The Bionic Ear Show is performing for the London base of the University of the Third Age (U3A), on January 31, for members of the South London Lip Reading Group. Presented by national charity Deafness Research UK, the award winning show sponsored by BUPA and the BIG Lottery Fund and will be providing viewers with a fun packed, entertaining and informative show on how the ear works, what can go wrong and what can be done to put things right.

The Bionic Ear Show has been designed to help people of all ages understand the importance of caring for your ears, to prevent early hearing loss – especially in the younger generation. The show is hosted by the enthusiastic Tobin May and features among other things, interactive games, demonstrations and ‘the world’s largest ear’ – which is a whopping 22ft long. The serious underlying message surrounding the science behind ears and hearing loss is explained for audiences of all ages to understand and no scientific knowledge is needed to enjoy the show.

The University of the Third Age are self- help lifelong learning cooperatives for older people no longer in full time work, and the Lip Reading Groups are committed to helping the deaf and hard of hearing and those suffering from Tinnitus. The groups are just part of a number of services the U3A provides, with lip reading classes available to those who suffer from hearing loss or simply wish to learn, making it the perfect setting for the Bionic Ear Show.

The show is taking place on 31 January at St Mary’s Centre, Eltham High Street in London between 2-3pm. Hearing screenings will be available following the show, plus a short talk from Deafness Research UK’s Andrew Goodwin. Full details can be gained by contacting the centre at http://www.u3a.org.uk

“While the revolution in MP3 and phone technology has given us all the benefit of music on the move, an unwelcome side effect is we are pumping up the volume into our ears and at a far earlier age than ever before,” said Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK. One of the key messages the Bionic Ear Show will be taking to the University of the Third Age, is not to stop using MP3 players, or enjoying music, but to enjoy your favourite sounds and your hearing for longer.”

The audience will have the chance to hear demonstrations of what it sounds like for those with high frequency hear loss, as well as a ‘guess that tune’ game allowing the audience to experience how difficult it is for those with cochlear implants (so called Bionic Ears) to recognise the everyday sounds and music so many of us take for granted. Everyone can take something positive from this award winning show. The Bionic Ear Show appeals to all ages and includes hearing tests along with informative demonstrations about how the ear works and how to protect your hearing. To invite the Bionic Ear Roadshow to your school, community group or event, contact Laura Turner at Deafness Research UK. Laura can be contacted on 020 7164 22 94 or email Laura at laura.turner@deafnessresearch.org.uk. The show is free of charge and while the schedule is subject to change, the latest information can be found on the website at: www.bionicearshow.org.

Christmas came early for four-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Zac Walton and his family when they took delivery of a wheelchair-accessible car (click here to watch the video). Big-hearted Constables Mobility Managing Director David Constable agreed to give the family the £14,000 vehicle when he heard about the amazing fundraising Zac’s father Ben had been doing for charities like Whizz-Kidz. Ben, from Andover, found out about the car when he attended a recording of Noel’s Christmas Presents believing that his friend Howard would be receiving a gift from Noel Edmonds. Ben was moved to tears when Noel approached him during the recording and told him that Constables Mobility had agreed to donate a Citro’n Berlingo converted for wheelchair passengers with a lowered floor and a gently sloping ramp.

David Constable, Managing Director of Constables Mobility, said: “When we were approached by Noel’s team and told about Ben’s incredible generosity towards others and how the family desperately needed a better way to transport their son as he grows heavier, we agreed to help. Having one of the cars we’ve adapted for wheelchair users and their families and friends will make a huge difference to Zac and his family and give them the freedom to travel easily and comfortably.”

Ben, who firmly believes that ‘what goes around comes around’, was finding it increasingly difficult to lift Zac in and out of their ordinary car. Life had just become even more challenging with the arrival of Zac’s baby sister Lara. The Constables car is the answer to the family’s prayers as it will allow them to transport Zac safely and easily in his wheelchair.

