Hi everybody, and welcome to our September Newsletter. Firstly, our apologies for the lack of newsletters recently. As you know, our previous editor, Pete, left Crocus Fields to move back home to the Isle of Man (see May's newsletter). We have had a transition period within our management team (more of which later) and sadly our website was a bit neglected. We're sorry about this. But don't worry, regular monthly newsletters will now commence.
Pete sends his love to everybody by the way. And you'll be pleased to know he and his family are very happy over on the Isle of Man. Feel free to pop over and say hello (but maybe call him first....)
We start with some very sad news. Some of you will know, or remember Hazel Humphreys, who was a care worker at Crocus Fields for many years. After a prolonged period of illness, Hazel very sadly passed away this summer. Hazel worked here for many years, and was an integral part of our team. Her commitment to equality was very passionate, for both the young people she worked with and key worked, but particularly the families she worked with. We are going to miss her very much. if any of you would like to contact us to talk about your memories of Hazel, or about how you're feeling, please do get in touch, we'd really like to hear from you.
Those of you that knew Hazel would know that she would want us to carry on celebrating all the wonderful things happening at Crocus Fields, so that's what we shall do.
Crocusfest!
Crocusfest 2019 was our second annual garden party, following on from the great success of Crocusfest 2018.
This year, we wanted to incorporate our themes from our development plan, namely our focus on making new friends, and forging links with non-disabled people.
So we invited the local community to get involved, and many local businesses donated prizes for the raffle, or raised money themselves to donate to us. We also invited the local community on the day, and many young children from the local area joined in (with their families too). We also invited some elderly residents from The Oaks day centre, which is the centre we often visit with our young people, and they joined us.
It was a great day, despite the awful weather (which forced us inside). Olaf the snowman was there, along with Minnie and Mickey Mouse, and Lightning McQueen from the Pixar film Cars. We had a cake stall, a tombola, skittles, games, face-painting, hair-braiding, music and finally a huge raffle at the end. We managed to raise a total of £550 towards our new garden.
A brilliant day, a great way for families to meet each other, and a great way for us to forge even stronger links with the local community. Thanks to everybody who helped to make it happen, and thanks to all of you who came along.
GREAT NOTTS BIKE RIDE 2019
Entering the Great Notts Bike Ride has become something of a tradition at Crocus Fields. And this year was our most ambitious to date.
This year Jamie Slack completed the ride for the 4th year in a row, but at the new distance of 50 miles. Jamie has never ridden more than 25 miles before, and he insisted he wanted to do it on his own one-speed low-rider (a bike for looking cool on, not for riding 50 miles!)
And in spite of the hot weather, the aching muscles, and the sheer despair at points, Jamie showed incredible resilience and managed to finish the ride. What an amazing achievement!! Well done Jamie, we could not be more proud of you!
Great Get Together (in memory of Jo Cox)
This year, the Great Get Together took place on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd June. The Great Get Together was inspired by the tragic death of member of Parliament Jo Cox, who was tragically killed in 2016.
The Great Get Together is an opportunity for communities to do just that, get together. This year we went to a great multi-cultural event with some of our young people.
Participation at Pride 2019
At Crocus Fields it is very important for our young people to see that diversity and difference is more accep
ted and celebrated in society than it used to be. Which is why we always try to have a presence at Nottingham Pride each year. Here is Lucy and Maxime, who were invited to join in with the opening parade at Pride 2019
