Thank to Frank Coppola for his continued support
A massive thank you to Frank Coppola and family for his donation of £103 towards the children’s Christmas party.
Christmas Cinema Day
20 children with their parents attended a private screening of Trolls 2 at Cineworld Huntingdon on the 21st of December 2023.
The manager made everyone feel welcome and adjusted the lighting and sound to suit the children’s needs. A special thank you to Carol Back who donated bags of sweets and Christmas cookies for the children to have during the film.
The children really enjoyed the film and were very excited to find out that Santa made a special visit to see them.
All the children were given a gift from Santa kindly donated from Tesco Extra and Dunelm in Huntingdon, as well as toy donated from the Fenland Crematorium.
It was a great start to the Christmas holidays!
Gifts from Santa, bring huge smiles to local Huntingdonshire children
With Christmas just a few days away, Santa made a special visit to children in Huntingdonshire.
Dreamdrops organised the event and between 300-400 gifts were donated by Dunelm and Tesco Extra in Huntingdon.
There was excitement in the air, as the children and their families waited for Santa to arrive. Dressed in their winter woollies to keep out the cold, they were thrilled to see Santa on his sleigh outside the Barley Mow in Hartford.
Christine Luckham, Chairman said: “A huge thank you to Dunelm and Tesco Extra, and all their staff and customers for donating so many gifts to Dreamdrops.
“Our thanks also go to The Barley Mow at Hartford for supporting Dreamdrops again this year and to the Huntingdon and District Round Table for helping Santa on his sleigh and a big thank you to Round Tabler Thomas Birch for organising this wonderful event.”
Mike Andrews from Dreamdrops said: “On a cold evening in the car park of the Barley Mow in Hartford it was wonderful to see the children’s faces light up as they received their festive presents from Santa on his sleigh. It caused a lot of interest as the great man welcomed children who were passing by, and he even had time to wave to passengers travelling home on the local buses. A little 6-year-old boy summed it up with the comment ‘good job.’
Santa said: “I love visiting the children every Christmas and seeing so many smiling faces. I wish all the children and their families a very Merry Christmas!”
Santa delivers Christmas toys for children being looked after by the Community Nursing team
Dreamdrops has once again had a fantastic response to their Christmas toy drive this year. Not only have we been able to support children in the community via the community teams but also children who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Christine Luckham, Chairman said: “This year has been financially tough for everyone, but our lovely community champions have done it again thinking of others that are worse off.
“In total we have received between 400-500 gifts for children from new born to 17 years old, including lovely hand-made quilts and book pillows.
“We are so very grateful for your generosity.
“Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
Just Giving Toy Donations
Not one but two amazing toy donations have been donated to Dreamdrops this year.
Once again Tesco Extra, in Abbots Ripton have done us proud by delivering 2 trolley loads of presents for local children.
We are so grateful to their wonderful customers and staff who donated over 100 toys!
Our second donation is from Dunelm, in Huntingdon.
Dunelm’s wonderful, generous customers have donated over 200 gifts via their just gifting tree!
Christine Luckham, Chairman said: “It is so amazing that these two stores support us with their giving trees, we are over the moon to be able to support so many children and their families in the local community. Thank you!
Quiz Night raises £157!
Thank you to Hail Weston village pub, The Royal Oak, for holding a quiz night on Sunday 18th December.
‘The Baker Boys’ Paul Baker and Tony Baker of Hail Weston, better known for their handyman work in the village community decided to do a Christmas Quiz with donations going to Dreamdrops.
Both are supporters of the local charity, as are the village of Hail Weston!
The evening was a great success, plenty of banter and laughter! They raised an amazing £157 in just a couple of hours. A great time was had by all.
Thank you!
Thank you to Diane and Jim Lightfoot for donating £20 to our Christmas toy appeal.
Wonderful toy donation!
Thank you to Stanton Lewis and Stacey Gipp from Fenland Crematorium for their amazing delivery of 100 Christmas presents!
These gifts are for the children visiting Santa and his sleigh this week.
A big thank you to Stanton and his colleagues for their ongoing support to Dreamdrops!
Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Christmas Concert
Dreamdrops were invited to attend the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus Christmas Concert on Saturday 9th December 2023.
The concert was outstanding, and everyone enjoyed narrated Norwegian folktales and a mixture of music and carols, raising the roof with the 12 days of Christmas and other popular songs.
The annual raffle, with 48 gifts to be won, raised a fantastic £147!
Thank you to everyone involved and to the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic for all their support.
Local mum’s continued support raises a fantastic £180 for our Christmas appeal
Thank you to Gemma Bassett, from Hail Weston, for choosing Dreamdrops as a local charity to support, in the run up to Christmas.
The villagers of the Hail Weston Supper Club raised £180 for Dreamdrops and donated toys to our Christmas appeal.
Thank you for all that you do for Dreamdrops!