Ben said: “I’m the only one who could get Zac in and out of a normal car. He’s quite tall for his age and, because he can’t use his legs, it was like threading a needle to get him in the right position. It meant all sorts of awkward positions like having his legs over my shoulders – it wasn’t good for either of us especially as he’s at an age when dignity it becoming increasingly important. It was also really time consuming as Zac’s special buggy has a four-point harness to undo and it’s heavy to lift and fold up. The new car is going to be fantastic. It will make our lives so much easier and save us so much time – I can’t thank Constables Mobility enough.” Zac was 10 weeks premature and spent nine weeks in a neo natal unit before being allowed home. He weighed just 5.5lbs when he was allowed to leave hospital and Ben and his wife Abby were told that he’d been starved of oxygen. Just before Zac turned one, the couple were told the devastating news that their little boy had cerebral palsy. Since then, Zac has had several operations and there has been a constant stream of appointments to see doctors and specialists about his condition.

Ben, who has been nicknamed the ‘Iron man’ firmly believes that if someone is kind to you, you should repay their kindness. So, when Zac came out of hospital, Ben set about raising money for a baby incubator. So far he has raised £9,000. But even before Zac was born, the 36 year old, who owns a dry cleaning business in Andover, had gained a reputation for doing crazy things involving ironing to raise money for Children in Need. Ben’s stunts have gained him the World Record for ironing non-stop for 75 hours, breaking his previous world record of 60 hours. Ben’s ironing marathon raised £2,750 for Princess Royal Trust for Carers – the charity that helped the Walton family to buy Zac’s special buggy. Ben raised enough to pay back the value of the buggy, plus enough to fund a pamper day for the carers and their Christmas party.

Ben has also raised money ironing in lots of different locations including at the top of Ben Nevis and at every football club in England in 36 hours in 2005. He even ironed on the roof of Andover’s Guildhall dressed as Pudsey Bear and has pressed items for celebrities like Sir Terry Wogan and Status Quo for charity. Ben’s ironing exploits have raised a massive £20,000 over seven years. He also found time to run the London Marathon last year, raising £5,000 for charity Bliss.

With little Zac as his inspiration, in 2012 Ben plans to complete the Three Peaks Challenge for Andover Young Carers who have recently had their funding cut, and run three marathons for Whizz Kids.

All Constables Mobility conversions are designed for the comfort and safety of the wheelchair user, driver and other passengers.. Like all the company’s wheelchair-accessible cars, Constables’ Citro’n Berlingo conversions are designed and manufactured at purpose-built UK production facilities.

Constables’ Berlingo is perfect for families because its flexibility offers seating options for up to five people including a wheelchair user and driver. In addition, there is a choice of optional folding seats. Access for the wheelchair user is up a gently sloping lightweight ramp, so gentle that it rarely requires a winch, and the conversion is fully certified to the most up-to-date EU standards for safety and the environment.

Constables Mobility is one of the UK’s leading reputable manufacturers and suppliers of rear access Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) for one or two wheelchair users and have the largest range of flexible seating options in the WAV industry, offering the perfect solution for everyone searching for disabled vehicles. Constables combine expertly engineered conversions with a price that defines great value to give you choice and flexibility when searching for a disabled vehicle that is both driver friendly and will comfortably carry the driver, wheelchair user and several additional passengers. Renowned for their quality British engineering and innovation, Constables build wheelchair accessible vehicles to the highest standards, offering the family and wheelchair passenger true freedom, independence, good accessibility and exceptional user comfort. Contact Constables on 0844 88 00 218 to book a free demonstration at your home, work, business or school, or visit www.constablesmobility.com

