Fanni loves Fufu presents…

Our unique Craft Fair will be held on Saturday 16th June 2012 at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre.

Fanni Loves Fufu presents…over 30 stalls – featuring retro, vintage, homewares, clothes, art, craft, face painting and many more!

Open 10 – 4pm, our onsite licenced cafe will also be open for drinks, snacks, and refreshments.

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Henshaws staff member will travel to ‘Top of the World’ for 175th anniversary!

Richard Fountain is reaching for the stars in his new challenge to thank Henshaws for the opportunities the work has given him and to celebrate our 175th year anniversary!

Richard is a keen fundraiser and loves testing himself with new adventures. He has volunteered for many international charities such as International Aid and Development and Human Rights and now he wants to raise funds and awareness a bit closer to home.

“A while ago I remember ‘accidently’ doing a fundraising bungee jump and this time I like to think I have come up with another interesting, engaging and exciting challenge!”

This autumn, Richard aim’s to travel using surface transportation only; i.e. no flying, from our Arts and Crafts office in Knaresborough to the summit of Volvan Chimborazo in Ecuador. At 6,310 metres the peak of Chimborazo is high enough, but because of the bulge of the equator it is also the highest point on the planet from the centre of the earth, meaning it is also the point in which tobe closest to space, the stars and beyond – it is literally on top of the World!

“As well as my work overseas I have always enjoyed high level mountaineering and travel in general, I celebrated my 40th birthday recently by hitching around the world on freighters and cargo ships so I am doubly excited about this challenge. A basic outline of the journey as it stands now is to sail from Europe to West Africa, on to Brazil, down the coast to come ashore proper at Buenos Aires before travelling up through the continent, acclimatizing to altitude and having adventures as I go before finally climbing Chimborazo.”

Richard hopes to complete his challenge in approximately 3 months fundraising along the way via http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Fountain. En route he will also be publishing a blog of his progress, featuring pictures, video clips and maps of where he is up to.

All monies raised in the run up to and during Richard’s challenge will go directly to Henshaws, even some of the small administration fees justgiving charge he will reimburse himself. His target at the moment is set at £6,310, £1 per metre above sea level to the summit of Chimborazo.

Richard’s blog will be up and running soon and we will let you know when it does, in the meantime please support Richard in this amazing challenge and donate to Henshaws here http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Fountain.

What an amazing challenge! Good Luck Richard!

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Anyone for a round of Golf?

We have a fantastic opportunity to play at the impressive Harrogate Golf Club this Summer on 28th June.

The event will begin with bacon sandwiches in the morning with a shotgun start at 10:15am to begin play. Teams will be competing for prizes as well as taking part in a number of fun events, and a BBQ will be provided afterwards with a prize giving.

Entry fee for teams of four is £250.

For more information contact fundraising@henshaws.org.uk or call Faye Wilson on 0161 786 3693.

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Henshaws 175th Anniversary Ball was a swinging hit!

Last Saturday night Henshaws kicked off the 175th Anniversary celebrations with a fantastic night at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Manchester. The evening was well attended by members of the city’s business community and an amazing night was had by all, and with their support Henshaws raised over £6000!

Guests were greeted with a champagne reception and Nick Marr, Henshaws CEO, started off the birthday celebrations with an inspirational welcome speech featuring a few highlights from 1837, the year Henshaws opened its doors.  In the same year Henshaws opened in Old Trafford as an ‘Asylum for Indigent Blind’, Charles Dickens published Oliver Twist and Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. A fact particularly notable is that the charity is older than the invention of the first car!

“I am delighted with the success of the celebrations on Saturday night, and the impact it has had.  As well as having the opportunity to cultivate relationships with potential corporate partners, I found Andrew Rose’s story particularly moving.  He shared his experiences of becoming blind in today’s world, and how being helped by Henshaws has now put him in the right place to help others who need support.” Nick Marr, Henshaws Group CEO.

Coronation Street star Paula Lane also helped get the celebrations in full swing by singing the Frank Sinatra classic ‘Somethin’ Stupid’ with The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular; the evening’s entertainment. Solo artist Maria Jordan and BBC’s Becky Want and Mark Edwardson also supported the evening’s events which also included a live auction and chances to win other prizes.

Glen Lockett, Head of Fundraising said of the night “I am absolutely delighted that the efforts put in by the fundraising team turned into an amazing event.  The night brought together past, present and new supporters who will now endeavour to ensure that Henshaws gets the opportunity to celebrate in another 175 years. We’ve already started planning next year’s event!”

Well done and thank you to all involved, the Henshaws team can’t wait for the next year’s event!

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College Student Sophie talks technology

Sophie from Henshaws College shares her thoughts on ever-improving technology:

“Hello, I am Sophie. I live in Leeds with my Mum, Dad and two brothers. My brothers are called Richard and Sam. I also have two dogs and a cat. My dogs are a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Meg and a chocolate Labrador called Penny. My cat is called Jess and he’s a black and white cat.

I have Mitochondrial disorder which effects my speech and mobility. I have had three Lightwriters and the Lightwriter SL40 Connect is the best one for me because I can make phone calls to book taxis. It’s a lot better than the SL39 which didn’t do texts messages and phone calls. I am a lot more independent with my Lightwriter SL40 Connect because I can book taxis by myself now to go out shopping and buy sweets. I can now check my balance which on the Lightwriter SL40 I couldn’t.

I am very sociable so I needed my system volume turning up so people could hear me in busy places. I am in my second year at Henshaws College and have grown in confidence and independence. Last year with my Lightwriter SL40 I started using my talker with Windows speech recognition to write documents in Word and use the Internet.

I have a load of gadgets which include; my iPod Touch, my Kindle, my Bluetooth enabled wheelchair, a tripod with a camera on it and my talker of course! Peter at Leeds Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre is the best because he gets me stuff like my talkers. He even came to college to lend me a brand new SL40 before I got my Connect when my old SL40 broke. I am the only one who has a Lightwriter in college. I was also the first in Leeds to get a Connect because I can use it so well and am very lucky. I keep finding stuff I didn’t know I had; like if you press ‘Shift’ + ‘Pick’ it comes up with punctuation, symbols and accents. I love my talker. I can do jokes. I have also written this article on my talker’s notepad.”

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Great North Run ballot ends this Friday!

Henshaws is looking for enthusiastic runners to take place in the world’s biggest and most iconic half marathon.

Held in Newcastle on Sunday 16th September, we have been lucky enough to secure 25 places for the 13.1 miles run. Entry fee is £48 and minimum sponsorship is £300.

The ballot will be called this Friday 30th March, so don’t miss out, register your place by downloading this form and sending to Hannah Saxon Great North Run Entry Form 2012 or contact her on (01423) 814501 /  hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk

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Henshaws Receives £30k from Heritage Lottery Fund!

After a nail biting wait, Henshaws are pleased to announce that we have been successful in securing £30,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to hold a heritage exhibition ‘Thomas Henshaw: One Man’s Vision.’

After the discovery of a tea chest with artefacts and objects pertaining to the legacy of the charity, the team at Henshaws knew that we had to share share the history and interesting stories found in an all-sensory exhibition. The display will trace the story surrounding Thomas Henshaw’s legacy and the rich history of Henshaws. It will explore the charity’s history and the history of visual impairment as well as commissioning new contemporary artworks. It will feature the fascinating stories from people who have been part of Henshaws throughout the years.

The exhibition is planned to open at Gallery Oldham later this year and will then tour regionally. By touring the exhibition we will be engaging with a much wider audience in the legacy, sharing our history and fostering a greater understanding amongst sighted people of the challenges faced by those with visual impairment.

You can read more on some of the interesting stories and history about Thomas Henshaw and Henshaws here. We will be keeping you all up to date with our progress, but do keep an eye out in the press and media!

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Anniversary Ball with The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular!

This spring on 24th March, we are hosting a Henshaws’ Anniversary Ball, featuring a fabulous stage show performance from The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular!

For one night only, you are invited to enjoy an evening of live swing music performed in the intimate dining room at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester where, in the company of no more than 200 guests you will help us celebrate our 175th Birthday.

On arrival you will be greeted with champagne and canapés followed by a three course dinner served in the Radisson’s elegant ballroom. After dinner our celebrity compere will host an auction featuring a wide selection of exclusive lots. The evening’s celebrations will climax with a stunning Vegas Spectacular performance from The Rat Pack, certain to get you all on the dance floor!

Established in 1837 by Oldham businessman Thomas Henshaw, we thought it only fitting to celebrate our 175th Birthday in style by hosting this celebration in the city where we were founded.

Tickets are available at just £75 per head, giving you the chance to join us on what promises to be a glorious night of entertainment and celebration.

We also have other packages and sponsorship opportunities available. For tickets and further information please contact Faye.wilson@henshaws.org.uk or call 0161 786 3693.

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You can help Henshaws raise £3000 by Shopping Online

Did you know that you can support Henshaws by shopping online – at no extra cost to you! The Give as you Live techonology is currently used by more than 1,300 leading retailers including John Lewis, M&S and British Airways.

Powered by Everyclick, which since 2005 has raised over £2 million for charities, Give as you Live gives online shoppers the opportunity to donate to Henshaws when they check out, a percentage of the price will then go straight to Henshaws paid for by the retailer. The site also allows you to make wish lists for yourself as well as friends and family.

And this month Give as you Live have launched a new scheme in order to help Henshaws and other charities earn at least £3,000 this year!  If you sign up by 31st March 2012, Give as you Live will donate an additional £5 to us after you spend £10 or more through Give as you Live. This means that if we get at least 100 new shoppers, we could raise £3000 towards our services! But we need to get at least 25 shoppers before 31st March 2012, so to help Henshaws be in with a chance of raising £3000 please visit our page here on Give as you Live.

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Folk CD honours local hero in support of Arts and Crafts Centre

A folk CD called The Blind Jack Band has raised over £2000 for Henshaws.

The CD has been named in honour of John Metcalf, arguably Knaresborough’s most famous character. As well as being a renowned civil engineer and horseman, Blind Jack Metcalf was also a fiddle player. He  became completely blind at the age of 6 following small pox. The CD features a range of singers and musicians from across Yorkshire with all the tracks having relevance to Harrogate, Knaresborough and the surrounding area.

The CD was the brainchild of band member Mark Ellison who was so impressed by the services offered to visually impaired people by Henshaws that he decided to raise funds for the charity. Said Mark, “John Metcalfe  never let his disability shape his life- his achievements were truly remarkable by anyone’s standards and his triumph over adversity is an example to us all. Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre is very close to Jack’s birthplace in Knaresborough, and Henshaws College is in the Harrogate area where he played his fiddle at dances. The Blind Jack Band CD features the sort of music that would have been familiar to Jack and is in aid of a charity that I’m sure he would have approved of. Henshaws is well known for their good work with visually impaired people, helping them gain self-confidence and independence.”
 