Harmonia Christmas Concert
A huge thank you to the Harmonia Singers and Double and Squeak Wind Quartet for their wonderful Alternative Christmas Concert held on the 3rd December. A truly wonderful concert, with popular songs, music, and fun.
A whopping £1,200 was raised!
A massive thank you to all who donated and thank you to Dreamdrops volunteer and chorister Wendy Baker who helped to support the event and Dreamdrops volunteer Pauline Rawlings for helping on the night.
Everyone had an amazing time!
Tesco Christmas Giving Tree
We are delighted to announce that Tesco Extra in Abbots Ripton Road, Huntingdon have chosen Dreamdrops for their Christmas Giving Tree, again this year.
If you can, please just pop an unwrapped toy in the trolley at the front of the store next to the tree.
The campaign is running from Tuesday the 5th December through to Tuesday 19th December, and you can find out more information in store.
£250 donation!
Thank you to Mr Frank Coppola for his continued support of Dreamdrops.
Frank has donated a fantastic £250!!
The donation will be put towards our Collins Club Christmas Party and will make the day extra special for both the children, their siblings, and their families.
Thank you!
£215 raised at Tropic Skincare Event
A massive thank you to Helen Findley, from Tropic Skincare for their recent Christmas shopping event held at the end of November.
The event raised £215 for Dreamdrops – £180 commission and £35 from a raffle.
Helen said: “We had a lovely evening talking natural, vegan, sustainable skincare and shopping for Christmas gifts, skincare and make up. Tropics donation was raised through our sales commission donation.
“As a Tropic ambassador and hairdresser, I know of Dreamdrops work through former chairman, Anne-Marie Hamilton. Tropics give back Friday campaign during November was to fund 20,000 school days in partnership with United World Schools and helping local children in tandem seemed fitting. Anne-Marie hosted a similar event last year and we almost doubled Tropics donation this time around thanks to all ladies who attended and those that bought wish lists from others with them.
“Thank you to everyone who attended the evening, we were delighted to be able to raise money for this wonderful charity.”
Dreamdrops announced as winners of the
“Overall Impact on the Community by an Organisation” award
Huntingdon Racecourse announced the winners of its first-ever Community Awards Day, held on the
5th of November 2023.
The event was held to highlight the contribution made by individuals and organisations within the local community.
Dreamdrops won the “Overall Impact on the Community by an Organisation” award. The charity was recognised for its exceptional work with the Collins Club, fundraising for children being nursed in the local community, providing resources for children with SEND in local schools, and offering support to families with children discharged from Hinchingbrooke Hospital, ensuring they receive the care they need back at home.
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “This award means so much to our wonderful volunteers and the local families that the charity supports.
“Dreamdrops has had an amazing year this year, with the support of local donations and fundraising. These have enabled us to provide the Special Care Baby Unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital with new facilities, sponsor a local football team who offer free football sessions for boys and girls with individual needs. Enabling us to donate specialist equipment to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Children’s Community Specialist Nursing service and much more.
“This month also sees the start of the charity’s Christmas Gift appeal which provided over 300 gifts to sick children in the the local area last year.
“We are so grateful for this award and for being recognised for the all the fabulous work our volunteers do, but we could not do this without the support of local businesses, organisations, individuals, and families. Thank you to everyone!”
Anne-Marie Hamilton, former Chairman said: “What a day! Huge congratulations to everyone at Dreamdrops! This award is richly deserved. I am so proud of you all.”
To find out more about the local awards please visit: https://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/23906207.community-awards-held-huntingdon-racecourse/
Photo:
Mike Andrews, Volunteer, Christine Luckham, Chairman, Pauline Rawlings and Wendy Baker, Volunteers.
Local Garden centre offer a welcoming space for our volunteers and families to meet
A massive thank you to Notcutts Brampton for offering its restaurant space to Dreamdrops for their monthly meetings. Providing a welcoming environment for volunteers and families to meet.
To find out more please visit: Notcutts Brampton partners with Dreamdrops.
Photo: Dreamdrops volunteers and the families they support, at Notcutts Brampton Garden Centre. (Image: Notcutts Ltd)
Old Nene Golf and Country Club choose Dreamdrops as their charity of the year for 2024!
A massive thank you to the Old Nene Golf and Country Club for choosing Dreamdrops as their charity of the year for 2024.
Members will donate throughout the year at their golf events along with a Captain’s Charity Day, in September 2024, at which they will have auctions and raffles, with all money raised going to Dreamdrops.
Jacquie Richardson, Lady Captain said: “We are looking forward to supporting a very worthwhile charity in 2024.”
Dreamdrops is thrilled to start this new partnership and cannot wait to see what the New Year will bring!
Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Concert
The Hunts Philharmonic Concert season is underway, and as their charity of choice, their recent performance of Rimsky-Korsakov and Sibelius was wonderful. The concert was attended by Dreamdrops volunteers and a collection of £61 was raised!
