June 2011 e-bulletin

Welcome to June at Play Resource. The shop is packed with bright displays and Quick Ideas to inspire your activities as summer schemes start, and of course don’t forget to browse our Fathers Day section! Plus from this month you can renew your membership by direct debit…what could be easier to keep up to date with Play Resource membership?!

Art & Play Shop

Don’t forget Fathers Day on 19th June, we have some great Quick Ideas on display to inspire like this Poly Pot Dad, Out of this World Dad and Pom Pom Hairy Monster Dad ! Plus as the summer scheme season begins come and stock up for all you need for group activities, and have some fun with new skills. Why not combine the free scrap materials and shop products and try some mod-roc modelling,  fabric painting , or get set for sports and games. Why not invest in a parachute this year for fun with Parachute Games?

This month we wish Emy luck as she starts her maternity leave, and we welcome Patricia to cover for her.

Products of the month…Staff Choices!
Emy says: Summer schemes give fabric painting a go – design a t-shirt! £1.35 for kids white t-shirt, and 6 pk fabric paints (150ml) for £12.25 goes a long way.
Amy says: Paper People - £1.99 for 11 pk. Create stick puppets that are great fun for early years and role play.
Charlotte says: Glass coaster– only 65p each, and buy 10 or more coasters and get 6 pk glass marker pens for only £5.50. Decorate one as a cool Fathers Day gift!

Over 100 Quick Ideas with pictures and full instructions are available to download for FREE online. Simply type key words like, 'Fathers Day' in the search box to find what you are looking for.

Or for full range of products visit the website and use the full Shop Price List to plan your shopping list. It will estimate costs straight away to fit your budget!

Scrap Store

Just in

• Blue plastic bottles – large
• Banner material
• Giant plastic spools – think ‘wheels on the bus’…..!
• Cardboard cones
• Medical tubing
• Lids – plastic folding
• Vertical blind strips- on a roll
• Polystyrene blocks – igloo style!
• Lockers
• Shower caps & mini bubble baths
• Gold & bronze plastic trays
• Hardboard & MDF sheets

Back in

• Astro turf – off cuts

Scrap Item of the Month – Staff Choices!
Sean says: Giant cardboard drums – ideal for creating trees, castle towers and lighthouses!
Paul says: Fabric off cuts – multi colours and textures, lucky dip you’ll find day-glo, sequins and silks!

For all the latest arrivals why not follow us on Twitter and you will receive a ‘tweet’ as soon as new items come in!

For all the usual scrap favourites see the updated Scrap Store Materials List. If there is something in particular you are looking for but can’t see it – just ask one of the Warehouse Team who are happy to help.

Creative Paths Arts Programme

Take a look at the fun pupils had at Windmill Integrated PS in nursery class aged 3-4, working with artist Anu Sundaralingam during their recent Creative Paths art project. On this occasion we have to agree with teacher Kierna Corr who says “Sometimes it’s the process and the end product!” , among other things see how they managed to recycle their Hungry Caterpillar Tree to give it a new lease of life too!

Visit our website to find out how to book your own Arts Outreach Project or Arts Training for staff and volunteers with Creative Paths.

In search of a community artist for your group activities or summer schemes then download the newly updated Artists List from our website.

Membership News

From this month, you now have the option to pay for Play Resource membership and invoices by Direct Debit. Why not take advantage of this service? It’s a convenient and hassle free way to settle accounts and renew. Direct Debit forms will now automatically be issued with membership renewals, but if you wish to sign up immediately contact our Membership Officer, Nicola Hobson. Once you do it will be one less thing to remember!

Take inspiration from the latest display of artwork in the Ideas Gallery at Play Resource. The BMC Community Arts & Crafts Training Course presents a diverse exhibition of students work including self portraits, 3D sculptures – even chandeliers from found objects!

Member to Member News

Now where would we be without volunteers?! I suspect that there would be a lot less fun activities available for children and young people. We know lots of our members work on a voluntary basis so it is good to see the importance of all their hard work being recognised as Volunteers Week launches in Northern Ireland . More news we thought worth celebrating too is congratulations goes to one of our members as Mairead Walsh of Holy Family Guide Unit received ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’ at a ceremony in the Europa Hotel on 12th May 2011, hosted by Newington Credit Union . The ‘Young People’s Awards’ recognises exceptional young people and individuals who have helped them in important ways. Mairead has been volunteering as leader for 10 years putting heart and soul into community work. This recognises her dedication after all these years!

Promote your events, training, festival, or exhibitions! Reach over 2,000 people who work in the community, voluntary, arts, youth and education sectors across Northern Ireland. Simply contact Fiona@playresource.org.