The last remaining CDs are available from Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough at the bargain price of £2. All profits will go to Henshaws Arts & Craft Centre.

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Do you want to run in the Manchester Marathon for free? We’re giving away 6 places!

Do you need a little push to run for Henshaws in the Greater Manchester Marathon? Well we are giving away 6 free marathon places to the first 6 people to get in touch!

Henshaws was recently announced as one of the charity partners for the brand new Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford, Manchester’s first marathon for more than a decade, alongside local charity The Christie.

The race will take place in Trafford on 29th April  2012 and will start and finish in Longford Park in Stretford. The five thousand runners expected to take part will pass iconic landmarks such as the Old Trafford football and cricket grounds and Dunham Massey Park over the 26mile course.

To be one of the first lucky 6 to gain free entrance to the Manchester Marathon (normally £48!), minimum sponsorship is £500, contact Hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk or call 01423 814501.

Good luck!

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Yorkshire Estate Agents Host charity dinner for Henshaws

Henshaws would like to thank Dacre Son and Hartley’s senior associate Nick Alcock, president of the Harrogate and District Estate Agents Association for hosting a successful charity dinner, raising nearly £1500 for Henshaws!

The dinner held at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate was very well attended with over a 100 property professionals dining and chief executive, Gary Verity of Welcome to Yorkshire as the guest speaker.

Mr Alcock said: “The event was a huge success and we are delighted that so many familiar faces could gather together to raise so much money for such a worthwhile cause.”

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Community housing residents finish 2nd Place in National Bowling Final

Jennie Hayes and Alasdair Dunsmuir took part in the National Blind Tenpin Bowling Association (NBTBA) Bowling final in Crewe on the 28th November.  The NBTBA is a registered National Charity which has been organising UK-wide bowling leagues and finals for people with visual impairment for over 6 years.

Alasdair and Jennie had qualified for the final thanks to the hard work of all the Henshaws Bowling Teams on many Tuesday nights in York.  On a weekend of new friendships formed and much fun had (as well as some serious bowling skills put to the test!), Jennie and Alasdair finished an amazing 2nd in the whole of the UK. They collected a trophy each and received a rousing round of applause for having finished so high as newcomers to the competition.

Competitors quickly became friends and all the organisers were thanked for their hard work.  Roll on Crewe 2012!  A special thanks go to Julie Edwards of Henshaws for all her organisational work and enthusiasm and to Sharon Moncrieff of the NBTBA for making Jennie and Alasdair feel so welcome.

If anyone would like to contact the NBTBA directly please phone Norman Greenhalgh on 0151 639 6869 or visit their website on www.nbtba.org.uk

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Henshaws College Celebrates 40 Years of Making a Difference

 Tucked away in the leafy back lanes of Starbeck, Henshaws  College, Harrogate’s award-winning residential college for young  people with visual impairments and other disabilities, is  celebrating the 40^th anniversary of its official opening – by the  Duchess of Kent – on 23 November 1971.

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Visually Impaired Artist Celebrates New Studio Space

 A Harrogate based deaf and blind sculptor, who works at  Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, is celebrating  following the refurbishment of his garage into an art studio.

 Jon Cove, a former student at Henshaws College, now lives in  one of our Harrogate based community houses and works at our  Arts & Crafts Centre four days a week, where he creates large  scale pieces using a combination of papier-mâché and  cardboard techniques.

Now, following the help and generous support of District Councillor Anne Jones, Jon will be able to continue his work at home.

Councillor Jones worked with staff at Henshaws to lead a project which saw the internal adaptation of the garage at Jon’s community house into a custom made studio. As well as making a generous personal donation to help fund the project, Cllr Jones also secured the support of LaRock Electrical who installed a wireless fire alarm system. A donation from Altro Flooring provided a suitable floor covering for the new studio.

Said Cllr Jones: “As the wife to a former Principal of Henshaws I have known Jon for over 20 years, he was one of the first deaf-blind students to come to the College. His disabilities make the intricacy and colour of his work even more remarkable and demonstrate the power of the work at Henshaws, which provides service users with skills and nurtures their creative talents. I am delighted that I have been able to help Jon sustain his raison d'être and his passion for his artwork. There is considerable goodwill for this very worthy charity throughout the District.”

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Celebrating 25 years with Henshaws

 Andy Mitchell a service user in one of Henshaws’ Harrogate  based community houses, is celebrating 25 years with  Henshaws.

 Andy, who is registered blind and has slight learning difficulties,  first came to “Henshaws School for the Blind” in September  1986 when he was 12 years old. When he left college, Andy  moved into Henshaws community housing and began attending  our Arts & Crafts Centre 4 days a week. At the centre he works in our music and textile production units, takes part in our Workout Wednesday fitness sessions and uses our multi-sensory room.

Andy is a keen cyclist. He owns a tandem and has taken part in marathons with the support of Henshaws staff. He also enjoys crime dramas!

A celebratory tea party, with friends and family, was held for Andy at the Arts & Crafts Centre in September.

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Henshaws Halloween Walk Proves Howling Success

 Ghostly goings-on were sighted in Harrogate as witches, goblins  and ghosts descended on Valley Gardens for an annual  haunting in aid of Henshaws.

 The Halloween Walk, which also featured grisly games and  spooky fairy tales performed by Harrogate Youth Theatre, raised  nearly £1600.

 Hannah Saxon, community and events fundraiser at Henshaws,  said: “Our Halloween Walk is a great opportunity for local children – and their parents – to get dressed up and show their support for Henshaws. Everyone enjoyed themselves despite the bad weather! It was fantastic that Harrogate Youth Theatre joined us for another year, they put on a fantastic show and we’d like to thank them for their support.”

This event was sponsored by: 

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Another Round at the Great Ouseburn Beer Festival

Mine’s a Pint: another round at the Great Ouseburn Beer Festival

Following last year’s success, real ale enthusiasts will be able to get another round in at the second Great Ouseburn Beer Festival and sample the festival’s exclusive bitter – all in aid of Henshaws Society for Blind People and other local charities.

The festival, which will take place at the village hall on Lightmire Lane on Saturday 1st October, will showcase 30 ales, Yorkshire beers and various bottled lagers. A traditional beer has even been specially created to mark the occasion.

The bitter, called ‘Great Ouseburn Bitter’ was created for the event by Rudgate Brewery. It is described as a mid coloured premium bitter bursting with malt and hop aromas.

In addition to the many beers on offer, drinkers can enjoy refreshments including local Voakes pies and will be entertained throughout the day by The Hot Spots, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre’s in-house band, as well as other local music acts.

Stuart Dale, chairman of the festival committee, said: “The festival celebrates the increasing popularity of real ale and gives fans the chance to taste a range of quality beers from around the region just like last year. It will be a fantastic day packed full of delicious things to drink and eat, alongside excellent entertainment – it’s a great opportunity to eat, drink and be merry, all for a worthwhile cause!

“A big thanks must go to our generous sponsors and all the volunteers, without whom we would not have been able to stage such an event.”

The festival, which will run between 12 noon and 10.00pm, is being held to raise funds for Henshaws , in addition to local village organisations. 

Entry to the festival is £5 and includes a festival glass and programme.

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Henshaws Halloween Walks

Be afraid! Henshaws Halloween is back…

Henshaws popular Halloween Walk is back for a fourth year and witches, ghosts and vampires will be descending once more on Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

The event is on Saturday 29th October with walks available between 5.45pm and 8.30pm. Families will be led around the gardens, stopping along the way to watch Harrogate Youth Theatre perform fairy tales with shocks and surprises, written by the theatre, for children, especially for this event. Look out for Hansel and Gretal, Little Red Riding Hood and lots of other favourite fairy tale characters!

There will also be Halloween-themed games, and hot food and drinks will be available. Fancy dress is a must!

This is a fun and safe event suitable for all the family. Proceeds will go towards Henshaws – your local charity providing expert care, advice and training to anyone affected by sight loss and disability.

Call now to book your places!

This is a fun and safe event suitable for all the family. Places are limited and this event has sold out every year so early booking is advised. Admission is just £4 per person with all proceeds going to Henshaws.

Call our Fundraising Team on 01423 814501 or email fundraising@henshaws.org.uk to book your place.

For more event information click here

This event is sponsored by Mills & Reeve

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Bid for Henshaws

You can now donate to Henshaws through eBay! If you have an eBay account, you can now donate all or a percentage of your final selling price of your unwanted items to Henshaws and its entirely up to you how much you wish to give.

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Henshaws college students celebrate graduate success

Hard working Henshaws College students celebrated their achievements with delighted parents, tutors and friends at an uplifting and emotional graduation ceremony.

The event acknowledged the culmination of three years of education and guidance for 25 visually-impaired and disabled students, who have learnt valuable life and employment skills, equipping them to make a successful transition to the next stage of their lives.

Cllr Les Ellington, Mayor of Harrogate and Cllr Andrew Willoughby, Mayor of Knaresborough, joined Henshaws College director of curriculum and acting principal Gill Jennison to co-present certificates and “transitions passports” which summarise what students have learned and the qualifications they have gained. The graduates were also given a yearbook, a DVD featuring the students and a talking alarm clock as a leaving gift.

Gill Jennison opened the event by congratulating the students on their hard work in learning practical skills to enable them to look after themselves, as well as picking up technological and advanced social skills and the ability to work with other adults.

Student Phillip Potts, 22, said: “I’d like to move into supported living and take a college course. I want to thank all the staff at Henshaws who helped me find confidence to do so many new things.”

Fellow student John Pratt, 21, added: “I had a fantastic time at college. My favourite thing was working on hospital radio because I enjoyed playing songs for everyone. I will miss Henshaws and I want to say good luck to all leavers.”

John’s mother, Carol Pratt, said proudly: “John has spent an enjoyable two years at the college. Staff at Henshaws have provided our whole family with a tremendous amount of support– which I am truly grateful for. They are a fantastic team that have made a huge difference to the lives of so many young people.

“I’m thrilled to see John graduating today. He had a wonderful time at the college and he will carry his experience with him throughout his life.”

Following the graduation two further awards were made, congratulating students on their enthusiastic approach to life and learning. The Maxine Foster award was won by Mohammed Faysal Ansar and the Joshua Rayner award went to Terri-Anne Walker. These awards were established in memoriam of a former Henshaws staff member and student respectively.

Cllr Less Ellington, Mayor of Harrogate said: “This was a moving experience. I’ve been to a few graduations and this was one of the most uplifting, as we witness how the students overcome challenges, develop the self confidence to be themselves as well as inspiring those around them.”