December the 9th will see the Hunts Phil Orchestra and Chorus accompanied by the Hinchingbrooke School Orchestra performing Christmas Carols and music including Grieg Peer Gynt suites, to be narrated.
Dreamdrops will have their Christmas Raffle and look forward to seeing everyone there.
Please support Dreamdrops and the Hunts Phil, book tickets early and join in the fun and of course buy some raffle tickets 😊 Find out more here: https://www.huntsphil.org.uk/season-2023-2024/
Sensory items donated to local school
Dreamdrops have recently provided sensory items to help children at St John’s CE Primary School in Huntingdon, to cope in what can be a stressful and noisy environment.
St John’s School have over 20% of their school population with special educational needs.
Christine Luckham Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “I visited the school to see what items they had and how we could help them. There was very little in the way of sensory items and the teaching staff had purchased these items themselves. We consulted with staff as to what they needed and what would help the children.
“Items were delivered at the beginning of the new school term and included a chill out tent , bean bags , aroma therapy diffuser, transformer sensory sack , sensory sock , sensory wooden rings. The teachers and children were delighted, and the items have been a huge benefit.”
Harriet Chapman, Assistant Head said: “Thank you once again, I am so overwhelmed by the generosity of the charity.”
Tropic Christmas event in aid of Dreamdrops
A Tropic Christmas shopping event is taking place on Wednesday 22nd November at Wood Farm, Hail Weston, near St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 5LA, raising money for Dreamdrops.
The event is free to attend, there will be a demonstration of Tropic products and an opportunity to buy them along with limited edition Christmas gifts.
If you would like to attend, please email
Anne-Marie Hamilton at: annemarie@thewoodfarm.com.
Feel free to bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you there.
Dunelm Just Giving Tree
We are thrilled that the Dunelm Christmas Giving Tree has once again chosen to support our Dreamdrops children’s charity. Last year their generous donations along with loyal customers, donated over three hundred gifts to sick children in our local community!
If you would like to help support us again this year, we would be very grateful.
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.
A huge thank you to you all for your continued support, making Christmas that little bit extra special this year.
Toy donation from Lucky Ducks Designs
A big thank you to Lucky Ducks Designs, based in Ramsey for the generous donation to our Dreamdrops Christmas Gift Appeal.
Lily Gibbs creates Sign Language Book for local children
Whilst doing her A-Levels, Lily Gibbs embarked on an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) which had to be a topic she was passionate about and had no knowledge of.
Lily said: “I feel it’s vital for all children to learn the basic form of communication, I therefore decided to create a Sign Language book designed for children in primary school (7-11years).
“I believe learning sign language should be a necessity. Communication is so vital in our communities, not understanding the basic needs of others and not being able to communicate with someone because they have a disability is unacceptable in today’s world.
“I strongly feel that this would have a high impact on families and communities as it can bring children and people together, as communication can openly occur without any boundaries. I believe that children should be able to make friends and enjoy childhood without feeling restricted by disabilities.
“Before creating this project, I was confused as to why we learn so many languages in our schools yet sign language is so often neglected. Additionally, I believe that everyone should know ‘help’ or first aid-related signs in case of any situation or emergency where it might be needed.
“If all school-age children learnt the basics of sign language lives would be transformed.
“The Dreamdrops charity is one that helps to enrich the lives of families in the Huntingdonshire area, and they kindly sponsored the print of the book, and together we hope to give young children a valuable life skill.”
The books will be sent to Primary Schools in Huntingdonshire.
What a fantastic achievement, well done Lily for all your hard work, the book is amazing!
Dreamdrops Trio Achieve – The Angling Skills Activity Award Qualification
Three members of the Dreamdrops Collins Club were proudly presented with their Angling Skills Activity Award certificates by Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Phil Pearce, during a ceremony at the Town Hall on Saturday 16th September 2023.
The event symbolised the conclusion of six months intensive, one to one angling coaching for Aimee Bradshaw, Jack Todd and Shay Bell who were able to demonstrate critical angling competencies that included; assembling tackle, different fishing techniques and tactics, casting, fishing knots, fish anatomy, hook selection, safely landing, handling and returning fish, knowing when a rod licence is required and the Countryside Code in relation to angling.
Last year Dreamdrops, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s charity, applied and were chosen to receive a grant from the Angling Trust ‘Together Fund’ which, in conjunction with Sport England, allocated funding generated from Environment Agency rod licence sales to worthy angling causes.
This enabled the hosting of angling experience events during the year, some individual coaching sessions to take place and acquire a whole host of fishing kit, rods, and tackle for general longer-term use.
It has certainly seen some action!
Angling Trust Lead Coaches Richard and Phillipa Winser of The Fly-Fishing Academy, arranged the days, which even saw a contingent of Ukrainian participants coarse fishing at Greensands Fishery, Bedfordshire, back in March!