ENDS

“Noel’s Christmas Presents” is a 90-minute studio show broadcast on SKY 1 over the festive period. Noel Edmonds makes dreams come true for the nation’s most deserving, hard-working and selfless people. Rewarding people for their acts of generosity, Noel tells their emotive stories, as the once-in-a-lifetime gifts make this a Christmas to remember. The show is a heart-warming and uplifting festive treat brimming with touching true-life tales to remind the nation that Christmas should be about giving.
This Christmas, Noel’s Christmas Presents hopes to make the festive season extra special for some of those who’ve dedicated their time to others or battled against the odds. Having been nominated by friends, neighbours or family, Noel Edmonds travels the country delivering unique presents to people who deserve a Christmas gift which money cannot buy. Notes to editors: Images are available of the Waltons at their home taking delivery of the vehicle and also in the studio with Noel Edmonds. For more information contact Suzi Christie at Blueberry Public Relations on 01435 830031 or e-mail Suzi@blueberry-pr.co.uk

In July 2011, Consumer Grades Inc. released its annual report on medical products. For the second year in a row the report named HemTab as the Editor’s Choice for the most effective hemorrhoid treatment. HemTab was followed by Preparation H, Venapro, Zenmed, and Avatrol from a field of 100 brands of hemorrhoid treatment products. The results were based on Consumer Grades’s research which included feedback from hemorrhoids sufferers who completed satisfaction surveys that asked about product effectiveness, value, reorder rates, safety, and customer service. Although the very popular treatments: Venapro, Preparation H, Avatrol and Zenmed all placed within the top five choices, HemTab took top honors for the second year in a row. Established in 2004, HemTab hemorrhoid treatment has a strong reputation for effectiveness among it’s users. The system was developed by proctologists and medical researchers and contains well-researched ingredients that have been specifically chosen for even the most difficult cases of hemorrhoids. The HemTab system is reported to reduce hemorrhoid inflammation within 2-3 hours. HemTab contains all natural ingredients including: witch hazel, horse chestnut, ginger root and blonde psyllium. All of these ingredients are well known in the treatment of hemorrhoids. HemTab is not available in pharmacies but can be purchased online from many reputable distributors. That means that you can purchase HemTab from the privacy of your own home, saving yourself from the embarrassment of buying your hemorrhoid treatment at your local pharmacy. With HemTab you get privacy, quick shipping and an excellent return policy as you get the relief that you need. To read reviews and compare prices and ingredients of HemTab and the other top selling hemorrhoid treatment products please visit ConsumerGrades.org

Company Profile Details:

Company Name : HemTab, Inc.
Company Website : HemTab.com
Company Contact Email : support@hemtab.com
Company Contact No. : 1-855-TRY-HEMTAB

A DISABLED man has been banned from taking part in his local karaoke night – because he isn’t a good enough singer.

Beatles fan James Smyth,  23, had become a regular at Friday evening karaoke sessions at The Abington pub, in Northampton, performing Fab Four hits such as Hey Jude and Yellow Submarine.

But this week he was asked not to sing by organisers, who claimed he was not good enough – despite not receiving ONE complaint from customers.

The distraught Down’s Syndrome sufferer currently lives in Ryan QC Homes supported accommodation in Northampton.

Today (MON) Alex Duggan, Ryan Homes manager, said: “Our residents have been going to the karaoke for well over six months now, one of them for over a year.

“They meet friends who also have learning disabilities, and have dinner together at the pub and drinks throughout the evening.

“On Friday, the DJ who does the karaoke handed out song books to all the tables in the pub, but for some reason he didn’t hand any to the table our residents were sitting at.

“A member of our staff who was there thought this was a little strange as he normally gives us a book straight away.

“After a few minutes the DJ came over and informed my member of staff he was not allowed to let the residents sing on the karaoke.

“He didn’t give a reason, he just said he is told what to do and the owner pays his wages at the end of the day.”

Mr Duggan said the pub’s actions had come as a complete shock.

He added: “I know most of the people in the pub welcomed the residents with open arms each week, and they really have all got on very well.

“It has always been a busy night on a Friday for the karaoke and our residents being there didn’t seem to affect the numbers whatsoever.

“The residents would only sing one or two songs each week depending on how busy the pub was, and they were in no way ‘taking over’.

“I feel it is a great shame vulnerable people in our society can be treated in this way.”

