon and the Deputy Mayor, as well as from Naturally Social our sponsor for the evening.
12 splendid teams took part in the quiz which was well presented in a light-hearted way by our quiz master of the evening Mr Nigel Appleton.
Dreamdrops were also able to present Claire Heseltine, Riverside Meadows Academy in St Neots with three laptops courtesy of Wiltshire Digital Drive a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Wiltshire Digital Drive and Naturally Social were instrumental in guiding the Dreamdrops laptops for school project during lockdown as well as hand-made lap blankets and book cushions for their calm room and library area.
Natalie Luckham from Naturally Social said: “What a successful evening and great fun too! A huge well done to everyone involved and thank you for the opportunity to support you through this sponsorship. As a business, we look to resource the difference makers in the world and Dreamdrops does just that. They make an enormous difference to the lives of so many children and young people in their community. Keep up the amazing work!”
Christine Luckham, Dreamdrops Chairman said: “A huge thank you to the Dreamdrops committee for all their help in setting up and for a highly successful evening. We raised a whopping £1,009! The fundraising will help this year’s project which is supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that are in mainstream schools.
“Over 13-15% of children in our local area with SEND are in mainstream schools. The aim is to help with resources that are not funded by education but are vital to support the emotional wellbeing of children.”
Please visit our donations and fundraising page if you would like to support Dreamdrops this year.
Pictured: Deputy Mayor Karl Brocket and Christine Luckham, Dreamdrops Chairman
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