Recent Events
Family Celebration Day, March 23rd
We had a fantastic day celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at Delta Marriott Hotel, Metro Centre. We welcomed more than 50 families to enjoy a fun-filled day together. Entertainment included disco and party games, characters to meet, magic show, crafts area, soft play and face painting. Hotel staff also helped everyone make their own pizzas. It was certainly a great day all round!
Gala Ball
Another great evening enjoyed by everyone. The three course meal was chosen by 5 of our adult members. They had a great time tasting lots of food prepared by the Chef Chris Wells and the wonderful kitchen staff.
There was drink on arrival and Jackie was very excited!
Dancing started as soon as the fantastic Baldy Holly Band took to the stage. They love playing at the ball and say, ‘How great it is to see so many people up dancing and having fun.’
The photos show the dance floor was full.
Linda loved getting flowers and a thank you card but it is a great team effort.
Next year the Ball is on Saturday 21st March which is World Down’s Syndrome Day and hopefully it will be another great Night
Easter holidays fun at Rainbows Sensory Space and Noo Noo’s Forest School
Keep an eye on your emails for similar events over the summer.
Pendragon Community Trust, Northallerton
Our last visit to Pendragon was 13th May. Here are some of our highlights.
The next session is 29th June.
To book your place, email caroline.turner@dsne.org.uk
Upcoming Events
Art Workshop
Saturday 27th September March, 2 – 4.30 pm
@ Seaburn Dene New Church, Sunderland
£6 pp
To book, email Nicky.Ramsay@DSNE.org.uk
Glass Mosaic Workshop
Saturday 7th June, 2 – 5 pm
@ Seaburn Dene New Church, Sunderland
£8 pp
To book, email Nicky.Ramsay@DSNE.org.uk
Pottery Painting
Saturday 23rd August, 2 – 4.30 pm
@ Seaburn Dene New Church, Sunderland
£9 pp
To book, email Nicky.Ramsay@DSNE.org.uk
TimbaDash Theatre – The Sheep Who Couldn’t Sleep
Saturday 24th May, 11 am – 12 pm OR 1 – 2pm
@ Glebe Community Centre, Stockton on Tees
For children who enjoy sensory storytelling in a relaxed environment
£5 per child
To book, email Caroline.Turner@DSNE.org.uk
Senses Wellbeing Centre
We have regular sessions enjoying sensory play and enabling parents to meet up at Senses Wellbeing Centre. The local community provide funding for the centre to offer free sessions to community groups including DSNE.
If you live in the Teesside area and would like to come along, our next sessions are Sunday 11th May and Sunday 8th June.
Email caroline.turner@dsne.org.uk to book.
Darlington Hippodrome Theatre Visits
Darlington Council have kindly gifted DSNE free tickets for five shows over the summer. We have 20 tickets to give away for each of the following:
Burn the Floor (with Dianne and Vito from Strictly) on July 13th
Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson tribute) on 26th July
Taylor Mania (Taylor Swift tribute) on August 12th
In the Night Garden on August 16th
Dinosaurs Live on August 28th
Expression of interest emails for the all events have been sent out. Check your emails for details.
Marty’s Zoom Parties
We had a great February party with Marty and his ‘Soul Street’ music, everyone got into the mood, donning sunglasses and hats.
‘Spring has Sprung’ was the title for our April bash. There was lots of favourite tunes, great dancing and fun.
Next Zoom party June 3rd at 8 pm. For details, email melanie.atkinson@dsne.org.uk.
Save the Date Marty Live Saturday September 13th
Pilates
Pilates continues every Wednesday at 4pm and Saturday 11am on Zoom
For details, email melanie.atkinson@dsne.org.uk
Indoor Games
The Indoor Games in Gateshead is proving to be great fun again for our members and parents/carers. It is lovely to see everyone joining in and cheering each other on. The next dates will be in the WOW.
Save the Date
Singing Hands are coming back to see DSNE on Saturday 20th September.
After last year’s event was such a success, we will run two separate shows again:
A children’s songs and rhymes show, and a pop party.
Tickets on sale soon. Venue to be confirmed.
BLAST! & Best Foot Forward
This is a full weekend for DSNE adult members, comprising of a varied programme of art activities or dance workshops.
Saturday June 21st 2025, 11am to 4pm and Sunday June 22nd 2025, 11am to 4pm TBC
The workshops will be at the Tinarts dance studio and the Scout Hall in Framwellgate Moor, Durham.
The dance created at the workshop will be performed as part of ‘Best Foot Forward’, and the artwork will form a backdrop for the dance, at The Gala Theatre, Durham on Sunday June 29th 2025.
All adult members will be sent an invitation by post in May, please make sure your membership is up to date and your address is current to ensure you receive this.
News and Information
Well done to Myah Robson and family from Newcastle who raised £350 for DSNE and presented the cheque at the family fun day.
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