New Directions have organised a party for all our residents and friends tomorrow (28^th April 2011) at The Gold Hut (also known as The Tin Hut).  There are many preparations on-going as this article is being written, including the making of fancy dress costumes, games preparations and food shopping for the ‘wedding breakfast’.

It should be a good fun day, and we will post pictures and a report next week.

Sanchia and Gayle have been taking their responsibility of completing the Yorkshire 3 Peak Challenge seriously!  Last weekend (Easter) they were off over the South Downs for an 18 mile walk in preparation.  It was probably the hottest day of the year so far, but then the challenge has been booked for mid June, so hopefully we can expect some hot sunny weather.

This is picture of Sanchia and Gayle on the Seven Sisters (taking a well earned rest).  As you can see, the views are spectacular and the sea that day was clear blue, a bit like looking out on the Mediterranean.  Only    6½  weeks to go now until the Challenge.  We will keep you posted.  Anyone wishing to sponsor can do so through the Just Giving website on www.justgiving.com/David-Palmer2/.

On Easter Sunday we held a fundraising event at the Clarence pub in Silverhill Hastings. It was a glorious sunny day and was a barbecue in the beer garden. Also in the beer garden was an Easter egg hunt for the children. In doors there was a pool competition, a raffle and nine horse races shown on DVD. All of the racers were sponsored by local companies who donated raffle prizes, sausages and burgers for the barbecue, wines and spirits and cheques.

For details of our fundraising initiatives please visit: www.justgiving.com/David-Palmer2.

Lydia, Ayesha and Simon were joined by Ryan for a holiday at Havens Church Farm site in Pagham (Grant was sunning himself in Spain with family). But as you can see from the pictures, the weather was not too shabby in Sussex either!

Everybody enjoyed visiting Chichester Cathedral, Bognor Regis and found the evening entertainment at Haven quite amusing at times. They allwalked for miles during the course of a fun packed week, however Ayesha’s initial and lasting impression was that caravan holidays are probably not for her. In fact on her return she wasted no time in telling DP that next year she definitely wants to go to Butlins in a chalet!

Our thanks go to the tireless efforts of the staff who made such a fun trip and all four service users should be congratulated on helping each other to have a good time. Tracy the senior cannot wait til next year to do it all again…….

Day service trip April 2011

Hot on the heels of the Haven holiday, came the bishops way day service trip to Brighton. This time Grant was able to take part two, so the whole house went.

Everybody agreed that a field trip to see the musical show followed by lunch on the beach and traditional seaside games on the pier were the order of the day.

A good time seemed to be had by all and here are some pictures for you to share…

As an organisation that provides accommodation for adults with PWS we have many events throughout the year to fund raise for the Prader Willi Syndrome Association UK, Below is a few of the ideas that are arranged.

April 24^thEaster Sunday, Fun Day Charity fundraising for the Prader Willi Syndrome Association (For information email david.palmer@newdirections.gb.com )

April 28^thRoyal Wedding Party at the “Tin Hut”. Ninfield Working Men’ s Club. This is a day time party for the guys with fun, games and a bar. (For information email david.palmer@newdirections.gb.com )

3rd -5^th  “June Our Way of Life Conference”. A conference for adults with PWS in Derby. ( For information contact contact m.rowley@pwsa.co.uk )

In June an exhibition of art work done by our residents. (Details to Follow)

In July on 2 dates staff from New Directions are zorbing down Devil’s Dyke. ( Details to follow.)

August Summer picnic in the park at the “Tin Hut” (For information email david.palmer@newdirections.gb.com )  

December Christmas Party at the “Tin Hut”. (For information email david.palmer@newdirections.gb.com )

To keep up to date with our fundraising activities, visit our fundraising web page 

Christine Palmer is now the registered manager of Bishops Croft. She was interviewed by the Care Quality Commission who approved her registration. Christine’s first taste of working for New Directions was supporting service users on a holiday. She had completed bank working forms and enjoyed the experience so much that when a vacancy arose for support worker she applied. This despite living in North Kent with the homes being in East Sussex. To be near her place of work the family purchased a caravan on a local holiday site. She progressed to senior support worker, then deputy manager, prior to successfully becoming the manager.

Christine has much experience of Prader Willi Syndrome as her nephew had the condition. Christine and her family would have her nephew to stay sometimes for a few weeks to give respite to the family.

We wish to congratulate Christine on her appointment which she describes as a dream come true. She says she considers herself very lucky to have a job which she feels like having a second home.

The first two holiday groups return from their trip away. We will post details of these trips next week together with holiday snaps. Another group is off to Church farm in Chichester. There is to be another five holiday groups this year.