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Archived News
Carols by Candlelight
Tuesday 15 December 2009
The cold, wet weather in the lead up to Christmas didn't put a dampener on our annual Carol Service at the centre, but the venue did move from indoors to out and back again several times before we decided to play safe.
The reception area quickly filled up and, after a brief welcome from Canon Spence, singing was led by Sarah Scott with a choir of students from Sacred Heart High School.
As well as joining in with such old favourites as "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and of course "Silent Night" everyone enjoyed hearing the choir themselves, with some of the girls singing solos.
Canon Spence ended proceedings with a blessing before everyone went through to Browne's Cafe to round off the evening with mince pies and refreshments.
Being a Toddler is Hard Work
Monday 27 July 2009
It's not easy being a toddler, you know. Mum (or Grandma) wants you to take her to the Teddy Bears Picnic so, for a start, you have to keep her entertained by jumping around in the ball pool.
Then you have to play 'pass the teddy bear' to win some sweets - although I do suspect that everyone ended up with sweets whether they got the bear or not! Then its outside to help her count the teddies hidden around the garden - a bit tricky when one of them is actually a monkey and another is a duck!
Still, it all helps to work up an appetite for the picnic in the tent.
Of course, once you've had something to eat and a bit of a rest and you realise the sun's out, it would be a shame not to make use of the playground, wouldn't it?
They tell me that they will be doing this again next year. I suppose I'll have to bring Mum along again then. Still, it keeps her out of mischief for a while.
Now I know there's another teddy round here somewhere!
A nine hour journey for a short break -
but Catherine says it's worth it!
July 2009
Distance was no object when Catherine Hedger from Worthing in West Sussex decided that the Alan Shearer Centre was exactly what she needed for a short break.
Catherine (or Cat) had been searching the internet for bubble tubes for a sensory room when, quite by chance, the Alan Shearer Centre appeared in her search results. The more she read, the more determined she was to visit us.
The problem was that, at the age of 23, Cat, like many disabled people, is considered either too old (meaning over 18) or too young (under 65) to qualify for help from her local social services. When Cat sets her mind to something though, she isn't easily discouraged. She contacted all the charities she could to ask about funding and finally won the support of Worthing Lions Club, who contributed £600 towards her trip. A further £750 was donated by Elizabeth Finn Care.
Cat arrived after a nine hour rail journey from Worthing armed with her bus pass and a list of places she wanted to see, including the Metro Centre and Durham. She said she loves the Centre and can't praise the staff enough. She has also found people in Newcastle more accepting and helpful towards disabled people than back at home - where people always seem to be in a hurry and treat her as though she is in their way.
Cat has only been disabled for four years and is still adapting to a new lifestyle. She had been an average teenager until a night out with friends in 2005 when her drink was 'spiked' with the drug GHB. The drug triggered a siezure which left her with a number of disabilities. She has since been involved in helping to publicise the dangers of the drug - and of leaving your drinks unattended.
She sees her break at the Centre as a holiday for her family too. She says she "loves them to bits", but it's good for everyone to have some time apart. Funding permitting, she hopes to make the Centre an annual holiday.
Hundreds turn out for the Cheeseburn Grange Open Day
Sunday 12 July 2009
As part of the National Gardens Scheme, Cheeseburn Grange on the outskirts of Newcastle opened its gardens to the public again this year. Money raised from entrance fees goes to national cancer charities such as Macmillan and Marie Curie, but money from sales on the day is being donated to the Alan Shearer Centre.
The Grange is a grade II star listed building designed for the Riddell family in 1813 by Newcastle architect John Dobson. It stands on the site of an earlier 17th century house in seven acres of beautifully restored gardens.
Last year Mr and Mrs Riddell, together with members of the congregation of the Grange's chapel of St. Francis Xavier, raised £1,232 through the sale of teas and cakes.
This year's open day was on Sunday 12th July from 2pm till 5.30pm and offered homemade teas, a plant and produce sale and a sculpture show featuring the work of ten northern sculptors. Many of the scupltures were for sale and one was raffled in aid of the Alan Shearer Centre.
Among the hundreds of people who made the day such a success were Shona Chambers, who works at the Alan Shearer Centre, with her son Michael (below).
Volunteers help with garden makeover
May & June 2009
Civil servants swapped their computer screens for spades when they offered to lend a hand in the gardens at the Alan Shearer Centre.
Department of Work and Pensions staff from across the North East and from offices in Warrington have helped to clear undergrowth and prepare the ground for an accessible “woodland walk “designed for disabled people.
The staff each worked for a day at the centre as part of the Community 5000 scheme, a national DWP initiative which aims to provide 5,000 hours of voluntary work each year to charities.
Alan Shearer Centre Manager, Claire Atkinson said:
"We are very grateful to everyone to everyone who has volunteered to help out. The team has worked extremely hard to clear the grounds of literally tonnes of garden waste.
We're now looking forward to redesigning the site, with new plants, bird feeders and a hide to enable our visitors to observe the wildlife which we are hoping will be attracted by the new growth."
As well as staff from the Department of Work and Pensions the Centre has been fortunate to recruit volunteer helpers from the Tynedale Centre in Hexham. Our thanks to everyone for all their hard work.
Don't forget - there's always plenty to do at the Centre, so more volunteers are always welcome!
Papal Nuncio Visit
Saturday 20 October 2008
His Excellency Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, visited the Alan Shearer Centre on Saturday 20 October 2008 to bless the grounds and gardens at the Centre.
The Alan Shearer Centre Manager, Jane Percy, gave Archbishop Munoz, Bishop Kevin Dunn and Monsignor Brady a guided tour of the Centre. They were able to see first hand the freedom that the Centre offers to people with disabilities as they met service users in the sensory rooms. The visit to the Centre was part of a four day tour of the North East.
St Cuthberts Care's Director, Austin Donhoe, gave a short speech welcoming Archbishop Munoz to the Alan Shearer Centre and informed him of the work the Centre does with all members of the community, before showing a promotional DVD of the Centre. After blessing the grounds and unveiling a commemorative plaque, Archbishop Munoz spent the remainder of the morning chatting to the Centre's staff and a handful of St Cuthberts Care's supporters over tea and cakes in Browne's Internet Café.
Rt Hon Francis Maude visits the Centre
Friday 14 March 2008
The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, paid a brief visit to the Alan Shearer Activity Centre and Short Break Service.
During his hour-long visit, Mr Maude toured the Centre with with Centre Manager, Jane Percy, and the Deputy Director, Moira Ashman.
Mr Maude had the opportunity to chat to service users, during which time he was able to appreciate the difference the Centre has made to their lives.
He was especially impressed with the unique facilities at the Centre, and the level of care provided at the short break service.
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