Phillipa said “A variety of fishing venues were used to demonstrate particular fishing techniques, approaches, and tactics, we are incredibly grateful to the four respective fishery managers for their support. I have lost count of the number of species caught during the events but there was certainly some sizeable Carp, and memories that will last a lifetime!
“Maybe the best bit for me, was receiving all the photographs and hearing the stories of individual fishing trips and adventures that had taken place outside of our formal coaching sessions over the year?”
Richard added “We are extremely proud of Jack, Aimee, and Shay, they have all been fantastic students, it has been remarkable to play a part in them achieving this award, which they all richly deserve. Their progress and accomplishments have been commendable, and their enthusiasm throughout has been unstinting!”
Christine Luckham, Dreamdrops Chairman said: “It is a pleasure to watch Richard and Phillipa coach the children of the Dreamdrops Collins club during our fishing days which started four years ago. Jack, Aimee, and Shay were nominated for 1:1 coaching because of their commitment, enthusiasm, and development during the past four years.
“All the children look forward to these days and it is thanks to the volunteers of Dreamdrops committee members, and the Fishing Academy coaches that this has been so successful.”
Unbeknown to Richard and Phillipa, the fishing duo were also presented with an award – The Dreamdrops Community Award, in recognition of their involvement with the Dreamdrops Charity, for supporting young autistic children.
Commenting immediately afterwards they said: “It is a great privilege to receive the Community Award, we are both terribly grateful to have even been nominated or considered for it.
“Without doubt, we have the fondest memories working with the charity, getting to know many individuals and their families, witnessing some of the participants flourish and visibly grow in confidence whilst having such fantastic angling adventures! It has been a humbling experience over four years, and we are very pleased to have been part of it.”
Photos:
- Jack Todd, and Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Phil Pearce
- Jack Todd, Mayoress of Huntingdon, Mrs Deborah Pearce, Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Phil Pearce, Aimee Bradshaw and Ronnie and Shay Bell
- Richard and Phillipa Winser – Dreamdrops Community Award
- Aimee Bradshaw and Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Phil Pearce
Dreamdrops donation to Huntingdon Community Centre
Mike Andrews, Dreamdrops Committee Member, recently presented a Sensory Tent to Paul Townsend, whose daughter attends the Huntingdon Community Centre. The presentation took place at the King of the Belgians Pub, Hartford, which regularly supports our charity.
The pop-up sensory tent offers a perfect calming or sensory retreat when children need some quiet time to relax. The tent provides an alternative to a permanent sensory room.
The Centre were thrilled to receive a sensory tent and sent Dreamdrops a lovely thank note.
Former Dreamdrops Chairman, officially opens the Special Care Baby Unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Parents and babies being cared for in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Hinchingbrooke Hospital will now benefit from fantastic new facilities, following a donation from Dreamdrops!
The unit was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, by Dreamdrops previous chairman, Anne-Marie Hamilton, who was joined by Christine Luckham, the new chairman Chair, plus Dreamdrops committee members and previous and current SCBU staff.
The SCBU ward recently underwent a complete overhaul of the facilities as part of some necessary structural work to the unit. The refurbishment included a parent’s room and dedicated space so that new mums who may be bed-bound can be moved from the Labour Ward to the unit to be with their baby.
Dreamdrops donated an amazing £33,000, which provided the added extras that are not included in the Trust funding to give the ward a homely environment. The parent’s room has been kitted out with crockery, cutlery, furniture, a microwave oven, and fridge, so parents can have a space for themselves to take a break, whilst still being on the unit. Pretty wall murals have also been installed in every room and toys have been provided for siblings to play with when they visit.
Anne-Marie Hamilton said: “I would like to congratulate North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust for making this a priority and getting this very important job done. Dreamdrops are thrilled to see the money ring-fenced for SCBU being used to provide those little ‘extras’ for the unit that are not provided by the NHS. Some of it has gone on the stunning wall art that has been designed by Just Digital from
Huntingdon.
“Hinchingbrooke SCBU is held in the very highest esteem by all the families that they have cared for over the years, often in difficult and far from ideal conditions, and now, finally, this wonderful, dedicated, caring and hard-working team have been rewarded with this amazing, newly refurbished unit that they so richly deserve.”
To find out more please visit: https://ow.ly/zSEY50PCO8E.
Collins Club Miniature Railway trip
August the 30th saw the Collins Club children spend an afternoon riding on the Riverside Railway in St Neots.
The children and their parents were very excited and the team, all volunteers, had a great time and we hope to repeat the fun again next year.
Collins Club Ladybird Boat Trip
Friday, the 28th of July, saw the Collins Club Ladybird Boat trip set sail from Hartford Marina in Huntingdon.
Dreamdrops provides days out for families with autistic children, which are always a huge success and great fun for everyone involved.
The day is supported by donations from local organisations and families, along with Dreamdrops volunteers helping on the day.