Cllr Andrew Willoughby, Mayor of Knaresborough, said: “I have visited Henshaws on several occasions and this is my first graduation ceremony – which has really helped to bring the whole concept together for me. It’s wonderful to see the pleasure that the college is bringing to so many people, both students and parents alike.”

Gill Jennison concluded: “The graduation is a momentous milestone in our calendar and it’s a privilege to watch the students grow up and mature. We give them many challenges to overcome and they show great courage and determination. They are now equipped for the next stage of their lives and we are immensely proud of their achievements.”

Henshaws College caters for more than 70 full-time students; most have a visual impairment as well as complex physical disabilities and learning difficulties. The majority are residential, but we also offers day college placements to local young people and a range of school link courses to pupils from Harrogate and Leeds high schools.

Our aim is to promote independent living and employability skills. Our specialist curriculum covers vocational training in five pathways (hospitality, retail and administration, horticulture, arts and crafts, and media and communications), independence skills, mobility and travel training, sports, fitness and leisure, literacy and numeracy – as well as offering support in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language.

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Henshaws College welcomes a new Technology Centre

Preparations for Henshaws College’s new vocational technology centre got into full swing with the help of Oscar O’Sullivan-Hughes – the ‘face’ of Henshaws Society for Blind People.

The vocational technology centre will replace our college’s old student residential accommodation, Tarn House, which has been vacant since 2008 following the opening of a new purpose-built facility.

Two-year-old Oscar O’Sullivan-Hughes, one of the youngest Henshaws service users and official face of our charity, started off the demolition of the old building that the new centre will replace. Oscar is completely blind due to a rare genetic condition called Lebers Congenital Amaurosi, and fronts a fundraising campaign to increase awareness of our ongoing work to help people with visual impairments and disabilities.

An innovator in the use of technology in education, our new centre will provide visually-impaired and disabled students with a range of technology-based vocational pathways from media and IT to print and design.

In addition, the development will house a state-of-the-art multi-media suite, featuring a radio station, and film and music recording facilities which have the technology to develop audio information for visually impaired people.

Gill Jennison, acting principal at Henshaws College, said: “We’re thrilled that Oscar kicked off the initial work on our new centre. He is a great champion for Henshaws – it meant so much to both our staff and students that he celebrated this new project with us. 

“Technology is at the forefront of our curriculum. The new centre will enable us to continue to offer an effective and creative learning environment for our students as well as service users from our 15 community houses and art makers from our Arts & Crafts Centre.”

Oscar’s mum, Kait Hughes added: “Oscar was delighted to help Henshaws College get the demolition underway in preparation for the new centre, which will help visually impaired people like him. We’re grateful for Henshaws support – the charity has been a lifeline for Oscar in helping him to build up his confidence and skills.”

Building work is expected to be completed by September 2012.

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Golden Triangle Charity Bike Ride

ESTATE agents love the term “Golden Triangle” to describe the property hotspot in one particular corner of North Yorkshire.

12 members of staff from the Hunters Property Group took a break from waxing lyrical about the area and instead cycled their way around it to raise around £3,000 for their 4 chosen charities, one of which is Henshaws.

They clocked up 70 miles in the Golden Triangle Charity Bike Ride, which started and finished at the Hunters estate agency office in Wetherby, taking in Leeds, Knaresborough, Harrogate and York.

Hunters’ director Martin Robinson said: “I would just like to extend a big thank you to all the people who took part in, helped organise and supported the charity bike ride.

“It was a fantastic day – a little bit wet on the way to Leeds – but the sun shone on us in the afternoon. The sore bums and aching limbs were really worth it as early estimations are that we have raised in the region of £3,000 for our chosen charities.

“There was fantastic camaraderie throughout the day and anyone who was struggling was soon picked up and encouraged on their way.”

Ian Proudler, Fundraising Manager for Henshaws said: “many thanks to Hunters, who are one of many corporates in the region supporting Henshaws. A fantastic effort was shown by all cyclists.”

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New on the menu at Fodder

Handmade at Henshaws now at Fodder

Gift items produced by art makers from Henshaws Arts & Craft Centre in Knaresborough have been added to Fodder’s shelves.

Fodder, based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, is Harrogate’s premier local food specialist and showcases the very best food and crafts from Yorkshire. It is now offering a selection of handmade gift bags, cards, coasters and key rings crafted as part of Henshaws’ innovative social enterprise – Handmade at Henshaws.

The scheme provides 120 visually-impaired and disabled art makers with vocational and practical work experience producing a range of products including artwork, cards and paper to be sold in Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre as well as through local businesses.

Heather Parry, managing director of Fodder said: “Handmade at Henshaws is a truly innovative scheme and we were thoroughly impressed by their products.  As well as providing art makers with vocational skills, the scheme gives art makers a sense of achievement as their creations are sold to the public. These fantastic items will make a fabulous addition to our range of stock, and I’m sure they will fly off the shelves!”

Louise Ashton, marketing and communications manager at Henshaws added: “This is a very exciting development for Handmade at Henshaws. Fodder is a champion of local produce and reinvests all its profits into the rural community – it’s fantastic that they have added our gift items to their shelves.

“Henshaws’ social enterprise programme allows local businesses to put something back into the community and brings our delightful range of arts and crafts gifts to a wider audience. We’d like to thank Fodder for their ongoing support and hope this is the start of a mutually beneficial enterprise.”

Products made or grown at Henshaws’ Arts and Crafts Centre are sold at the onsite shop and café, which are staffed by art makers from the centre and students from Henshaws College.  All profits generated are reinvested back into the centre.

For more information visit www.fodderweb.co.uk and www.henshaws.org.uk/arts-and-crafts-centre

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A very pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning!

Marton Cum Grafton Village Hall are hosting a coffee morning Saturday August 6th 2011, 10am – 12 midday, with all proceeds going to Henshaws.

There will be a raffle and cake stall, and they will be serving coffee, bacon sandwiches, biscuits and cakes. The morning papers will be dotted around for people to read.

A very pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning!

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Nidderdale Walk Success

Henshaws college students were joined by staff, volunteers and past pupils as they undertook the Nidderdale Walk on Sunday (15th May 2011). They completed four, seven, 15 and 22 mile stretches, showing that a visual impairment or other disability is no barrier to taking up the charity challenge!

Henshaws College students walked to raise funds for the sports, fitness and leisure department at the college. Phil Webster, Sports & Fitness Instructor said: “The Nidderdale Walk is an opportunity for students and service users to participate in an event they know will stretch their physical ability and, for students with no sight, to test their trust in the college staff and volunteers.

“The walk also offers the opportunity to participate in an event that is open to everyone and involves people from all walks of life. Henshaws participants really relish the opportunity to let their individual abilities shine through, in addition to raising funds for causes close to their heart.”

If you fancy taking up a local challenge, and supporting Henshaws, you can find out more information and sign up here (link will open in new window)

Once you've signed up, contact us for a Fundraising Pack. We'll also send you sponsorship forms, and a very snappy orange Henshaws t-shirt!

You can reach our fundraising team at fundraising@henshaws.org.uk or call (01423) 814501.

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Calling all golfers!

Calling all golfers! Pick up your clubs and get into the swing to raise money for your local charity.  

We are hosting our annual charity golf day at 2 prestigious venues this year:

Friday 17th June

De Vere Heron’s Reach, Lancashire

Thursday 7th July

Harrogate Golf Club, Starbeck, Harrogate.

Teams of 4 have the opportunity to play at either (or both!) of these impressive venues, competing for an attractive prize table. Both 18 hole courses will provide golfers with the chance to work on their form as well as take part in a number of fun events to raise funds for visually impaired and disabled people. The day will be rounded off with an evening barbeque.

For more information click here to view the flyer.

Louise Ashton, marketing and communications manager at Henshaws, said: “Last year’s golf day raised £4,500, so we hope to hit over that target this year. Henshaws relies heavily on charitable donations and the money raised at the golf day will help Henshaws continue its work across the North of England providing facilities and support to people with visual impairments and their families.”

To sign up for the Henshaws golf day contact the fundraising team on 01423 814 501 or email fundraising@henshaws.org.uk.

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Sacred and Secular

Saturday 30th July, 7.30pm.

Henshaws are proud to present ”Sacred & Secular”, a concert by Woodstock Chamber Choir.

This concert will feature English Anthems and European Motets by Purcell, Elgar, Bach and Mozart, along with Brahms Waltzes, and Spiritual and Partsongs.

The event is hosted by St Wilfrid's Church, Harrogate.

Tickets are £7 for adults, and £5 for children (12 and under) and full time students.

To book tickets please email fundraising@henshaws.org.uk or call 01423 814501.

For more information click here for the event flyer (will open in a new window).

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Great North Swim – free places!

Henshaws will pay the entry fee for enthusiastic swimmer who wish to take part in the Great North Swim, to be held on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June 2011 at Lake Windermere.

The Great North Swim is the UK’s biggest swimming event. You can experience the thrill of a 1 mile open-water outdoor swim, safe in the knowledge that expert kayakers and safety boats are with you every stroke of the way.

For a chance of a free place participants are asked to commit to raising £150 in sponsorship (as a minimum – of course we'd be delighted with anything more!)

By joining Team Henshaws you will receive:

FREE beautiful orange t-shirt to wear over your wetsuit

Fundraising support and encouragement from our dedicated team

Fundraising pack, including fundraising ideas, help and support, and general information about Henshaws

Regular email updates and race information

The chance to feature on our website!

For further information click here to download our flyer, or call or email the fundraising team:

01423 814501 or fundraising@henshaws.org.uk

To join Team Henshaws, click here for an application form.

If you already have a place, but you would like to raise money for Henshaws, get in touch and we will send you a fundraising pack and a snazzy orange t-shirt!

Here's what the money you raise could do:

£5 could pay for a swimming lesson for a visually impaired child

£10 could help pay for materials a student needs to take part in a weekly Arts & Crafts Centre workshop

£25 could pay for route or long cane training for someone who is isolated

£45 would allow a whole family living with sight loss to enjoy a tobogganing trip

£125 would pay for the monthly travel costs of all students attending IT courses in Liverpool.

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Art makers bag International Business Convention deal

Delegates at this year’s Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) will be treated to extra-special delegate bags for the second year running, after Henshaws was selected as the event’s chosen charity for another year.

Art makers at our Arts & Crafts Centre have been commissioned to make the 1,500 delegate bags through our social enterprise, Handmade at Henshaws.

Each bag is being hand decorated with one of a selection of unique designs created by the art makers. College students and art makers will also help to fill the bags with delegate information, and we will benefit from further involvement at the event which is to be held at Harrogate International Centre on 10th June.

Billed as the biggest business networking event in the North of England, the convention has been an annual fixture in the region’s business calendar since 1995 and has featured keynote speakers including Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as celebrities such as John Cleese, Sir Bob Geldof and Neil Armstrong.

