East Region

Suffolk Gathering

Come join us for some autumn fun…

Despite the extremely blustery autumnal weather that is exactly what thirty individuals did! On Saturday 25th November, with the wind whistling through the trees and the rain battering against the windows, we – myself (Emma Frost), Carolyn Brock, Caroline Goldsmith, Sue Frost, Hannah Frost and Betty & David Ellis (volunteers) set about transforming The Old Library at Red Gables in Stowmarket, Suffolk; into a venue to remember.

Up went the helium balloons, out came the Circles Network banners, tables were adorned with food and puppets for sale and The Person Centered Planning Information stand was put in situ. We had the makings to host a successful Gathering now all we needed were people to sample our delights and we didn’t wait long before interested parties started filling The Old Library.

Craft stalls manned by my Mum (Sue), Sister (Hannah) and Gran (Nora) – a real family collaboration were up and raring to go, waiting for willing individuals to sample the enjoyment of Christmas card making. This definitely was a popular activity with everybody having a go and making festive creations, for many it was their first attempt at being creative! This activity without a doubt addressed the IPSI elements of inclusion, interdependence and productivity as it was a constant source of creative products!

Betty and David after a quick crash course in Smoothie Making by Mark Briggs were blending away, creating many an exotic recipe which went down a storm with those willing to try some of David’s weird and wonderful concoctions! Many of the individuals who attended had never tried a smoothie let alone attempted to make one, but those who tried completely entered into the spirit of the activity – spurred along by David’s enthusiasm!

Self-determination was certainly evident in the guise of Tim Serpell, who was determined to deliver his Person Centered Planning Presentation dead on 2pm!  Tim’s presentation not only informed but kept his audience thoroughly entertained. Tim’s self-determination had to be admired as he was determined to deliver the talk single handedly, refusing any assistance in working the projector!  Tim’s presentation was warmly received by his audience with much laughter and rapturous applause throughout. Tim remembered to include everyone, throwing the floor open to questions and expecting most people to have one too! 

To contrast with the professionalism of Tim’s wonderful presentation, Mark Briggs was on hand to offer some much needed pampering.  There were quite a few individuals who benefited from Mark’s soothing hands, while others simply enjoyed mingling and talking with others about the benefits of Person Centered Planning and Circles of Support.  The upshot of this being that there were several enquires of how to request and have a Person Centred Plan.

Nathaniel Ellis’ Mum, Linda Ellis commented that, “It’s so nice to come to an event where the whole family can participate and enjoy themselves.” I think this quote sums up the entire afternoon, it was a thoroughly enjoyable yet informative and relaxed event with everybody being included in some context be it Christmas Card Making, Pampering, Smoothie Making or just general chatting!  IPSI was definitely achieved on this particular afternoon!

It appears Nathaniel gave it the thumbs up!!

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Last modified: February 05, 2008