The day was split into two halves: a boat trip in the morning for 12 children and their families and a boat trip in the afternoon for 8 children and their families, with a lovely picnic on board.
They saw lots of exciting wildlife, such as Herons, Canada Geese, Ducks, Swans, a Cormorant and plenty of fish! They also got to experience going through a lock and seeing how the gates are opened and the water rises and falls to let the boat through; they were thrilled to see how it works.
Everyone had a fantastic time, there were lots of smiles, and it was wonderful to see the families enjoying themselves.
Christine Luckham. Dreamdrops Chairman said: “A huge thank you to everyone involved in our Ladybird Boat trip.
“Every family had an amazing time, and the weather stayed dry for us. The crew of the Ladybird looked after us well, and a huge thank you to them all. Also, a big thank you to our volunteers who helped on the day. We could not do this without you!”
Dreamdrops amazing donation to the Huntingdonshire Children’s Community Specialist Nursing Service
Student Nurse, Lucy Barton with the training doll, AccuVein, Buzzy® Bee and the medical bag
Dreamdrops has recently donated it’s second AccuVein Machine, a Buzzy® Bee, medical bag, and a training doll to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Children’s Community Specialist Nursing Service in Huntingdonshire.
Mags Hirst, Play Specialist said: “The AccuVein and Buzzy® Bee are being used with children and young people who are having blood tests.
“AccuVeins help nurses to locate a suitable vein using a light to shine through the child’s skin. This ensures the child has minimal attempts of drawing blood from them making the procedure less stressful.
“The Buzzy® Bee is a vibrating bee with ice pack wings that decreases sharp pain when placed on the child’s arm or leg and they are a fantastic distraction giving the child something to focus on.
“The training doll is already in full use explaining to youngsters about the many lines or attachments they themselves have and what they are being used for. The doll can be adapted to have a feeding tube, catheter, tracheostomy, or stoma which we can use to show the child in a more child friendly way, allowing them to understand and giving them the opportunity to ask questions about their own body’s.
“Our medical bag is used to carry supplies needed to carry out routine care for a child’s surgically placed feeding tube – a gastrostomy. Often the nurses are called upon to trouble shoot any issues parents find with their child’s tube and specialist equipment and dressings are needed to ensure the tube, even if blocked or damaged in any way, can be safely repaired.
“These items are invaluable to the team, and we are very grateful to Dreamdrops for their ongoing support.”
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “Most of the children under the care of the community nursing team have multiply hospital visits which disrupts family life, school attendance and social activities, which is why Dreamdrops is delighted to support the Children’s Nursing team in the amazing work they do.
“This donation will enable more and more children to have procedures undertaken in their own home preventing a long hospital visit that would have happened in the past. A ten-minute procedure would have taken hours with travel time, waiting time and multiple attempts, causing added stress and anxiety to the child and family. This new equipment will provide the care they need in an environment where they feel safe and secure.”
Dreamdrops Children’s Charity sponsors local football team
Local Huntingdonshire Children’s Charity, Dreamdrops, began sponsoring the Priory Parkside Pumas Football Club based in St Neots, last year.
The club offers free football sessions for boys and girls aged 16 and under, with individual needs including, physical, emotional, social, or other challenges.
The sessions offer a fun, but structured chance to enjoy social interaction and physical activity via the medium of football. A completely non-pressurised environment, where the children are free to participate as much or as little as they want to.
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “We received a request from one of the parents whose child plays for the Puma’s.
“Football is great for team building, improving mental well-being and socialisation. The committee felt that it would be wonderful to sponsor the team and buy a new strip for them to play in as this would be hugely beneficial to all the children involved.
“It was great to see them play in their new kit, and we watched with great excitement as some of the children participating are children who are part of the Collins Club, which is already supported by Dreamdrops, along with the rest of the team who are from around Huntingdonshire.
“Seeing the confidence of the children developing is an example of how the community comes together to support inclusivity.
“On behalf of Mike Andrews, Dreamdrops Volunteer, and myself we would like to say a huge thank to coach John Salisbury and the team, for inviting us to watch the Pumas play at St Neots on Saturday 10th June, it must have been the hottest day, but that didn’t deter the team from winning 3-0 and against the adult coaches! The children were extremely excited to receive their trophies at the end of the game.”
John Salisbury, Coach for the Pumas said: “A massive thank you to Dreamdrops. The children love their shirts, not only from the aesthetic aspect, but from the fact it makes them feel a part of a team. Due to a lack of patience in most circumstances, this is not something they get to easily experience. Pumas is an ever-growing group, using football to allow our children to be independent and gain some well-deserved self-esteem.”
Check out the fantastic team above!
For further information about the Priory Parkside Pumas please contact John Salisbury at: prioryparksidepumas@gmail.com.
£100 donation!
A huge thank you to Mrs Linda Cheadle, from Stafford, who donated £100 to Dreamdrops after hearing about our wonderful work supporting the SEND children in St John’s School, Huntingdon.