The theme of the 2011 event is “Winners” and guests will include Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the British inventor of the World Wide Web, and Andrew Strauss, captain of the Ashes-winning England cricket team

YIBC organiser Mike Firth said: “We were delighted to nominate Henshaws as our chosen charity for a second year, and commission another set of their wonderful delegate bags which were one of the most commented-upon features of the 2010 event. The partnership is a perfect complement to this year’s theme of winners, as the dedication and positive attitude from the students and art makers makes them winners on every level.”

Louise Ashton, marketing and communications manager at Henshaws, added: “Handmade at Henshaws is a very valuable initiative, bringing great benefit both to the art makers involved and businesses and individuals who use its products and services. It’s great that YIBC has recognised the mutual advantages that a link-up like this can bring, and we look forward to working with Mike and his team once again this year.”

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New Henshaws College starter on TV!

A very warm welcome to Henshaws College's newest starter – Nathan the buddy dog! Nathan featured on ITV1 news throughout the day on Friday 25th March 2011, along with several college students eager to share in his 15 minutes of fame!

Nathan, a cross between a retriever and a labrador, is 14 months old and taking part in the Guide Dogs buddy scheme pilot. The 12 month pilot is aiming to set up 20 specially selected “buddy” dogs – dogs that are not going to be used as guide dogs – to provide visually impaired and disabled people with practical experience in caring for a dog. It is anticipated that the pilot will also enable Guide Dogs to find out more about how they can make the most of the dogs they breed to benefit more blind and partially sighted people.

Although Nathan has only been at Henshaws College for a few weeks and is still going through his “induction programme”, he has already made a big impression on staff and students alike. Out of college hours Nathan is cared for by a member of staff at home but  during the college day he has his own timetable and attends sessions with students. When he is not in a session he has a resting place outside the principal’s office.

There are many benefits to both students and staff associated with buddy dogs, many of which support the 5 outcomes of the government initiative, Every Child Matters – be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution, and achieve economic well-being. Nathan and the buddy scheme are giving students the opportunity to “try out” a guide dog ,experience the benefits a Guide Dog brings, and providing practical experience for people with a visual impairment and disabilities to develop an understanding of how they would look after a buddy or guide dog. Nathan is also having a very positive therapeutic effect on the students and enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.

In addition to encouraging communication skills – because he is already a great talking point amongst the students – Nathan is bringing companionship and increasing the students’ enthusiasm and enjoyment of the college experience.

Nathan attends lessons to support students with communication and sensory activities and is used to build their confidence and give them new interest and motivation. He also attends lessons to support students to deal with individual behaviour issues by promoting positive feelings and emotions, and he’s been helping out strengthening students’ independence skills and travel training.

Students are encouraged to walk with Nathan which helps them enjoy the benefits of exercise with more confidence – and staff have found taking Nathan for a walk during breaks can be a great way to de-stress!

Welcome to Henshaws College, Nathan!

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Hot off the Press!

Henshaws Means Business has designs on success through social enterprise – our new print service has been commissioned to produce a series of canvasses featuring interiors celebrity Linda Barker.

Backed by educational advisory service TechDis, the print service will be officially launched at the next Henshaws Means Business breakfast on Friday 25th March.

Kevin Hollinrake, Managing Director of Hunters the estate agents – who ordered the Linda Barker canvasses – is the guest speaker at the event.

A team of Henshaws College students are running the state of the art print service as part of our social enterprise programme, Handmade at Henshaws. This latest milestone will allow us to expand our range of products to include canvasses and prints, large banners, corporate stationery and even conference lanyards. The printer’s introduction also compliments Henshaws Means Business’ other services which help employers to meet their corporate social responsibility targets.

Henshaws Means Business provides visual impairment awareness training, disability etiquette training and advice, along with corporate volunteering opportunities. Other aspects include the conversion of company literature, including menus, signs and employment contracts, into Braille – as well as art commissions.

Work experience is central to the curriculum at the college, where training is provided in a real work environment and students are also able to work at local businesses including cafes, offices and print works.

Said Henshaws Yorkshire CEO Caroline Smale: “Six of our students are running the state-of-the-art print offering as a social enterprise venture, which underpins our ethos of providing students with vocational opportunities and practical experience in a real work environment.

“The service also represents a key and exciting expansion to our Henshaws Means Business menu of services. It's the perfect cross-over: a growing number of local organisations who are committeed to a culture of 'putting something back' into their local communities are enjoying being involved in our vibrant social enterprise programme.”

For more information on Henshaws Menas Business, click here to visit our website, or call 01423 814515

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Wear Bright for Sight 2011!

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Nidderdale Walk 2011

The Nidderdale Charity Walk is an annual event, and Henshaws College students always take part.

They will be walking either 4, 7, 15 or 22 miles – showing that a visual impairment or other disability is no barrier to taking up the charity challenge! Good luck to all students and Henshaws supporters on Sunday 15th May 2011.

If you fancy taking up a local challenge, and supporting Henshaws, you can find out more information and sign up here (link will open in new window)

Once you've signed up, contact us for a Fundraising Pack. We'll also send you sponsorship forms, and a very snappy orange Henshaws t-shirt!

You can reach our fundraising team at fundraising@henshaws.org.uk or call (01423) 814501.

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Local companies prove that Henshaws means Business

Henshaws is being adopted as the charity of choice for an increasing number of local and regional businesses who are committed to ‘putting something back’ into their local communities.

Hunters, VocaLink and Barclays Bank are among a raft of new corporate supporters and corporate social responsibility champions (CSR) who have pledged to help with wide-ranging fund raising and promotional activities during 2011. We have developed powerful partnerships with local and regional businesses.

The growing popularity of our innovative ‘Henshaws Means Business’ programme  has provided wide-ranging services – such as visual impairment awareness training, disability etiquette training and disability advice and consultancy – to local organisations since March 2009. In the same year, board member and high-profile businessman Lindsay Ross launched the Henshaws Business Network forum which has also introduced many corporate supporters to the charity.     

Supporters also include hlw Commercial Lawyers and the Chamber of Commerce for York, Leeds & North Yorkshire. The high-profile Yorkshire International Business Convention has also nominated Henshaws as its adopted charity for the second successive year.

A wealth of fundraising successes has seen Barclays raising £1,500 for Henshaws Yorkshire’s Wear Bright For Sight Day, Reed Boardall donate £1,000 towards a state-of-the-art printing facility and hlw Commercial Lawyers boosting funds to the tune of £550 from a special charity quiz. 

Said Hunters managing director Kevin Hollinrake: “We’re delighted to be involved with Henshaws. It’s a truly inspirational charity place and we need more of those in the world.”

Henshaws Yorkshire CEO Caroline Smale added: “It’s tremendous that we’re being approached by more companies who understand the business benefits of embarking on a corporate social responsibility programme.  

“Our supporters extensive activities range from dedicated fundraising events, including us in their newsletters and borrowing our art work which is part of our ‘Henshaws Means Business’ programme.  We can’t thank these organisations enough and welcome enquiries from more companies who would enjoy getting involved and helping to make a difference.” 

For more information on Henshaws Means Business, click here to visit our website, or call 01423 814515.

Pictured above is Hunters managing director Kevin Hollinrake

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Collavoce Choir – one night only!

Henshaws are proud to present “An Evening of Music with Collavoce”.

For one night only, this popular sacred/secular choir will be singing a range of classical and sacred songs, along with tunes from the musicals.

The performance is on Friday 18th March 2011, 7.30pm at Henshaws College.

The choir began as a church choir, before branching out into a more diverse repertoire. They are a mixed male and female group, from age 10 upwards. All members perform voluntarily to raise funds for local charities. We're thrilled that they have chosen Henshaws to benefit from their choral session.

At the event, you will be able to find out about the history of Henshaws, and hear from a Henshaws College graduate and art maker. Whilst listening to a range of music from light classical to west end musicals, you will also be supporting Henshaws.

Tickets cost £10. This includes refreshments of tea, coffee and home-made cakes.

Tickets for Henshaws College students, service users and art makers are £5.

To book tickets please email fundraising@henshaws.org.uk or call 01423 814500.

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Take part in the Great North Swim

We're looking for people to take part in the Great North Swim this year to raise money for Henshaws.

The Great North Swim is the UK’s biggest swimming event. You can experience the thrill of a 1 mile open-water outdoor swim, safe in the knowledge that expert kayakers and safety boats are with you every stroke of the way.

For further information click here to download our flyer.

To join Team Henshaws, click here for an application form.

You can contact Hannah Saxon in our Fundraising Team on (01423) 814501 or email  hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk 

If you already have a place, but you would like to raise money for Henshaws, get in touch and we will send you a fundraising pack and a snazzy orange t-shirt!

Good luck!

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Run for Henshaws

Henshaws is looking for enthusiastic runners to take place in the Great North Run.

Held on Sunday 18th September, we have been lucky enough to secure places for the half marathon, with an entry fee for participants of only £46.

For a chance of a place, participants are asked to commit to raising £300 in sponsorship (as a minimum – of course we'd be delighted with anything more!)

Entry forms need to be returned by 25th March 2011. Runners who successfully secure a Henshaws spot will then be contacted for the entry fee.

Click here for the entry form.

For further information, please call Hannah Saxon on (01423) 814501 or email  hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk

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Wetherby Golf Club backs Henshaws Yorkshire

Wetherby Golf Club selected Henshaws Yorkshire as their chosen charity for 2010, its centenary year, and have raised over £6000!

The club supported Henshaws Yorkshire during 2010 through raffles, tombolas, bridge afternoons, bring and buy sales, individual activities and annual events including Captain's Day.

Henshaws Yorkshire also benefitted from half way house contributions during golf competitions and the 'charity stream' on the 18th hole, where golfers who land their ball in the water hazad are asked to give a donation at the club's bar.

Anne Hoodlass, Ladies Captain for Wetherby Golf Club said: “After visiting Henshaws College with our male vice-captain, Chris Rollason, the decision to support them was easy. It was humbling to see the work you do and as an ex teacher I've always been eager to get the best out of people who face the biggest challenges. We would have struggled to find a more deserving charity.”

Picture: Anne Hoodlass, Ladies Captain, with Viki Nixon from Henshaws Yorkshire Fundraising Team

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Harrogate Santa Dash CANCELLED

This year’s Harrogate Santa Dash, an annual event held in aid of Saint Michael’s Harrogate and Henshaws Yorkshire, has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. The festive fun run was scheduled to take place on Sunday 12 December in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

Caroline Smale, CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire said: “We are very disappointed to cancel the Santa Dash. The safety of our participants is our top priority, and the prolonged icy conditions mean it is impossible for the event to go ahead.”