Neil Bartholomey, owner of the pub, said it had not been his decision to ask James not to sing, but that it had been taken by the person running the karaoke.

He said he had been “upset” by the whole issue, which he felt had been “blown out of proportion”.

He said: “James was asked not to sing purely on his ability in that he physically doesn’t sing. He just shouts words. There is no tune whatsoever.

“We do our utmost to make sure everyone has a fair crack of the whip and enjoys an evening, and we are trying to find that balance,”

Mr Bartholomey said he was not aware of any complaints being made against James’s singing from punters, but he believed people had left the pub on occasions because of it.

He said the pub was always welcoming to people with learning disabilities, and claimed the issue with James’s singing had been mentioned to his carers in the past.

He said: “If he came in and sang one song nobody would worry but sometimes these guys just want to come in and dominate the night.

“The karaoke is open to everyone, but everybody who sings really badly gets one opportunity, not half a dozen.”

A statement from the pub said: “There is an element of talent in karaoke required to be entertaining for the enjoyment of all.

“There are no physical reasons as to why any person cannot sing. However the definition of singing is to have a verbal skill. It is not to shout words down a microphone and for that to be called singing.

“Anyone that cannot sing in the broad sense of the word can be asked to desist if the noise created would not be classed as singing.

“Until recently a member of staff who had Downs Syndrome, worked at The Abington every Friday. It was a sad day when he had to retire from us due to his forgetfulness and his ability to be in a safe environment.”

There are not many kiosks on the market that comply with the Disability Discrimination Act to offer the same level of service for all regardless of disability. But Eidos is a kiosk that can be used by organisations to give assistance and self-service to most service users despite of any disability they might or might not have. Eidos is the newly designed kiosk from Kiosk4Business that has only recently been launched. Kiosks4Business has worked closely with councils and the NHS over a number of years, and what they have learnt is that public sector services need DDA kiosks; touchscreen kiosks designed for all users. With this in mind the Kiosks4Business design team set about designing a free standing kiosk that ticked all the boxes and Eidos was born.

Firstly the shape and style of the kiosk makes it to be wheelchair friendly. The screen is low enough for wheelchair users to view and access the screen. Furthermore the base of the kiosk fans out at the bottom, but this flaring begins under where a wheelchair’s foot plates would be so that it doesn’t prevent wheelchair users from getting close to use the Eidos. The screen is angled such that people standing at the kiosk or those seated have equal access too.

The Flaired skirt also protect the kiosks stand from being rammed by wheelchairs, the gentle gradient catches oncoming wheelchairs and brings it to a stop instead of letting the wheelchair bump violently into the kiosk. Eidos comes with high quality specifications such as a multi-touch touchscreen. The screen has dual purpose, not only does it look fantastic and make the interactive screens on the software look and feel great. The screen also has DDA advantages too. Where motor control is an issue, the touchscreen makes navigating the kiosk so much easier, users can simply touch and drag the screen in a similar way to the ipad screen.

Touchscreens are fantastic for disability kiosks because the screen can instantly make the buttons or text larger or smaller to accommodate users who are visually impaired, or have limited control of their hand and require big buttons. Eidos is a great design for seamlessly introducing additional features into the kiosk, and additional functionality can be added such as a Hearing loop, a telephone handset or a printer. Adding additional features to Eidos makes the kiosk more disability friendly.

Eidos comes with an illuminated head. LED lighting behind the head of the kiosk gives the Eidos that vogue look. The light of the Eidos makes the kiosk visiable across the room to people who have sight issues.

I suppose you thinking that the Eidos sounds great but all this thought through designing must come at a price. The Eidos is probably a lot better value than most kiosks out there, the basic model including the multi-touch touchscreen being on average £500 less than other companies’ kiosks with lower spec. Eidos offers a great looking kiosk, with versatility at a realistic price that offers value for money.