Thank you!
Sensory Toy Donation to local school
A presentation was made to Samuel Pepys Special Needs School by Dreamdrops of sensory toys to encourage play that engages and stimulates the senses, sight, smell, touch, hearing and balance.
These toys help children develop their senses in a safe and natural environment using play, including bright, contrasting colours, sounds or different textures.
It was a delight to see the smiling faces of the children!
Dreamdrops Volunteers attend Royal Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace!
Dreamdrops Committee Member, Wendy Baker and former Chairman, Anne-Marie Hamilton attended the Coronation Royal Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace on the 9th of May 2023. Over 8,000 guests were welcomed to the garden in recognition of their public service and charity or community work.
The event was hosted, on behalf of The King, by The Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness was joined by The Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Christine Luckham, Dreamdrops Chairman said: “Wendy won the “Volunteer of the Year” award at last year’s Hunts Forum Volunteer awards evening. The awards recognise the amazing achievements and contributions that volunteers make across Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire.
“Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, HM Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, presented Wendy with the lovely surprise invite to the Royal Garden Party.
“We are so enormously proud of Wendy and all the wonderful work she does to promote the charity, and her amazing work with children from the local Collins Club. We would be lost without her.
“Huge congratulations go to Anne-Marie Hamilton, former Dreamdrops Chairman, who was recognised for her 18 years on the charity and her commitment to taking the charity forward.
“Two wonderful ladies, who thoroughly deserved such a special surprise.”
Wendy said: “To attend the Coronation Royal Garden Party, invited by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, was a wonderful experience.
“I was so proud and privileged to have represented our charity ‘dreamdrops,’ who do amazing work in raising funds for the children of Huntingdonshire requiring additional support over and above what the NHS can provide, whether in hospital or in the local community.
“With our help we can make an enormous difference to local children and their families, mentally and physically, to support their wellbeing during the most challenging times in their lives.
“To have met and spoken about ‘dreamdrops’ with The Princess of Wales, who was very interested in the charity and our work, was such a privilege and to have shared the day with Anne-Marie Hamilton and our husbands, was the icing on the cake!”
Knitted with love!
Our friends and supporters of Dreamdrops have been busy again with knitting lovely baby cardigans, hats and blankets.
Thank you to Susan Mulcahy once again, we love your work!
Hunts Philharmonic Concert donation
Thank you, as always, to the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Society for the bucket collection at their latest concert.
We raised £46! Thank you to all involved.
Fishing Duo receive the Kings Coronation Champion Award
Huge congratulations to Fly Fishing Duo Richard and Phillipa Winser from Perry, Cambridgeshire who have recently been awarded the nationally prestigious, Coronation Champions Award in recognition of their voluntary work over the last fourteen years; introducing fly fishing and angling to those who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience it.
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “We are thrilled to hear the wonderful news that Richard and Phillipa have been recognised for all their hard work. They regularly run fishing events for Dreamdrops, and the children from our Collins Club love the time they spend with them, learning how to fish. They provide fantastic support and the children have thrived in this environment. This award is well deserved!
Phillipa said “It was an honour to be told we were one of the five hundred Coronation Champions, nominated due to our commitment to volunteering. The entry standard was incredibly high, and they received nearly 5,000 nominations nationally.”
Richard added “I fully agree, we are incredibly grateful to those that have supported everything we do and indeed nominated us for this award. We were also nominated last year for the Queens Platinum Champions Award; to be considered as a contender for that was a massive compliment, to now be awarded as a King’s Coronation Champion is overwhelming!”
Photo: Richard and Phillipa Winser
“In search of Cyprinus Carpio”
Tuesday 11th April 2023 marked the inaugural fishing event this year for the Dreamdrops Children’s Charity, and understandably, with the event in its fourth year, some of the participants are now becoming seasoned fishing veterans!
So, to prevent regular instructors from getting too complacent, four new participants from Ukraine were invited along for the day, at a new venue reputed for its sizeable Carp, just over the Bedfordshire boarder.
As normal, Richard and Phillipa Winser were ably assisted by John Clark and Richard Frood, as they set off to the infamous Greensands Fishery near Sandy, Bedfordshire – with that skill set, what could possibly be left to chance?
Greensands Fishery is owned, operated, and managed by Chris Rose and we are very grateful for his support. The fishery has a well-deserved reputation amongst coarse anglers, and it hosts 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. We managed to reserve a couple of dates early with them, which allowed the Dreamdrops contingent to embark on a Carp fishing challenge.
Richard said: “The Latin name for Carp is Cyprinus Carpio and they grow to a significant size; the UK record fish weighed 68.1 lb and the World record over 100lb, even for Jack that could be a challenge! Our tactics from the outset was to adopt two approaches; the first using float rods as we have done before and the second to target Carp specifically, using more specialist techniques.”
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.