Tony Collins, Chief Executive at Saint Michael’s Harrogate added: ‘”We are very sorry to disappoint our participants and everyone involved in the event including the many volunteers who were going to help out on the day. But we hope they understand that the safety of all involved is paramount.”

All participants will be contacted by letter explaining the reasons why the event has been cancelled and the process the organisers are following in these unusual circumstances.  

For further information please contact Saint Michael’s Harrogate on 01423 876474 or Henshaws Yorkshire on 01423 814500.

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Burns Supper 2011

Henshaws Yorkshire invites you to our Burns Supper – a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns.

Join us on Friday 28th January 2011. The event includes a traditional 3 course Burn's Supper, Whisky Toasts, a Piper, Parade of the Haggis, and a Ceilidh Band!

Tickets are £30, with tables of up to 10 people.

The traditional Burn's Supper has been confirmed as: Scotch Broth, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Cranachan, with a traditional Scottish dessert of double cream, heather honey and toasted oatmeal served with Skye raspberries. Mmmm!

To find out more, click here for the event flyer (will open in new window), call 01423 814501, or email hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk

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Free Training Event: Promoting Independent Learning Through Technology

Learning Support Staff and Managers throughout the region are invited to a free training event on Friday 26th November 2010.

This opportunity is a Yorkshire & Humber one day event “Promoting Independent Learning through Technology”.

Staff will experience an informative and interactive forum for them to understand, experience and share the benefits of using technology to support teaching and learning for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The event is supported by Henshaws College, along with The Sheffield College and the Association of Colleges.

For more information about the event and the contents of the day, please click here

To book a place click here (link will open in a new window)

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Henshaws Yorkshire Halloween walk proves howling success

Harrogate MP Andrew Jones joined 350 people on a colourful Halloween extravaganza at Henshaws Yorkshire’s Halloween walk at Valley Gardens.

Family activities included spooky stories, apple bobbing, unlucky dip and splat the rat at the event to boost funds for Henshaws Yorkshire.

We teamed up with Harrogate Youth Theatre for the third time to add a dramatic element to the occasion and the Magnesia Well Café in Valley Gardens provided hot food and drinks with 20 per cent of profits donated back to Henshaws Yorkshire.

Ian Proudler, fundraising manager at Henshaws Yorkshire, said: “Our Halloween walk was a storming success and many thanks to participants and supporters including the Harrogate Youth Theatre and the Magnesia Well Café. “

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Henshaws Yorkshire celebrated World Sight Day

Britain’s Got Talent star Christopher Stone was on hand to help Henshaws Yorkshire celebrate the achievements of visually impaired people at a World Sight Day inspired event.

The event, which was held at our dedicated Arts & Craft Centre in Knaresborough, aimed to celebrate the achievements of visually impaired people everywhere, as well as providing a really fun day out for all the family.

During the event there was a live performance from Christopher Stone, as well as arts and crafts activities, face painting and sensory games, in addition to a treasure trail around the centre’s gardens and buildings.

The celebration follows a week in which a host of local businesses, schools and community groups donned their jazziest clothes to support Henshaws Yorkshire’s fund raising campaign, ‘Wear Bright for Sight’.

Participating organisations paid £2 per person (or £1 for schools and playgroups) to sport their most dazzling clothes in order to raise much needed funds for Henshaws, to enable us to continue to provide support and services for visually impaired and disabled children and adults. The campaign attracted an enormously diverse range of support from local organisations like Barclays, Blueline Taxis, Wetherspoons, Hunters Estate Agents, Nidderdale High School and Goldborough Primary School, among many more.

Caroline Smale, CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire said: “It has been a really fantastic time for us, and our successful fundraising and awareness campaign has been all topped off by an enjoyable day of celebration at our Arts & Crafts Centre. We are so grateful for the enormous amount of support we have received from the local community, without which we could not continue to provide services for visually impaired and disabled children and adults across the region.”

Singing sensation, Christopher Stone, who performed at the World Sight Day celebration, said: “Singing for Henshaws was very special for me. The charity provides brilliant support across all the areas it operates in and I’m happy to help as much as I can. It’s also very special for me to be performing back near my home town of Harrogate.”     

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Businesses urged to take their lead from Henshaws

Mike Firth urges businesses to take their lead from Henshaws Yorkshire

Henshaws College has been hailed as an example of true inspiration by local business leaders at a special event to mark World Sight Day.

MDs and senior managers from Harrogate, Leeds and York attended a packed networking and information session on October 14 at the Harrogate-based charity which provides services for visually impaired and disabled children and adults.

Mike Firth – CEO and founder of the Yorkshire International Business Convention which has adopted Henshaws Yorkshire as its chosen charity for 2010 and 2011 – presented on the theme of entrepreneurship in the current climate.

Said Mr Firth: “Henshaws is a truly inspirational college with a ‘can do’ attitude which inspires its students with confidence and gives them self respect. I urge businesses to follow Henshaws example and ‘make things happen’ in order to become leaner, fitter and stronger.”

Ian Williams, director of business representation and policy at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce spoke on the negative impact of red tape on business and attendees were given an insight into Henshaws wide-ranging services which include an Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough and community housing in the Harrogate area.

Henshaws student Kenneth Fletcher also provided a heart warming insight into how the College had dramatically improved his confidence and quality of life by providing a safe, supportive and stimulating enviroment.  

Commented Ian Roberts, director of chartered insurance brokers Bartlett in Leeds. “I agree that Henshaws in a prime example of inspiration, particularly in today’s challenging environment. Just hearing how Henshaws has changed Kenneth’s life certainly puts things into perspective.”   

Concluded Principal Caroline Smale: “As charities like ourselves face increasing funding challenges we appreciate the tremendous support from our corporate supporters more than ever. This motivational event gave companies some very relevant messages to take away. Attendees also thoroughly enjoyed a tour after the session and learning at first hand why we are an award-winning College.”  

Photo Caption: Inspiring example: Mike Firth (far left) with Caroline Smale (centre) and attendees at Henshaws Yorkshire World Sight Day corporate event. 

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Nearly the Goat

Henshaws Arts & Craft Centre hosts  a magical performance of “Nearly the Goat”  – a brand new Christmas play for the whole family …and other animals!

Friday 3^rd December 2010, 7pm. By Riding Lights Theatre Company

Somewhere between the tinsel and the cabbage leaves, the crackers and the peelings of the parsnips, comes the remarkable story of Nearly the Goat.

What on earth is his master to make of that eerie singing in the sky? Or a starlit search for a tiny stable while the sat-nav’s on the blink? To say nothing of the wolf! This night of all nights is heading for a flock of disasters. Well, Nearly. And if it wasn’t for one relentlessly cheerful, extremely interrupting goat butting in…

Nearly the Goat lasts for one hour and is suitable for age 5 and up.

Tickets: Children £5, Adults £8, Family ticket (2 adults 2 children) £25.

Performance at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL. Call (01423) 541888.

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Families prepare for a Harrogate Haunting

Ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night will be raising money for Henshaws Yorkshire on the 30th October, as they take part in the Harrogate third Halloween walk at Valley Gardens.

Henshaws Yorkshire has teamed up with Harrogate Youth Theatre for the third time to add a dramatic touch to this year’s event, and is inviting families to come along and join in the fun.

Starting at 5.30 pm on Saturday 30 October, mums, dads and children are invited to listen to spooky stories, take part in apple bobbing, spot the bat and splat the rat, or just enjoy being led through the beautiful gardens by their ghostly guides. Hot food and refreshments will be available from the Valley Gardens Café throughout the evening.

Ian Proudler, fundraising manager at Henshaws Yorkshire, said: “After the success of the last two year’s sell-out events we had to do it again this year. As well as being great entertainment, it’s nice to be able to offer a fun event that’s safe and suitable for the whole family.

“It’s also a pleasure to have Harrogate Youth Theatre on board again this year. Their costumes and make-up are fantastic, and they really do make the walk spookier.”

Parent of three Jane Kershaw said: “This will be the third year that we have joined in with the Halloween Walk, and it I really can’t recommend it highly enough. My kids, who are a range of ages, absolutely love it; they really get into the spirit of things by dressing up to look the part. From a parent’s point of view, it is so much easier and safer than trying to take them out trick or treating. You know they will have an absolutely wonderful time, without any worry or fuss.”

The walks begin at 5.30 pm and the last one ends at 8.30 pm. Tickets are £3.50 and booking is advisable as places are limited, with last year selling out. To book your place, call the fundraising team at Henshaws Yorkshire on 01423 814501, or email hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk

Click here for the event flyer (will open in a new window)

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Santa Dash 2010

A 2.5km festive fun run for all the family.

Sunday 12th December at 10.30am Valley Gardens, Harrogate.

Join in the fun at Harrogate’s one and only Santa Dash!

All ages and abilities welcome.

Adults: £10, Children (12 and under): £6, includes your Santa suit!

Hot food and drinks available in the Ripley Ice Cream Cafe.

TO REGISTER, CALL 01423 879 687.

All proceeds from the event will be split equally between Henshaws Yorkshire and Saint Michael’s.

For more details, you can click here to download the flyer (will open in a new window).

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Mine's a Pint! The Great Ouseburn Beer Festival

Real ale enthusiasts will be flocking to a Yorkshire beer festival after it announced the launch of its very own bitter.

The Great Ouseburn Beer Festival, which will take place at the village hall on Lightmire Lane on Saturday 9th October, will showcase 29 ales, Yorkshire beers and American imported bottled beers, one of which has been specially created to mark the occasion.

The new beer, the Great Beer Great Ouseburn Bitter, which will also be available at the Black Bull in Boroughbridge, and the Crown Inn in Great Ouseburn (proprietors Liz and Paul Jackson pictured), was created for the event by Rudgate Brewery. It is described as a mid coloured premium bitter bursting with malt and hop aromas.

In addition to the many beers on offer, drinkers can enjoy refreshments in the form local Voakes pies, barbecued treats, and Indian snacks, and will be entertained throughout the day by regional bands and local music acts.

Stuart Dale, chairman of the festival committee, said: “The event will be a fantastic day out. Real ale enthusiasts can enjoy a range of some of the finest Yorkshire regional beers around, including our very own Great Beer Great Ouseburn Bitter; with such a wide range there will be something for everyone. Great thanks must go to our generous sponsors and all the volunteers, without whom we would not have been able to stage such an event”

The festival, which will run between 12 noon and 10.00pm, is being held to raise funds for Henshaws, in addition to local village organisations.

Henshaws Yorkshire runs the award-winning Henshaws College in Harrogate, in addition to the Art & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. Caroline Smale, regional CEO of the charity, said: “We are really grateful to everyone at the Ouseburn Beer Festival for staging such a great event, like all charities we rely on this sort of generous support to run our local services. I urge everyone to go along, and enjoy a really fantastic day packed full of delicious things to drink and eat, and excellent entertainment.”