Eidos is the first in a series of new kiosk designs from the team at Kiosks4business. Checkout our website or call us today for more information http://www.Kiosks4Business.com 0845 451 2020

~ PRESS RELEASE ~
Like Jessie J’s crutches? Try GlamSticks for real glamour!
People love the “blinged-up” crutches that Jessie J wore at the vMA ceremony this weekend! Who would have thought that crutches could look so glamorous? Well, Debbie Deboo and GlamSticks, that’s who! GlamSticks have been on the market for a couple of years, and now they’re creating a real buzz all of their own. That’s why Debbie has been nominated for a national award, the Mobility Product Award, by Disabled Motoring UK (see http://www.disabledmotoring.org/news/disabled-motoring-uk-awards-2/#more-3095).
Debbie established GlamSticks after she became ill and disabled with M.E. and could no longer work as a teacher. Frustrated at being largely housebound and needing to do something to occupy her mind and creative energy, and desperately frustrated by the dull, ugly grey mobility crutches that she was now forced to use, Debbie “glammed” up her crutches and wheelchair with rhinestones and glitter, in a dazzling array of colours.
Debbie then started to receive really positive comments and looks when she was out and about and for the first time her disability was not seen in negative terms, as something to feel embarrassed by and ashamed of. Debbie realised that this could work for others too and so “GlamSticks” was born. Debbie began to produce designer mobility crutches and walking sticks for sale, spending months perfecting the painting and varnishing techniques to produce sturdy, quality designs.
From the feedback that she has received from her many customers (whom Debbie prefers to see as her friends) it is clear that GlamSticks is changing peoples’ lives for the better. People who previously were embarrassed to step outside, nervous and fearful of the looks that they would get, now want to go out and want to be seen – they feel glamorous and fashionable; they feel good about themselves and they look good.
GlamSticks are really popular – they were featured in two London fashion shows in 2010 and one pair was auctioned at a charity event hosted by Channel 4 newsreader, Jon Snow. They are used by Hollyoaks actress Kelly-Marie Stewart (who has since become a very good friends of Debbie’s) and Kelly-Marie made sure she had them when she walked down the red carpet at the British Soap Awards event in 2010.
GlamSticks proves that the disabled can be every bit as glamorous and fashionable as anyone else!
________________________________________
GlamSticks are hand-designed, custom-made disability support aids, crutches, walking sticks (folding and non-folding) and accessories. They are designed and created by Debbie Deboo, of Collier Row, Essex, who is disabled through illness as a long-term sufferer of ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and fibromyalgia.
Debbie can be contacted via:
www.glamsticks.co.uk
telephone: 07733 326 461
email: debbiedeboo@gmail.com

For immediate release

Blind and Partially Sighted People Struggling to Access Services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

A questionnaire administered to a third of all registered blind and partially sighted people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, posing simple questions about how they access local services, has produced some shocking results.

32% of people surveyed said they find local Buses difficult to use unaccompanied. Trains came second with 23.5% of people finding it hard to use this vital means of public transport. Common themes occurred such as unhelpful staff, bus drivers not stopping when they see white cane users and the inaccessibility of timetables and signage.

Mrs Hazel Mayles from Coalville had a particularly spiteful experience with a bus driver, “In the 1990’s I went to get on the Midland Red bus in Coalville and the bus driver closed the doors with my guide dog on the bus without me! I was left alone, disorientated, holding the lead. If I hadn’t of let go of the lead I would have been pulled under the bus. I frequently used this bus and went back a few days later only to find the same bus driver driving past me and hurling a load of abuse at me. Since this I have been afraid to use any bus services. It really has shattered my confidence in public transport.”

This lack of understanding and poor customer service towards people who use white canes and guide dogs from local public transport services was frequent throughout the results of the survey. A lady from Scraptoft who wishes to remain anonymous said, “My white stick does not make bus drivers stop to let me know the number of the bus. I have written to Arriva after being ignored resulted in my thirty minute journey taking two hours.” Local shops, including large chain supermarkets, presented 19% of the people surveyed with a problem. The clutter in aisles, inaccessible food labels and signage, alongside hazardous A-boards on pavements were common statements from those surveyed.

