Look At Me Now
Enormous THANKS go to Sarah Pattison Collins and Lindsey Pattison for their amazing fundraising in aid of DSNE. They organised a wonderful ball which was enjoyed by all at The Clarion Hotel, Boldon on November 23rd. The ‘Look at Me Now’ photos were on display in the hotel, showing new members as well as our original models. The ‘Sports Graffiti’ dance was adapted for the small dance floor and five DSNE dancers opened the evening’s entertainment in true style. There was music by various live artists and dancing until late. The fantastic cheque for £12,333.25 was presented at our Teen Christmas Party.
Amazing Swimming
Our 54 fabulous swimmers smashed our previous fundraising totals, and we gave the Rotary Club of Durham £4,498 at their Annual Charity Swimathon.
At a special presentation in March, 85% of the money will be returned to DSNE and 15% donated to worthwhile charities, Food Poverty and Stray Aid.
Thank you to all our swimmers and supporters.
We had so much fun that we’re already looking forward to this year’s swimathon in November 2025. Get in touch if you’re interested ros.collinson@dsne.org.uk.
Art Exhibition
We exhibited some of our adult members’ artwork at County Hall, Morpeth, for the month of November 2024. We were made very welcome by the staff and the exhibition was viewed by hundreds of people.
You may like to read a few of the many positive comments.
Congratulations to our talented artists.
More exciting workshops and exhibitions are planned for 2025.
Adults' Christmas Party
As usual, we held our adults’ Christmas party in January due to their busy calendars!
90 members danced the night away at the Clarion Hotel Boldon. Wow, how fabulous everyone looked. Clarion staff, tasty food, the disco duo and supporters, all helped to ensure the night was a huge success. Most of all though, it was great to see the friendships, happy faces and fantastic dancing.
Pilates Plus
In our last Grapevine we saw Stella and Robert had created their own Pilates moves, not to be outdone Jess, Andrew and Matthew have joined in too. Andrew’s move is a basketball bounce and stretch for the net. Matthew’s is a power ball twist and turn. Jess has a netball step and jump. Marie is even using the moves in her Pilates sessions with DSA.
We’d love you to join us on Zoom every Wednesday 4pm and/or Saturday 11am. Email melanie.atkinson@dsne.org.uk for details.
Marty' Christmas Party
We had a super start to our Christmas festivities with the wonderful voice of Marty to sing all our favourite Christmas songs. There was something for everyone, from carols to rock and roll. Anyone wanting to join us for the Zoom parties email melanie.atkinson@dsne.org.uk
Next Party February 11th.
Pantomime Fun
120 people of all ages enjoyed our annual visit to the pantomime at the Customs House South Shields. This year it was Mother Goose and it was brilliant.
There was lots of cheering, booing, laughing and clapping. After the show it was great to meet all the characters and then enjoy a delicious buffet.
Junior Christmas Party
What a fun-filled festive afternoon we had at our junior age Christmas party on December 8th at Delta Marriott Hotel, Metro Centre.
Many thanks to everyone who came along. It was wonderful to see everyone catching up with friends and having a great time.
Meeting Christmas Minnie and Mickey Mouse and presents from Santa were definitely highlights. We danced, played games, had our faces painted, won tombola prizes and much more. It was a brilliant turn-out of 170 people!
North of Tyne Disco
Festive fun with lots of dancing, Christmas hats, jumpers and a brilliant DJ helped to make the North Of Tyne Disco a huge success.
Timba Dash Theatre - Frost and Feathers
Timba Dash Theatre work with children who have more complex needs and they provide lovely, relaxed sensory experiences in a small group. Frost and Feathers was a winter-themed story, song and puppet session which was inclusive for everyone. We had a lovely day on 11th January with two wonderful sensory story and music sessions. ‘Frost and Feathers’ certainly kept everyone entertained and Rainbow Family Hub in Washington looked after us really well. Look out for more Timba Dash Theatre sessions later this year.
Three 21
Each month we get together at our Three 21 Playgroup on the third Saturday in Winlaton.
In December we had a visit from a special visitor and every month we sing and sign lots of songs and have fun with the parachute. In February we will likely have a Valentines theme on 15th February, 2 – 4 pm.
If you have a little one under 7 years old and would like to come along, get in touch with Eleanor, eleanor.baggaley@dsne.org.uk or join the Facebook group here
Cinema Trips
In November we ran cinema trips, in Newcastle and Teesside, to watch Paddington in Peru.
Both visits were huge successes, and everyone asked for more, so watch this space as we plan more cinema trips in 2025.
Upcoming Events
DSNE Gala Ball
Saturday 22nd March 2025, 7 – 11.30pm
@ Delta Hotel, Marriot, Metrocentre
£40 pp
To book, email Linda.dixon@dsne.org.uk
Kingswood Residential
It is still going ahead this year but a little further afield.
More details will follow.
Afternoon Tea
April 27th 2pm till 6 pm
For age 18 to 30
Boldon Clarion Hotel NP35 9PE
£8 per person
Remember to put your car registration in at reception
Please reply by 30th March, email susanne.hodgson@dsne.org.uk
Save The Date
Best Foot Forward, Gala Theatre, 29th June 2025
BLAST! Weekend, 21st & 22nd June 2025
Singing Hands, Saturday 20th September 2025, Venue TBC
Washington Ten Pin Bowling 18+
A fun night. It’s inspiring to watch how everyone helps each other, cheering every effort and celebrating skills and progress.
Join us on 5th February for our next session.
To book a place contact Linda Dixon linda.dixon@dsne.org.uk
Family Celebration Day
Sunday 23rd March 2025
Booking email has been sent to all DSNE members. Check your inbox and junk folders!
Email Caroline.Turner@DSNE.org.uk
Gateshead Indoor Games 16+
Come and join us for lots of different activities in a supportive and friendly environment.
Next session March 8th Contact linda.dixon@dsne.org.uk for more information.
Art Project 16+
We have been lucky to receive funding for an arts project in the Sunderland area. There will be 6 art workshops, followed by exciting exhibitions hosted by our artists.
The workshops will use a variety of approaches such as animation, film, printing, painting, murals and more. Support will be provided.
All DSNE members age 16 + are invited to apply for places by contacting nicky.ramsay@dsne.org.uk
Workshop 1 February 15th 2 – 4.30 pm
Animation/murals led by Sheryl Jenkins cost £8
Workshop 2 March 15th 2 – 4.30 pm
Tiddly Painters led by Karen Johnson cost £6
Venue for the above workshops:
Seaburn Dene New Church, Sunderland SR6 8ND
Information about more workshops to follow soon.
Do you like our Rudolph themed Christmas cakes that we decorated at our workshop in December?
We had great fun.
Look out for the next one around Easter time.
Well done to John Hutchinson achieving 20 years employment with Sainsbury’s in April 2025. Also in December 2024 John and his four housemates celebrated 20 years living together in supported living.
Committee Meetings
Committee meetings are open for any member to attend and are mainly online. Email Sue.Belton@dsne.org.uk to express your interest in attending. Next Meeting: 26th February
If you have anything you want to share in Grapevine, please get in touch or send items to Alex Marshall alex.marshall@dsne.org.uk