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London Marathon 2011 – run for Henshaws!

Dig out your running shorts and tie up your trainers! Henshaws has a limited number of places available for the London Marathon 2011.

The fee for a place is £100 plus VAT and we are asking participants to raise £2,000 in sponsorship.

We can provide you with a snazzy t-shirt or vest, literature about Henshaws for your sponsors, and lots of support and encouragement!

Contact Hannah Saxon, Community and Events Fundraiser, for an application form, on 01423 814501. The deadline for application forms submission is Friday 22nd October 2010.

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World Sight Day Celebration

Saturday 16th October 2010. 12-2pm

Join us for Our World Sight Day celebration, a fun event for all the family. Meet 'Britain's Got Talent' runner up Christopher Stone, and hear him sing!

Meet Emmerdale Actress Kitty McGeever.

Free admision and parking.

Free interactive sensory games and art & craft activities.

Free firework treasure trail – spot the pictures we've hidden around the centre and win a prize!

Specialists from our Vision Support Service will be available to answer your questions, and give advice and information on eye health.

Hear our in-house band, The Hotspots, perform songs from their new album.

Request your favourite songs with the Henshaws College Radio Roadshow!

Enjoy our fabulous cafe – sample the delicious Henshaws sausage!

See Stray FM broadcast from the centre.

For more information, click here to see our flyer (opens in a new window), or call (01423) 541588.

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.

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World Sight Day 2010

Thursday 14th October 2010.

We will be highlighting World Sight Day 2010 with a special event at the Victoria Shopping Centre, Harrogate. Stray FM will be broadcasting throughout the day.

Call in 10am – 4pm to meet our Vision Support Service specialists (downstairs in the centre).

There will be advice and information available. Improve your understanding of eye conditions with our simulation specs.

Display of aids and equipment to help visually impaired people with everyday living.

Hear about our exciting volunteering opportunities.

Telephone (01423) 886451 for more information, or click here for the event flyer (will open in a new window).

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Wear Bright for Sight!

People across the North urged to Wear Bright for Sight!

We are calling on the region to cast off gloomy autumn clothes and ‘wear bright for sight’ this October!

Henshaws has joined forces with a host of businesses, schools and organisations across the north of England to launch our annual Wear Bright for Sight campaign. 

The campaign, which will officially run during the week beginning 11 October and coincides with World Sight Day on 14 October, will urge employees, community associations and schools to sport their brightest outfits. By donating £2 to participate (£1 per person for schools and colleges), individuals can help Henshaws to continue its work in providing facilities and support for visually impaired and disabled people.

A whole host of local businesses, schools, nurseries and organisations are taking part in this year’s campaign, including Barclays Bank, HSBC, Bluefin, Salsa Posada, Pannal Brownies, Platinum Print, Blueline, Busy Bees Nursery and a number of local schools including Nidderdale High School. Stray FM is also supporting the campaign as the charity’s media partner.

Oliver Cowell-Smith, from Barclays Bank, said: “It is great to be involved with something so simple and fun, and for such a good cause as well. We’ll be wearing our loudest clothes, and I urge everyone to do the same. And as part of our commitment to local communities, Barclays will be matching funds raised by our employees by up to £750.”

“Henshaws Yorkshire is a great charity, which does a lot of valuable work. Whether it is supporting families whose children are visually impaired or disabled, or by equipping young adults with the skills to live independent lives, it has a positive effect on whoever it touches and makes a difference to hundreds of people every year.”

Caroline Smale, CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire, said: “Wear Bright for Sight is a fun way for everyone to get involved in supporting the work we do at Henshaws. Each year we need to raise around £200,000 and this campaign is a vital element of our fundraising drive.

“The great thing about Wear Bright for Sight is that it is really easy to get involved and you can hold events at any time of year, not just October. You can also fundraise in almost any way imaginable too. Last year a chest wax, baby photo competition and a cake bake were among the diverse events held to raise money.”

Fund raising packs, which highlight how money can be raised through Wear Bright for Sight and in a host of other ways – are available from our fundraising office at Henshaws College on (01423) 814500, or by clicking on the links below (will open in new windows).  For information on how to get involved in Manchester please contact james.lester@henshaws.org.uk or call 0161 786 3661

Assembly Pack  Poster  Leaflet

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A Salsa Night with a Difference!

Henshaws Yorkshire have teamed up with popular Harrogate restaurant Salsa Posada, to bring you a Salsa Dance Night with a difference.

Book a table for our Salsa Dance Night Charity event on Thursday 30th September 2010 to support Henshaws Yorkshire annual fund-raising event, Wear Bright for Sight!

All the staff will be wearing their brightest and craziest clothes and will be donating their tips on the night to Henshaws.

There'll be great prizes, Salsa dancing lessons and Salsa's usual fantastic food!

For a fab night in a very good cause, give us a call now!

(01423) 565151  

 www.salsaposada.co.uk 

 (this link will open in a new window) 

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Henshaws Art Maker celebrates MBE

Di Lofthouse, an art maker at our Arts & Crafts Centre, is celebrating after being awarded an MBE for her fight against hate crime. Di, who has been using the centre since it opened, has been campaigning against hate crime and representing the views of people with disabilities for many years.

Di was the first person with a learning disability to be appointed to the Mencap National Council. Since then, her activity has gone from strength to strength and she has represented people with disabilities throughout Europe. She has spoken at the House of Lords for the launch of the Disability Hate Crime Path and also at an international conference for people with disabilities in the Hague where she was campaigning for disabled people to have the right to vote on worldwide issues. Di also spoke in Brussels, on International Women’s Day, about abuse on women with learning difficulties.

As well as speaking out against these issues, Di is involved in training lawyers and judges to understand hate crime and how it affects people, to enable them to encourage victims to talk about it.

Di is currently focussing her attention on campaigning to keep day services, like the Arts & Crafts Centre, for people who live in residential care – something that is currently being debated in Parliament and would affect many people, including Di, across the country.

Says Di: “I feel very proud and honoured to have been able to speak at the House of Lords and in Europe. The MBE was a complete shock to me. When I saw that a letter had arrived from the Queen, I thought I’d done something wrong! I would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre for their support and I intend to continue fighting hard to represent the views of people with disabilities across the country.”

Congratulations Di on this fantastic achievement and for the superb work you have done and continue to do.

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Christina's the nation's best care home worker

Christine Dobson, who works for Henshaws College, is celebrating after winning the national care home worker award at a glitzy ceremony at the Guildhall in London.

Christina was nominated for the award by Liz Sugden, head of student support and residential services at college. She was recognised for her role in supporting young people with visual impairments and other disabilities, and helping them to learn to live independently.

After winning the regional awards, Christina faced a panel of judges, who said she was an inspiration to the care sector and that they were blown away by her enthusiasm. She was finally presented with her national award by former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips.

Christine said: “My role as house manager is to oversee the running of three of the residential houses on campus; this means I am responsible for the care and well being of thirty seven young people, with a varied range of abilities.”

“I really love my job. It is such a pleasure to create a welcoming and homely environment for our students, as well as helping them gain their independence. Winning the regional award was amazing, so to go on to succeed in the national category was a wonderful moment!”

Caroline Smale, principal at Henshaws College, said:

“We are so proud of what Christina has acheived, to gain national recognition for her work shows just what an excellent job she does. She epitomises the best possible attitude, and always approaches every day with enthusiasm and a smile. Many congratulations from everyone at the college.”

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Local businesses club together for fundraising golf day

A total of 17 teams of golfers from businesses throughout the region helped to raise over £4,500 for Henshaws Yorkshire, when it hosted its fourth annual charity golf day at Harrogate Golf Club.

 As well as the prize-giving ceremony – at which the hosts lifted the winners’ trophy – the day included a barbecue, raffle and an innovative Blind Chipping Challenge. This new activity, during which blindfolded players attempted to take their best shot, enabled visitors to experience a challenging situation similar to those faced by Henshaws students and service users on a daily basis.

 Caroline Smale, CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire, said: “We were so glad to see such a great turn out and would like to congratulate the winners from Harrogate Golf Club and thank all our sponsors who made the day a success.

 “Henshaws relies heavily on charitable donations and the money raised today will help Henshaws continue its work across Yorkshire in providing facilities and support for families and young people.”

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Zip Slide experience!

Exciting Zip Slide Event at Baitings Dam on 12th September. It costs £35 to enter and there is a requirement to raise a minimum of £150. 

Baitings Dam is situated at the head of Baitings Reservoir, west of Halifax, near Ripponden. It’s a wonderful venue with spectacular views across the valley floor and the dam wall is 180 feet high, allowing for an exciting slide of some 750 feet to the valley floor.

Participants must be over 16 years of age and under 17 stone to take part.

Call early – limited places available! 

For more information contact Hannah Saxon on 01423 814 501 or 0786 0503 590 or email  hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk    

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Short Break Service receives Seal of Approval

The new short breaks service is already proving very popular, and is offered to children with complex needs and children with autism. It will provide day breaks during the school holidays and out of school care in the evenings and at weekends.

The short breaks offer a range of creative, sports and leisure activities and will be based at both Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre and Henshaws College, where they will be able to take advantage of the superb facilities, including  the pool, multi-gym and ICT suite.

Referrals for people interested in accessing the service will come to the Henshaws Children’s Services team via the North Yorkshire Local Authority. For further information, or to enquire about accessing the service, contact Jean Carter at Henshaws College on 01423 886451. Referrals to the service  would be through Social Workers or Care Managers in North Yorkshire Children’s Services or via the Customer Services Contact desk at 0845 034 9410.

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Stars shine at Henshaws College graduation

Kitty joined hundreds of delighted parents, tutors, supporters and students to celebrate an inspirational, uplifting and emotional third graduation ceremony at the college.

The ceremony acknowledged the culmination of three years of education and guidance for 25 students who have learnt valuable life and employment skills, equipping them to make a successful transition to the next stage of their lives.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, joined Henshaws College principal Caroline Smale to co-present certificates and “transitions passports” which summarise what students have learned.

One graduating student, Vanessa May, explained: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Henshaws and am much more independent. I’m very proud of learning IT and writing on the computer. I’m moving into supported living in Chesterfield at the end of August after helping my mum to decorate the house.”

Vanessa’s mum Liz added: “Words can’t describe Vanessa’s development over the last three years thanks to Henshaws. It’s been fantastic to see her mature and her interaction and understanding of what she is saying has improved by leaps and bounds.”  

After the ceremony Andrew Jones said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this very special celebration. Henshaws is one of the finest organisations in the area and its record of achievement is truly inspiring. Among my priorities is to champion such organisations in Parliament.”        

Emmerdale’s Kitty McGeever, the first permanently visually impaired character in a British soap opera and recent winner of the Yorkshire Woman of Achievement award, said: “It’s been out of this world – inspiring, encouraging and it’s wonderful to return for my second graduation ceremony and to celebrate the fantastic transformation in the students each year.”  

The packed ceremony was also attended by Cllr Bill Hoult, Mayor of Harrogate, and Mayoress Vanessa Hoult, along with Cllr Richard Hall, Mayor of Knaresborough and Mayoress Rachael Hall.

Said Cllr Hoult: “This was both a moving and uplifting experience.  I’ve been to a few graduations and this was one of the most inspiring to witness how the students overcome challenges, develop the self confidence to be themselves as well as inspiring those around them.”   

Cllr Hall added: “This is my first Henshaws graduation and the ceremony is a dynamic showcase to recognise the hard work of both Henshaws College and the energy and achievements of its students. We’ve really enjoyed sharing the celebrations with students and their families.”

Harrogate’s new MP also presented two of the graduates with special awards. David Connelly received the Maxine Foster award, which recognises the student who ‘most embodies the spirit of enthusiasm for life and living’.  The Joshua Rayner award, which acknowledges a ‘unique and enthusiastic approach to learning’ was given to Mazrab Mohammed. Both awards serve as memorials to their namesakes ­- Maxine was a young tutor working at the college who sadly died in 2006, and Joshua was a second year student who tragically died in October 2008.

Said David: “It’s important to be positive. You don’t know what will happen in life so it’s important to make the most of it. I’m extremely proud of my achievements in areas including athletics, music and walking. Henshaws is a very friendly place and I have lots of happy memories here.

“It’s great that I’m now becoming more independent and moving into a supervised flat. I want to study music and IT at Blackburn College and my goals include taking part in the 2012 Paralympic Games.”  

During the ceremony Howard Cockeram, Chairman of Henshaws Society for Blind People, presented a series of awards achieved by Henshaws College over the last year. They comprise the Regional Support Centre Yorkshire & Humber Evolution Awards, the National Blind Gardener of the Year, the Great British National Care Home Awards and the Special Olypmics    

Caroline Smale concluded: “The graduation is a momentous milestone in our calendar and it’s a privilege to watch the students grow up and mature. We give them many challenges to overcome and they show great courage and determination. They are now equipped for the next stage of their lives and we are immensely proud of their achievements.”

The students who graduated are:

Wayne Appleby                      Gary Bisset                 Lorna Brooksbank

Darren Calvert                        David Connelly           Liam Colligan

Daniel Corrin                           Rebecca Cross          Ruhana Doyle

Stacey Kimberley                   Jamie Lynas               Rebekkah Lynch

David Marshall                        Vanessa May              Tim Milledge

Mazrab Mohammed                Nick Moxon                 Emma Powell

Helen Robinson                      Katie Sayer                 Jessica Shepherd

Gemma Tapsfield                   Adam Taylor               Lindsey Trendel

Luke Wanklyn

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Henshaws Yorkshire stars in Songs of Praise

Songs of Praise producers made special efforts to capture the spirit of Henshaws Yorkshire, filming at the Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, where Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones was shown around the 11 creative workshops by art maker Jenny Hayes. Jenny, who lives in one of the charity’s Harrogate based community houses and works at the centre, took part in the Knaresborough Bed Race as the passenger on the bed.

Art makers were filmed in action whilst art maker Samantha Taylor, who also lives in a Henshaws community house, read a bible passage in braille. The crew also filmed at the college and inside a community house, and followed the team of ladies from Henshaws Community Housing during the Bed Race itself. An in-depth interview was also conducted by Aled Jones with Arts & Crafts Centre manager Phill Hopkins.

Henshaws Yorkshire’s marketing and communications manager Louise Ashton commented: “For Henshaws Yorkshire to be featured on a TV programme that is such a fixture on prime time Sunday evening viewing was a tremendous honour. Religious or not, everyone knows Songs of Praise, and I’m delighted that the work of Henshaws Yorkshire will be broadcast directly into homes across the UK.”

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Henshaws Yorkshire produces 1500 delegate bags!

Henshaws Yorkshire has been selected as the chosen charity of the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC), to be held in June this year.

Art makers at the Arts & Crafts Centre were commissioned by YIBC to produce 1,500 delegate bags through our social enterprise, Handmade @ Henshaws.

The convention has been an annual fixture in the region’s business calendar since 1995 and has featured keynote speakers including Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev as well as celebrities such as John Cleese, Sir Bob Geldof and Neil Armstrong.

As the chosen charity for the 2010 convention, Henshaws Yorkshire is looking forward to benefiting from exposure and involvement at the event as well as vital funds generated from the sale of the delegate bags.

Each bag carries one of ten unique, hand embellished drawings, designed by the art makers at the Arts & Craft Centre.

Funds generated from involvement in the YIBC have been ear-marked to go towards a new multi-media centre at Henshaws College. The new suite will incorporate a performance area with a small stage, lighting and sound systems, a studio for making films, and a sound proofed room for radio broadcasting. Henshaws College students will be actively involved in the planning and progression of the centre throughout its development.

Caroline Smale, CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire said: “We feel privileged and excited to be involved with the YIBC and look forward to the benefits the new multi-media centre will bring to the college.

“Students at the college are able to study media and radio at Henshaws College and radio is particularly popular due to its accessibility for visually impaired and disabled people.”

Mike Firth, from the YIBC, commented: “As the slogan of the convention is ‘inspiring people, inspiring people’ the decision to involve Henshaws Yorkshire as both a charity and a social enterprise was a natural one. The courage and determination displayed by the students and art makers at Henshaws Yorkshire is more motivating than any business story I’ve heard and I look forward to seeing the results of their hard work.”

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Henshaws Yorkshire celebrates Nidderdale Walk success

Students from Henshaws College and service users from Henshaws community housing, who are all affected by visual impairment and other disabilities, took part in this year’s Nidderdale charity walk, completing four, seven, 15 and 22 mile stretches.

 Third-year student David Connelly said: “I took part in the 15 mile walk last year and said I would follow it with the 22 mile walk this year. I don’t have any sight at all but I’m very determined and have been training hard since September. Completing the walk is a major achievement for me and I’m very proud to have done it. I feel on top of the world!”

 Henshaws College students walked to raise funds for the sports, fitness and leisure department at the college.

 Five residents from a Henshaws community house also took part in the 15 mile walk and raised over £200 for Open Country, which is an organisation that seeks to enable anyone with any disability to access the countryside. The community housing service users go tandem riding at least once a week with Open Country.

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Henshaws Yorkshire Golf Day

Henshaws Yorkshire is holding its third annual Golf Day on Wednesday 7^th July 2010 at the Harrogate Golf Club, Knaresborough Road, Harrogate.

Each team will start at the first hole and a chance to enjoy the full 18 holes choosing a tee time to suit them. The cost of the event is £50 per person which includes a round of golf, BBQ buffet with a formal prize giving and raffle drawn at 7.30pm. If you are a member of Harrogate Golf Club we can offer you a discounted rate of £35 per person.

In addition, there is an opportunity for your company to sponsor a hole at the price of £100, providing you with publicity on the day by placing a banner on the course.

We would really welcome your support on the day. We can guarantee the very best afternoon with your clients, colleagues or friends as well as a memorable round of golf. To book a place please contact Viki Nixon on 01423 814 500 or by email at victoria.nixon@henshaws.org.uk.

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An inspirational story: world famous motivational speaker, Miles Hilton-Barber

He has climbed Mount Everest, flown from London to Sydney in a microlight, completed a 150-mile run across the Sahara desert, hauled a sledge 250 miles across Antarctica, among many other world record breaking endeavours. Achievements made all the more impressive by the fact that Miles Hilton-Barber is totally blind.

Speaking at Henshaws College in Harrogate on 10^th June, Miles will deliver one of his world famous motivational talks. Using the philosophy that ‘the only limits in your life are those you accept yourself’, his experiences demonstrate how barriers and limitations can be overcome with the right attitude, team preparation and innovation, along with a healthy sense of humour.

Miles has spoken at large conferences and corporate management events in over 300 cities around the globe and amongst his fans are Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Michael Palin. Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: “Hearing Miles speak is truly inspirational. He is living proof of the old adage ‘there is no such word as can’t.’ This amazing man is an unparalleled force for motivation and I have every possible respect for his talents as a speaker, as well as his incredible personal courage.”

“He has donated his services to the college free of charge, which is a mark of his great generosity. We expect the event to sell out extremely quickly, so I would urge people to reserve their tickets soon. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear a truly inspirational man speak about his fascinating story.”

Date: Thursday 10^th June

Start: 6pm for 6:30pm

Tickets: £10 per person

Location: Henshaws College, Bogs Lane, Harrogate, HG1 4ED

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Ofsted award top marks to Henshaws College

Henshaws College is celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report and a raft of IT awards.

 The college was commended by Ofsted as promoting a strong culture of continuous improvement and promotion of excellence, and achieved the highest grade of ‘significant progress’ across all five inspection themes.

The college’s high level of learner achievement was particularly praised, in addition to the vocational curriculum offered in practical environments of hospitality, retail and admin, horticulture, media, and arts and crafts. The inspectors visited the café and shop at the Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough to observe the students in training.

In addition to this success, Henshaws College was nominated in five of the eight categories at the Yorkshire and Humber Further Education IT Evolution Awards.  Senior curriculum manager Christine Sherman won the Regional Leadership Award and the ICT curriculum team scooped the Innovative Practice Award. Tutor Paul Scott was also a finalist in three categories.

The college is widely recognised for maximising technology to boost student achievement. It has invested in a range of mobile technology – including digital voice recorders, cameras and video cameras – as well as high tech tools for the kitchen, specialist music equipment and multimedia white boards for teaching areas.  At present, the college is focusing efforts on fundraising to secure state-of-the-art technology for an innovative media centre, which will further enhance students’ skills.

College principal Caroline Smale said: “Henshaws College is delighted to have got 2010 off to such a magnificent start. It is wonderful to have had an excellent report from Ofsted: it is extremely satisfying to confirm that we are providing the best learning environment for our students.

“Receiving two IT Evolution Awards and five nominations is the icing on the cake, and congratulations must go to all the hard working staff who thoroughly deserve this success. The college is committed to the innovative use of technology because it enables our students to gain independence and employability skills, and prepare them for their future lives. This is particularly important in helping to overcome the challenges posed by visual impairment and additional physical disabilities and learning difficulties.”

The Evolution Awards were created to recognise regional success with e-learning. Nominations come from across the higher education, further education and skills sectors, recognising those individuals or teams using technology for the benefit of learners.