Consequently, we now have our own ‘Armoury’ of fishing equipment and tackle that can be loaned out for use between the formal fishing events.
Phillipa remarked: “The Get Fishing Fund has also enabled some of the group to undertake an angling qualification, one of which is Jack, and we fish together. It will not be long before he is teaching me!”
It also meant, that some of the new Dreamdrops tackle could be used on the day.
Leonie, fishing for the second time with Richard Frood, a regular at Greensands, cemented their team in history, taking a superb 28 fish, including the first fish of the day.
Dreamdrops were able to invite four Ukraine guests from Huntingdon and St. Neots to join the fishing day to give them another experience they could share with their families. They had a wonderful day learning the skills of fishing as well as meeting new friends.
Refreshments were enjoyed by all the participants with Easter eggs to take home with them!
A thank you to Dreamdrops committee members Mike Andrews and Dr Martin Becker for their support.
A phenomenal array of fish was caught between six anglers, which included seven different species! Even Doctor Becker, from the Dreamdrops Committee landed a beautiful, fin perfect Mirror Carp with a scale pattern as unique as a human fingerprint!
However, the biggest fish of the day went to… none other than Jack… or was it, Leonie?!
Our next event will again take place at Greensands Fishery on Tuesday 22nd August 2023.
Dreamdrops is named as Webtec UK’S Chosen Charity of the Year
Each year Webtec UK choose a local charity who they can work with and raise much-needed funds for through various activities such as raffles, competitions, and fun activities. This year they have chosen Dreamdrops as their charity!
They have already started fundraising with £120 in the pot, and more will be raised during the coming months. This is fantastic news for Dreamdrops, and we can’t wait to see what events they do over the year.
Thank you from all the committee members, and all the families you will be helping to support this year, we cannot do this without you!
£500 donation from the St Ives, Rotary Club
Thank you to St Ives, Rotary Club for their very kind donation of £500.
This amazing donation will help more disadvantaged children in the local community.
Huntingdonshire Philharmonic
A massive thank you to the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic for their wonderful performance of Brahms first Piano Concerto with Luis Parés as the soloist.
We were lucky enough to be able to do a bucket collection in the interval and raised £60.77, once again we were delighted to be able to attend and are always grateful to everyone who contributed.
Pidley Christmas Fair donation
A belated thank you to the organisers of the Pidley Fair, which was a huge success, raising £300 for Dreamdrops.
This is a great achievement, and we cannot thank you enough. Our charity days out, support groups for children and parents and new projects for this year would not be possible without your support – thank you!
Spring Charity Concert raises a fantastic £1,250 for Dreamdrops!
The Spring Charity Concert has raised an amazing £1,250 for Dreamdrops.
The concert was held at The Priory Centre, St Neots, on Friday 10th March, featuring local talent including The Collaboration Choir, The St Neots Community Choir, Molly Gregorious and Emily Wainwright-Meekins and the event was hosted by Ste Greenall from Black Cat Radio.
Ingrid Fawcett a member of Collaboration Choir wanted to organise a fundraising event which was a little bit out of the norm and singing was going to be at the centre of it!
Ingrid said: “Putting together a concert with a bit of a gala feel felt like the right thing to do and the Spring Charity concert was born!
“One of the charities benefiting from the concert was Dreamdrops as this charity has always had a little place in our hearts. In 2008 our son Billy broke his leg on Christmas Day morning, he was in traction on Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, for a week and three weeks at home. Our daughter was only 3 weeks old, so it was a tough time for us all!
“The additional toys and DVDs made all the difference to that week in hospital. I still clearly remember the multi-coloured beanbag my daughter slept on next to her brother’s bed.
“Billy is now 16 and a young leader at 1st St Neots Scouts. This summer he is heading off to the world scout jamboree in South Korea, with Adam Wright, Catherine Gregorious and Felix Henderson, where they will be representing St Neots, so it felt like the right time to say thank you.
“The concert was supported by so many local people and seeing over 100 people enjoying the singing and music was such a joy.”
Christine Luckham, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “What an amazing fun evening! Thank you to the wonderful choirs and solo singers who put on a brilliant performance.
“On behalf of the Dreamdrops charity I would like to thank you for considering us as your charity especially Ingrid for her hard work in organising the concert.
“It is through the generosity of people and communities like yourselves that we are able to do what we can to support children and young people in hospital and in the community.”
Photos (courtesy of Ted Ridgway Watt)
Fun Day Fishing!
Richard Winser, from the Fly-Fishing Academy, has used his skills as a coach with Dreamdrops for the last four years.
He recently ran a 1:1 fishing event, and despite the weather, the anglers prevailed; all three caught several fish on a rod and reel they had assembled. Richard said, “New kits were handed out, floats plummeted, and the correct depth was perfected.
Shay and Ronnie, fishing for ‘Team Bell’, were first off the mark within minutes of starting, followed shortly by Jack. Both Jack and Shay had an excellent size, Roach and Rudd.