Mr Ken Russell from Great Glen said “I visited a local newsagent in Market Harborough to buy a few magazines. I went to pay with my credit card. Due to my sight loss I am not able to use pin and chip machines so I am allowed to sign for purchases. The shop keeper would not allow me to do this despite explaining about my sight loss. She then proceeded to shout sarcastically at the top of her voice have a nice day when I was leaving. I wish people were educated about sight loss.” This incident happened a year ago and Ken wrote to the newsagent complaining about how he was unfairly treated. He has not received a reply back from them. GP Surgeries presented 19% of those surveyed with a problem. Issues such as the use of LED screens without audio transcription to call patients, poor lighting in surgeries and small font sizes on appointment letters were highlighted.

Mr Brian Negus from Loughborough said “”The use of visual displays in doctor’s surgeries to call people forward to appointments isn’t accessible to people with sight loss and needs to be supplemented with other solutions such as spoken announcements. Service providers really must take into account the needs of all members of society when they install systems to be used by patients.”

Vista offers Visual Impairment Awareness Training to provide local organisations with practical learning, ensuring services and information comply with the Equality Act 2010 by being accessible for people with sight loss.

Through basic or tailor-made training Vista aims to dispel myths and raise awareness of sensory impairment in order to promote the independence, well-being and social inclusion of people with a visual or dual-sensory loss.

Learning is experiential and participants will take from the sessions the confidence and practical skills, to be able to support visually impaired people in the future. Vista’s Visual Impairment Awareness Training would help to eliminate all of the problems highlighted from this survey. Sadly after many attempts to contact numerous bus and train companies they have failed to respond to our enquiries. There have been some responses from local retailers and GP surgeries however there is still much room for improvement in this area. Sue Allen, Vista’s Visual Impairment Awareness Trainer said, “Earlier this year disabled people won new rights for travel on buses and coaches. In a campaign led by the RNIB the rights mean that from 2013 audible announcements of the current stops, next stop and final destination should be available on board every bus and scheduled coach service in the UK.

“I am keen to work with all local businesses who deal with members of the public to give them training around sight loss. The results of the survey have been extraordinary, with some really heartbreaking cases of poor customer service. Often this is due to a simple lack of awareness around the issues faced by people of sight loss that can soon be rectified by one of Vista’s Visual Impairment Awareness training courses.”

Vista’s Chief Executive Jenny Pearce said, “It is imperative that local organisations consider the needs of all people with a disability including people with sight loss. Being able to safely and confidently access public transport and health services gives people with sight loss greater life choices including education, parenting, holidays and employment, basic rights which most sighted people take for granted.”

For more information about Vista’s Visual Impairment Awareness training for your business or a free quote please contact Sue Allen on 0116 249 8819 or email: vitraining@vistablind.org.uk.

Editors’ Notes:

-Ends-

Interviews and Photo Shoots are available upon request.

For Media enquiries and further Information about Vista please contact:

Lorna Allen

Vista Margaret Road

Off Gwendolen Road

Leicester

LE5 5FU, Tel: 0116 249 8858

Email: lorna.allen@vistablind.org.uk

Web: http://www.vistablind.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 218992

Editors’ Notes:

There are nearly 6000 registered blind and partially sighted people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, many of whom receive help and support from Vista. The questionnaire was conducted during January 2011.

www.jabble.co.uk – a new social networking site specifically designed for children between the ages of 5-11 has been launched, offering a safer and more appropriate alternative to popular sites such as Facebook and MySpace.

Social networking is increasingly becoming a major part of everyday life and understandably many young children want to join in; according to the recent survey EU Kids Online*, commissioned by the EU Commission, 27% of children surveyed in the UK said they had given an incorrect age to gain access to social networking sites.

Jabble has been developed by sister and brother team Becca Morgan and Ben Hall, and offers children many of the features found on some of the most popular networking sites, including making friends, sending messages, instant chat and games, but in an environment that is protected and monitored by Jabble moderators and parents.