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Henshaws Business Breakfast whets CSR appetite

Local businesses have heard how Henshaws College can support them and help them to meet their corporate social responsibility targets at a ‘Henshaws Means Business’ event.    

Launched in 2009, ‘Henshaws Means Business’ offers professional consultancy and training to help companies of all sizes to comply with discrimination laws.

The programme gives employers the skills and confidence when hiring workers with disabilities and enables them to understand how to support visually impaired and disabled staff.

Additional initiatives include corporate volunteering opportunities and art loan to brighten up the workplace. Also available are environmentally friendly delegate bags for conferences and beautiful greetings cards – all of which are hand crafted by Henshaws students and art makers.    

Henshaws Means Business undertakes activities which include converting company literature, including menus, signs and even employment contracts into Braille – a legal requirement in some cases.

At the recent event David Williams, general manager of Blue Line Taxis, explained how they will be working with Henshaws to accommodate customers with visual impairment, learning difficulties and other disabilities.

Said Mr Williams: “We operate a number of Mercedes Eurocabs which have been custom built to transport wheelchairs of all sizes for Henshaws students. We are proud to have been associated with Henshaws for over two decades and wholeheartedly support the Henshaws Means Business programme.”  

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Dinner Parties with a Difference

Enjoy time with your friends whilst directly supporting people in Yorkshire who are blind or visually impaired.

Henshaws Yorkshire invites you to bring together a group of friends, family or even work colleagues to enjoy a meal and small social gathering as the days lengthen and we emerge from a bitterly cold winter. In addition, this simple idea also enables you to raise funds for a local charity who’s work with the blind and visually impaired, including more complex needs, places it as a centre of excellence.

We can provide you with a pack which gives you all the information to make this possible; from menu’s, invitations, FAQ’s and even a great DVD which in 8 minutes completely opens your eyes so you can see where your support goes.

“I have just hosted the first tier of the Henshaws Yorkshire Dinner Party with a Difference. I think it’s a great idea that can raise a lot of money for a very worthwhile charity. My 5 friends are already planning their parties and I look forward to seeing how much we manage to raise. I urge anyone who enjoys entertaining or who just wants to meet up with friends to consider taking part”.

Rachel Mann, Henshaws Yorkshire supporter.

If you would like to hold your own Dinner Party with a Difference, or for more information, please call 01423 814500

And remember, it’s meant to be fun –not a culinary challenge!

FAQs – frequently asked questions

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Charity meets Big Business

Harrogate-based charity Henshaws Yorkshire, has been selected as the chosen charity of the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC), to be held in June this year.

In preparation for the event, Mike Firth, the YIBC organiser, visited the Arts & Crafts Centre to see art-makers working on the 1,500 delegate bags they are producing through the charity’s social enterprise, Handmade at Henshaws.

The convention has been an annual fixture in the region’s business calendar since 1995 and has featured keynote speakers including Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev as well as celebrities such as John Cleese, Sir Bob Geldof and Neil Armstrong.

As the chosen charity for the 2010 convention, Henshaws Yorkshire is looking forward to benefiting from exposure and involvement at the event as well as vital funds generated from the sale of the delegate bags.

Each bag will carry one of ten unique, hand embellished drawings, designed by the art makers at the Arts & Craft Centre.

Funds generated from involvement in the YIBC have been ear-marked to go towards a new multi-media centre at Henshaws College. The new suite will incorporate a performance area with a small stage, lighting and sound systems, a studio for making films, and a sound proofed room for radio broadcasting. Henshaws College students will be actively involved in the planning and progression of the centre throughout its development.

Caroline Smale, CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire said: “We feel privileged and excited to be involved with the YIBC and look forward to the benefits the new multi-media centre will bring to the college.

“Students at the college are able to study media and radio at Henshaws College and radio is particularly popular due to its accessibility for visually impaired and disabled people.”

Mike Firth, from the YIBC, commented: “As the slogan of the convention is ‘inspiring people, inspiring people’ the decision to involve Henshaws Yorkshire as both a charity and a social enterprise was a natural one. The courage and determination displayed by the students and art makers at Henshaws Yorkshire is more motivating than any business story I’ve heard and I look forward to seeing the results of their hard work.”

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Henshaws raises money with Burns Night festivities

Harrogate-based charity Henshaws Yorkshire raised £3,000 with a colourful Scottish supper to celebrate the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Along with performances of Burns’ poems the event included whisky toasts, a traditional piper, a ceilidh band and the parade of the haggis.

The charity which works with students with visual impairments, physical or learning difficulties held the evening at the college as part of its annual fundraising drive that aims to bring in £200,000 a year.

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Join us for Burns Night festivities

Henshaws Yorkshire, is to celebrate the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns with a colourful Scottish supper on January 29.

The charity which works with students with visual impairments, physical or learning difficulties is holding the evening at the college as part of its annual fundraising drive that aims to bring in £200,000 a year.

Along with performances of Burns’ poems the event will include whisky toasts, a traditional piper and a ceilidh band. The highlight of the Burns Supper is the parade of the haggis – involving the chef, followed by pipers, carrying the haggis to be placed on the high table before the chairman.

The Burns Supper tradition began over 200 years ago when friends of the late poet laid on meals in his memory following his death in 1796. His most famous poem is New Year and Hogmanny standard Auld Lang Syne.

Tickets are priced at £30 and tables can host a maximum of ten people. The evening begins at 7.30pm with the traditional three course Burns’ supper being served at 8pm. Dress code is black tie. Tickets are available from Henshaws by calling 01423 814501

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Otley Victorian Fayre

The Otley Victorian Fayre has been held every year since 1985. Over the years the Fayre has raised thousands of pounds for charities and local organisations, and this year it has chosen Henshaws as it’s charity to support.

The Fayre is during the afternoon and evening of Friday 11^th December in Otley town centre. During the day there will be the usual Friday street market and local schools will be singing carols throughout Otley. In the evening the atmosphere takes a step back to a former era when the main roads in the centre of Otley are closed to accommodate children’s rides and amusements, street organs, a miniature railway, Morris dancers, choirs and other events. Hot food and drinks are available.

Come and be a part of a traditional Christmas Fayre in perfect time for buying presents for family and friends. Handmade at Henshaws will be given a special place among the stalls giving you a chance to purchase cards and gifts made by people from the  Arts & Craft Centre.

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Business leader launches network for Henshaws

A high-profile business leader has spearheaded a networking club with a difference to raise awareness of the inspiring work carried out by Henshaws Yorkshire.

Lindsay Ross, the former managing director of SRProjects, a division of Yorkshire developer Severfield-Rowen, has invited senior directors, partners and business owners to a tour of the charity.

In recent weeks a dozen decision makers have gained a valuable insight into Henshaws' work.

Mr Ross, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction and property industries and is a member of Henshaws board said, “I am proud to be involved with Henshaws and to ‘put something ‘back’ into this tremendous charity which not only not only benefits the students as individuals and enables them to become more independent, but also brings wide-ranging benefits to their parents and carers.

My idea of creating a special business networking club has been well received and the guests I have invited have enjoyed networking with each other and given positive feedback following their fact finding tour of Henshaws and the incredible achievements of its students.”  

College Principal Caroline Smale added, “We applaud and welcome the initiative taken by Lindsay to raise awareness of our curriculum and services among the business community in Harrogate and beyond.”

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A 'beard' and wonderful race!

On Sunday 29 November 2009 hundreds of keen Father Christmases will be racing around Harrogate to raise money for Henshaws! 

Around 500 enthusiastic Santas are expected to take part in the 2km Santa dash.  All funds raised will be split equally between Henshaws and local charity St Michael's Hospice.

Caroline Smale, Henshaws Yorkshire CEO said, “The Santa Dash will be a unique event for all the family and with places for 500 santas to take part it promises be quite the spectacle!” 

The race is open to all ages and abilities.  It costs just £10 to enter, which includes a special Santa suit. 

To register or find out more, call us on 01423 814501.

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Ghostly goings on…

Over 300 mums, dads and children helped Henshaws Yorkshire celebrate Halloween this year by attending the charity’s fund raising walk at Valley Gardens.

Young and old got in to the spirit of the event by dressing up in all manner of scary outfits as they enjoyed games of splat the rat, apple bobbing and an unlucky dip.

For those after some light relief, a collection of spooky jokes were hung from the garden’s trees.

Harrogate Theatre got in on the act by providing ghostly guides and story tellers, while Ainsty Farm shop laid on a hog roast and barbeque for the hungry hoards.

Viki Nixon, community and events fundraiser at Henshaws Yorkshire said: “We were so pleased that this year’s Halloween walk proved so popular and are already looking forward to next year’s event. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from parents who want their children to enjoy the day but wanted a family friendly way to do so.”

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Barclays go blind bowling

Our community housing service teamed up with Barclays staff to take part in a ten-pin bowling challenge with a difference.

None of our bowlers had the benefit of 20:20 vision. Barclays staff took turns to bowl wearing simulation spectacles which simulate eye conditions, including total blindness, tunnel vision and cataracts. 

And each team included two visually impaired Henshaws community housing residents. 

The event was a fantastic fundraiser but also a great corporate team-building opportunity.  With the generosity of Barclays, and the addition of over £400 raised by the community housing participants, a total of £1,500 was raised.

If you would like to take part in the challenge – or have any other challenge ideas – then get in touch with us on 01423 814500.

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Halloween walk

Watch out! Witches, ghosts and vampires will be descending once more on Harrogate’s Valley Gardens.

Henshaws Yorkshire’s Halloween Walk is back by popular demand! The event proved so successful last year that Henshaws Yorkshire is holding the walk for the second year running.

The event, at Valley Gardens, is on Saturday 31 October with walks available between 17:00-20:30.  It includes a guided spooky trail around the gardens with stops for stories, performed by Harrogate Theatre, along the way. There will also be a range of Halloween-themed games, and hot food and drinks will be available. Fancy dress is welcome!

This is a fun and safe Halloween event suitable for all the family – and what’s more, all proceeds go towards Henshaws Yorkshire, an inspirational local charity.

The event sold out last year so early booking is advised. Places are limited so call the fundraising team on 01423 814501 to book your place. Admission is £3 per person with all proceeds going to Henshaws Yorkshire.

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New short break service

Henshaws Yorkshire has launched a range of short break services for young people aged between 11-18 years and 18-23 years.

Both day and residential short breaks are available, as well as residential short breaks with parents and siblings. 

Our short break day service provides stimulating activities within an ethos that promotes independent service, and is delivered in a safe, specialist and stimulating environment.

The residential short break service is provided during college holidays.

We are able to offer a stay of up to two weeks per person. We are also able to provide the opportunity for parents to take a break with their disabled child whilst being able to enjoy activities, care and support.

To find out more about our short break services call Vicky Sykes on 01423 814545.

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