February 2012

Dignity Action Day which is on the 1st February 2012, gives everyone the opportunity to contribute to upholding people's rights to dignity and provide a memorable day for people receiving care. David Lewis is passionate about providing people in our care with choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives. We are holding a coffee morning from 10-12pm in our newly refurbished club JD's to celebrate this day. Lots of home made cakes to enjoy and buy.
For information on how you can make a difference go to www.dignityincare.org.uk .



January 2012

The results of the Birdwatch have been flying in and in total we spotted 220 birds ( 9 different species) - David Lewis is definitely a bird friendly site ! A big thank you to everyone that took part.

Well it is a Happy New Year from all the team at David Lewis and we are looking forward to another exciting and successful year.
To ease us into 2012, we are taking part in  he Big Schools Birdwatch in conjunction with the RSPB from the 16th-30th January.We hope to get the biggest group ever known to the event, all watching out for the different species of birds in and around the David Lewis site and community homes. With lots of different activities going on, updates and pictures will follow shortly.

For people at home, more information on the Big Garden Birdwatch ( 28th/29th January) can be found on the RSPB website. Last year 600 thousand people took part and 30 million birds were spotted in 300 thousand gardens.



December 2011

The refurbishment of JD's activity club is now complete and we are really pleased with the new look and layout. Thank you to everyone that has made this possible and our residents now have a fantastic environment in which they will enjoy a host of activities.

     

The finishing touches are also being made to the new look and newly named "Orchards". A beautfully designed and stylishly refurbished space for people with complex physical disabilities and mobility problems to live and learn.



November 2011

  Napoleon wearing his new blue winter coat and Sam in red

The donkeys have arrived ! Yes finally after a long wait, David Lewis welcomes Napoleon ( age 3) and Sam( age 9) to their new home.
Originally rescued by an animal trust in Somerset, the donkeys now have a lovely warm stable and paddock to enjoy their days.


October 2011

College learners go wild during Wild Bird Week.
The beautiful grounds at Warford are home to many species of wild birds and with the seasons turning it is important we look after them all year round.. So Nicola and her team got to work making and hanging bird feeders filled with nuts and fat balls during Wild Bird Week all round the site. College students will be looking out to see who visits the feeders over the coming months and will have their cameras at the ready.
 
      



Lots of new friends made at the Treacle Market in Macclesfield for David Lewis
With the first ever community stand at the bustling Halloween themed market in Macclesfield, David Lewis were proud to be part of day. The Studio 5 team were showcasing their gifts and crafts and generated lots of interest from the enormous amount of shoppers who had turned out for the event. It was a great way to raise our profile and we hope that we will return for another event soon.


David Lewis nominates Canalside Radio in Macclesfield for a North West Positive Action Award and they WIN !
Debbie Morley and her team have enjoyed a very postive few months working with the folks at Canalside Radio , who have provided invaluable time and opportunities for some of our College learners to experience what goes into making a successful radio programme. Only finding out on the night, Canalside were overwhelmed that they had  won and are keen to find other ways of supporting David Lewis in the future.
 
 



October 2011- new photos added

Well it has been a busy summer here at David Lewis, with lots of activity taking place to prepare for the new College term and upgrading our adult residents club and other facilities.

Studio 5  wins " Best Shop Window " award !
Our art and craft shop in the village of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire has just been awarded the best shop window throughout 2011 award by the Parish Council.
The shop which opened in April 2009 has built up a reputation for making and selling quality hand crafted goods within the village community.
It provides a great base for our residents to experience and  learn all about customer service, enhance communication skills and be part of the team.

 
 Here is Zeta, shop manager ( above left ) and Helen from Station Road proudly showing off the trophy at the award ceremony.

Drop by to see our fantastic Halloween and Bonfire Night window display and lots of goodies to fill your basket !

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Small animal base welcomes new arrivals

Each week, there seems to be a new arrival at the small animal base. The residents and staff who care for the animals are certainly being kept busy with the variety of animals and small reptiles. We are looking forward to the arrival of the donkeys and work is underway to make sure they have a good shelter in the paddock as well as their stable at night.
Here is a quick peek at who you can see at the base :

   

Poppy the goat

 



Disability Awareness Day Event (DAD) - July 10th 2011 10am -5pm

The David Lewis team certainly stood out at the DAD event on the 10th July 2011. Our purple theme was an instant hit with the visitors and drew them to our stands to find out more about what we do.
It was a truly inclusive magical day with over 25000 visitors and is reported to be one of Europe's largest disability events. The main stage was a vibrant mix of dance, singing and music with so many other activities to try/visit such as scuba diving, the climbing wall, zoo, sponsored walk, sensory zones, you were constantly entertained.
We were proud to be one of the sponsors and it certainly helped to raise our profile and network with other providers.

  

Photo of Anne Price receiving an award on behalf of David Lewis from Dave Thompson, founder of the DAD event.

Coverage of the event was on Granada News and in the local press.

For more information visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk