Resource Unit January 2010

Happy New year to you all.

The Resource Unit is ready for the new term rush despite the start of January being a bit slow. Something to do with the weather possibly!!

Latest development which should be advantageous to many of you is that the Resource Unit will now be open on Fridays from 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Look out for some more jackets and fleeces in the Scrapstore thanks to local firm DREAD. Just the job for the winter chill.

Don’t forget we have 6 brand new slim-line integrated dishwashers on offer to anyone who has a need for one.

There are still some new lockers left but you may have to act quickly as they may not be here much longer.

Just in are some nursery sized tables and chairs. These are always snapped up very soon so get in quick if you need some.

The shop will be stocking the usual range of quality products at value for money prices, but we need your help.

We need to supply what members want so if there is a demand for different stock, then please let us know and we will try to provide it.

Remember also that VAT has increased this year so until we get all the stock through the system, some of the prices may differ marginally from those indicated on the label.

Just a reminder too that you may need to book early for the fundraising equipment hire and also to let us know of any membership details which have changed so we can keep our records up to date.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon in the Resource Unit.

Santa Cruise

Father Christmas on the narrow boat sleigh,

Cruised down the canal in a merry way

Ringing his bell and shouting hohoho

He had lots of sweet treats for the children to throw

People waved as we cruised on the MKPA sleigh

With pretty lights to guide the way

It looked really good and was very much fun

Next year he’s back so tell everyone

Santa Cruise was the brain child of Emma Egerton our Boat Ranger. We spoke one lunch time about Christmas and how cool it was when Santa used to come down the street and wave to all the children. She thought it would be good if the Funion Bargee were to cruise along the canal and have Santa on board to bring Christmas cheer to all the children along the way and deliver some sweetie goodies to them.

The first part of the cruise was a long stretch from Simpson to Peartree Bridge, Santa brought much cheer to the locals of the Peartree Inn Pub and families came rushing to the doors in order to get a glimpse of the jolly big man. Further down the canal many children and families came rushing to the windows of their homes for a wave, one fully grown man even stopped his car to get out and take a picture. Just goes to show you’re never too old to stop believing! We ended the journey that evening with one lucky girl coming aboard Santa’s water sleigh and cruising for a little bit with her mummy and Santa before having her photo taken with him.

The second outing was from Peartree Bridge to Campbell Park but unfortunately due to the Christmas like weather there weren’t many people coming out to say hello this time but Santa continued to spread his Christmas cheer to all the households that he passed along his merry way.

The next stretch, Campbell park to Cosgrove we heard the excitable children before we saw them!

Over the course of 3 nights Santa spread his cheer to over 50 people and dished out a whole tub of lollies to all who greeted him.

So for all those believers and non believers out there, you should keep your eyes peeled in 2010 and you never know Santa might just come to your town.

Funion Bargee is finally launched

After a year being built the Big Lottery funded MKPA Playboat is finally launched on the Grand Union Canal. In front of a crowd of around 200 adults, children and young people, the Mayor Cllr. Euan Henderson smashed the traditional bottle against the hull to siganl the start of this 5 year project to bring play opportunities to the canal in Milton Keynes. The Funion Bargee will spend its time cruising the canal between Slapton just south of Leighton Buzzard and Gayton in Northamptonshire. The idea is to introduce children into the delights of the canal, its wildlife and the nature places children can play safely around the waterside.

To catch up with all the latest developments read our blog at the Funion Bargee Blog

Forest Schools  MKPA

With help from funding from Milton Keynes Community Foundation, and with the kind permission of the Parks Trust to use an area of woodland, MKPA are now able to offer a series of taster sessions for groups interested in Forest School sessions between now and March 2009.

The Forest Schools ethos is to develop children and young people’s self-esteem by using the outdoors as a learning environment and setting appropriately challenging yet achievable tasks.

Session content and timing will be tailored to the client group’s needs, so please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.

We are also able to offer training to people interested in delivering Forest Schools within their own environment.

For more information, visit our sister site http://mkforestschools.co.uk

Please contact CJ or Cris on 01908 263033