Commenting on Jabble's development, Director Becca Morgan said, "As a mother of five I could see how my youngest child was becoming exposed to the phenomenon of social networking through her older siblings. However because of her age she was unable to join in the fun and it got to the point where she would try to get her sisters to set up her own account illicitly, using fake dates of birth.

"There is obviously a yearning from this age group to feel included but I felt that most sites didn't offer me the reassurance that they would not be exposed to inappropriate information, communications and images; and therefore set about developing one that I felt ticked all the boxes as a parent and was strictly monitored.

Jabble's primary aim is to protect the identity of the child outside their peer group, therefore each user is able to create a fun avatar of themselves as a picture profile, no photographs are allowed ensuring all the children's appearances are intrinsically the same.

Parents are given security controls allowing them to authorise their child's friend requests as well as monitor all communication logs and flag any inappropriate 'chat' and ensure that the child is using the network safely and communicating with children their own age. A sophisticated filtering system also removes any personal information from messages, should a child inadvertently give this out.

Becca continued, "I don't think many parents are aware that social networking sites such as Facebook, Bebo or MySpace have a minimum user age of 13, or that their children may have accounts. OFCOM research has said that a quarter of children aged 8-12 who use the internet have profiles on these sites, which as a parent I find worrying."

Access to Jabble is free via www.jabble.co.uk and a Jabble app will be available to download by the end of July. The site has been awarded TRUSTe's Privacy Seal.

-ENDS-

*EU Kids Online " www.eukidsonline.net

Spottiswoode Trading is the place for unique, soft and bright coloured baby toys.
Spottiswoode Trading is a UK based, small family-owned company that has designed infant and preschool children's soft toys and gifts for more than twentyfive years. The designs are timeless, simple and classical with bright contrasting colours so they are instantly attractive to babies and children and, most importantly, they are fun too!
The whole Spottiswoode Trading collection is beautifully made of cotton with a soft polyester filling. The toys are of the highest quality, incorporating all the British safety standards and the attention to detail is second to none. The emphasis is on imaginative play to stimulate young minds. In the collection you will find not only toys but also practical items like toy bags, pyjama cases, storage items, wall hangings and a great range of personalised gifts.
One product I have been very pleased to review is the Safari Train. Beautifully crafted with bright coloured animals, this soft toy provides a perfect interactive and learning experience for 0-3 year olds. With the animals detachable, your little one can also create an array of imaginative games and re position the Safari train just how they like. This product is available for only £35, including all 6 animals.
www.spottiswoodetrading.com

An after school project run by the Newtownards Road Women's Group has benefited from significant funding from the George Best Belfast City Airport Community Fund.

The "Four Seasons" activity project aims to give children aged between 5 and 11 an insight into the effect each of the seasons can have on wildlife and animals in the environment around them.

Heather McMurray, Operations Manager of the Carew II Family Centre which is owned and managed by the Newtownards Road Women's Group has said of the project:

"Many of the children we work with do not have access to gardens or play areas.

"During the forthcoming months the children will visit farms, study nature tables, learn to identify different species of animals and birds, plant and take care of bulbs, decorate wooden eggs and plant pots.

"Thanks to the £2,500 funding from George Best Belfast City Airport Community Fund, I don't think any of the children will be disappointed with the creative activities we have planned for the rest of year."

Laura Duggan, Environmental Executive at George Best Belfast City Airport said:

"The 'Four Seasons' project is very exciting for the children taking part and exactly the type of project we had in mind when developing our Community Fund programme.

"The combination of indoor and outdoor projects as well as visits to local attractions is a great way for these children to become involved in and understand their own community and environment.

"I have planted some bulbs with the children and saw the excitement and interest that the project generated among the children. I am looking forward to seeing what the group will be getting up to next throughout the rest of the year."

To date the airport's community fund has contributed over £50,000 to local projects.

For information on the community fund or to find out how your group can apply for funding please visit www.belfastcityairport.com or contact communityfund@belfastcityairport.com

www.belfastcityairport.com