Fishing for ‘Team Bradshaw’, Aimee and Steve brought some lovely Mirror Carp to the bank, the best we have had with any group on Jackdaw Lake at Rookery Waters.” Everyone had a fantastic time, and we cannot wait to see more families at our next event!
A huge thank you to Richard and the team for their continued support. 👏
Susan and Marilyn’s continued support is helping to keep little ones warm this winter
Our lovely friends of the Dreamdrops charity have been busy knitting some more beautiful hats, cardigans, and small blankets .
Thank you so much Susan Mulcahy, and Marilyn Simpson for supporting us, we love your work!
Brilliant night at the Pantomime – Oh yes it was!
A massive thank you to the Melodramatics Pantomime who performed Beauty and Beast and helped us to raise £95 for Dreamdrops!
Another fun performance by the hard-working cast and our thanks to the team for having us and supporting Dreamdrops.
Lovely donation from the Ladybird Day Nursery in Fenstanton
Thank you to the Ladybird Day Nursery in Fenstanton for raising £286 at your open day for Dreamdrops!
Michaela Hayward, Nursery Manager said: “The open day was a huge success and we have made an incredible £286 for Dreamdrops, which we hope will help to support local families in their times of need.”
Christine Luckham, Dreamdrops Chairman said: “This donation will be put towards the families day out in July. The day will be split into two halves with a boat trip in the morning and one in the afternoon with a picnic.
“Thank you to the everyone at the Ladybird Day Nursery and everyone who attended the open day, we cannot wait to see the children’s faces on their day out later this year.”
A big thank you to Mary and Ivan for their donation of toys and £50.
This lovely donation will go towards the Bill Boles Adventure Day later this year which is specially designed for siblings of children with additional needs, that the whole family can enjoy.
The toys will go to local children being cared for by the Community Nursing Team.
Marvelous £100 donation from Helen Findlay at Tropic!
A big thank you to Helen Findlay who has kindly donated £100.
Anne-Marie Hamilton held a Tropic Skin event in aid of Dreamdrops and Helen kindly donated her Tropics Agent fee to the charity.
Amazing, thank you!
Thank you to Ann Clark for her very kind donation of £100 and baby clothes
The donation will go towards supporting children with life limiting illnesses on their day out later this year; a fun day followed by a picnic which all of the families enjoy.
The baby clothes will form part of a new project which Dreamdrops are launching to help mums to be, who are vulnerable and need some extra help.
Stunning creations supporting the Special Care Baby Unit in Huntingdon and children in the community
Check out this fantastic donation of knitted cardigans for premature babies, pram blankets, jumpers, hats and mittens.
We are extremely grateful to Susan Mulcahy for her beautiful creations which will not only support babies at the Special Care Baby Unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital but also children in the community.
Beautiful quilts and pillows for local children
Thank you goes to Sue Nesbitt for her continued support to our charity.
Sue has made some beautiful quilts and book pillows which were given to new members of the Collins club for Christmas and the families were very grateful.
Such a special gift to receive – thank you Sue!
Wonderful donation put towards Christmas Party
On behalf of Dreamdrops we would like to thank Frank Coppola and his family for their wonderful donation of £150.
Dreamdrops used the donation to go towards the children’s Christmas Party held at the St Neots Ruby Club.
The children had a great time and were amazed and grateful for the gifts they received from Santa.
Thank you to Dovista!
Thank you to Dovista, based in Huntingdon and their colleagues for the lovely donation of toy’s for our 2022 Christmas appeal.
We are extremely grateful for your support.
We were able to support more children last Christmas and your continued generosity and that of the public means we were able to help so many children.
Toy donation supporting local children
A big thank you to Caroline Gibbs for donating children’s gifts for our Christmas Giving Tree appeal in December last year.Amazing donation from Dunelm, Huntingdon
Thank you to Dunelm, Huntingdon and their loyal customers for their wonderful donation of children’s toys for Christmas 2022.
Over 200 gifts were distributed via the Community Nursing team in Huntingdonshire.
The parents were extremely grateful, and we cannot thank you enough for your wonderful generosity.
A huge thank you to Tesco Extra in Huntingdon
A huge thank you to Tesco Extra in Huntingdon, their colleagues and loyal customers for the amazing toys that were donated via their Christmas Giving Tree in December 2022.
It was a wonderful response especially during tough times.
We were able to support so many additional children this year and the children were over the moon with their presents.
We cannot thank you enough, for your continued support, the assistance of your staff and the generosity of your customers makes everything we do possible!
Ladybird Day Nursery, Fenstanton Open Day – 21st January 2023!
A big thank you to the Ladybird Day Nursery in Fenstanton, who are holding a charity open day on Saturday, 21st January 2023, in aid of Dreamdrops. Why not pop along? There will be plenty of fun activities for the whole family!
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