NI Newsletter Registered Charity No. 249338
Autumn 2012
Footloose From our first contact with the Waterfront Hall Belfast, we knew that we were in good hands and that the event would be a great success. The Booking Office staff, Front of House team, Duty Managers, Restaurant and Security staff did everything possible to ensure we all had a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. We are very grateful for all of their support and attention to detail on the night. “Footloose” was fantastic, and all credit to the cast of Queen’s Musical Society for their wonderful performances, stage settings, lighting and sound
production teams. It was a marvellous show and we were well entertained. We also enjoyed a delicious (and very generous) meal in the Arc Brasserie, at the Waterfront, before the show. This was a great opportunity for our members from across Northern Ireland to meet up and enjoy an event together. It was also an excellent opportunity for Shine staff to meet members from other areas. We were able to put faces to names and also meet up with Facebook friends whom we had never met! On a local level, Facebook gives members the opportunity to discuss local events that may be of shared interest too.
Shine Northern Ireland PO Box 132, Cushendall BT44 OWA Email: northern.ireland@shinecharity.org.uk Contact no: 01733 555988 www.shinecharity.org.uk
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Shine’s new NI fundraiser Hi, I’m Bill Manwaring, Shine’s new NI fundraiser. I have worked with a number of charities, including Simon Community and FASA. I live in Belfast with my wife, Michelle and our new-born daughter, Robin. Robin is the main reason that I am looking forward to helping develop fundraising opportunities with Shine - born with a T9 lesion, Robin spent the first 8 weeks of her life in the Belfast Hospital for sick children where she had 3 surgeries on her back and additional surgery to have her shunt fitted. During this time we met a number of other children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. We also spoke with many parents about the issues and challenges, but more often we talked about our hopes and aspirations. Being able to help ensure that Shine continues to provide support to individuals and families, and to develop new programmes, is an honour. I am looking forward to getting to know each member of
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Footloose “Footloose” was the idea of one of our members Cara McVitty, and I have to thank Cara for suggesting this and for getting the ball rolling. If you are aware of other events that might be of interest, please do make the suggestion to us and we can look at possible ways forward. I have to say though, the Waterfront have set a very high standard in hospitality, which was enjoyed and appreciated by us all.
the Shine community over the coming months and years. If you have any ideas on how we can raise funds for Shine, please feel free to contact me.
Giant’s match Saturday 13th October 2012 On Saturday 13th October, over 30 adult members of Shine NI attended the Belfast Giants match against the Cardiff Devils. There was a great atmosphere in the arena, with drummers, cheerleaders, and lots of singing and shouting. Many of the Shine members made their voices heard, not to mention any names (Ruth Gracey). The Giants’ fans raised the roof as the final score was 6-3 to the Belfast Giants. There was entertainment throughout with Mr Sub, the mascot who borrowed Janine Telford’s crutches to have a wee dance. I believe a good night was had by us all and it was great to see a few new Shine members with us on the night.
Donkey Sanctuary Templepatrick The donkeys were on their best behaviour for our two summer outings. Benjy, Susie and all the other donkeys let the children ride them. The smaller children were able to go in the little cart and the donkey pulled them around the arena. We won’t mention the special smell in the arena. The children played with toys and dressed-up in donkey suits. The sensory room was very popular. Unfortunately it was a bit wet on both days so we didn’t get to play on the slides and the large outdoor toys, but that didn’t detract from it being a fun filled day. We held Maggie’s birthday party at the Sanctuary. Ciara, Maggie’s mum, brought along a big birthday cake and we all sang happy birthday, and of course we all had a big piece of cake.
Did you know? Possible signs of acute shunt blockage may include: Visual disturbance, drowsiness, or seizures.
Parents/Members Tips! It has been suggested that we have a section of the newsletter for useful tips in relation to living with spina bifida +/ hydrocephalus, or caring for someone with the conditions. The first person to submit a tip for the next newsletter will receive a FREE Shine pen. Tips will remain anonymous. E: pamela.dickey@shinecharity.org.uk or alternatively write to Shine NI, PO Box 132, Cushendall, BT44 0WA
Forthcoming Events
For more information on any of these events Email: northern.ireland@shinecharity.org.uk or contact: 01733 555988
November 2012 15 Gobi in Northern Ireland – visit him at the Premier Inn in Lisburn from 10am to 12 and bowling in Derry Londonderry at 6pm 17 Carrick Parents Group – Ludo Play Area
13 Foyle Adult Group - Bowling 15 Carrick parent’s group Wonderland Trail at Hillside Nursery Newtownabbey 15 Magherafelt parent’s group Soft play area 22 Pantomime in Millennium Forum
December 2012 3 Cookstown Adult Group Christmas Craft Session in the Gables. 8 Wheelchair Basketball Taster Day - Mage
January 2013
13 Foyle Parents Group at Play Trail
19 Bowel and Bladder Day March 2013 9 Lottery Celebration Event
Gamelan Sessions for musicians starting soon! The Open Arts Gamelan is currently residing in the music department of Stranmillis College, Belfast. It is a unique orchestra of tuned percussion instruments from Indonesia, all beautifully carved and embellished with gold - and as you can see from the picture, we still have a few empty chairs for players. Weekly sessions begin on Friday 26th October, from 4.30-5.30pm (the perfect way to de-stress at the end of a busy week!) and are open to any musicians aged 16 or over, with or without disabilities. Email bevopenarts@aol.com for further info or to book.
Fundraising round-up The William Walker Glenavon Supporters Club made a presentation of £325 to Shine before their Saturday’s game against Linfield. Thank you to all Members of the Club. Eglinton Classic Car Club presented a cheque for £3000 to Shine. The money was raised at a number of events over the year. The main event was held on Sunday 1 April. Members of the club joined our Members in Magee for light refreshments and discussion about how the money would be spent Colin Bryars organised a pool event and raised £777.29. Colin got raffle prizes and donations from local shops. We would like to thank them all. If you haven’t already joined us on facebook ‘like’ us today at www.facebook.com/shineUKcharity