Our latest edition of InSight is out now.

This edition includes:

• Letter From our CEO
• Christmas at Wilberforce Trust
• Club Wilber’s winter activities
• Our new Values
• Christmas Raffle and Santa Sleigh fundraiser
• Fundraising and Thank yous!

You can read the latest issue of InSight here or by clicking the image below-

You can listen to InSight here-

Introduction

Letter from the CEO

Christmas at Wilberforce Trust

Club Wilber

Values, Christmas fundraising and thank yous

Our latest edition of InSight is out now.

This edition includes:

• Letter From our CEO
• Christmas at Wilberforce Trust
• Club Wilber update
• Volunteering opportunities
• Sensory Garden
• Christmas fundraising
• Fundraising and Thank yous!

Click here or the image above to read the latest edition of our InSight Magazine.

Our latest edition of InSight is out now.

This edition includes:

• Letter From The CEO
• Christmas at Wilberforce House
• Club Wilber winter update
• LLZ activities update
• YorSensory
• Fundraising and thank you

Click here or the image above to read the latest edition of our InSight Magazine

Finishing a fabulous, festive season at the Wilberforce Trust, we attended the pantomime at York Theatre Royal at the weekend with some of our Club Wilber families. This year’s show was Jack and the Beanstalk and it was as entertaining and funny as we have come to expect from this historic theatre. Like last year, we were also delighted to be able to experience a private ‘touch- tour’ of the set and costumes before the show.

At the start of the tour we were introduced to the stage, set and story by one of the theatre’s accredited Audio Describers, who talked us through different scenes and costumes we would expect to encounter. She explained what we might hear to tell us that something in particular was happening, such as a character entering the stage, which was really helpful to build a picture of what we were about to watch. We were then invited onto the stage to look at the props, set and costumes and more importantly to feel them. These included the ‘Cow Wash’ (like a car wash!) and the top of the huge Giant costume. We could hold some of the smaller props, like the velvet bags of beans and coins, and the team were so helpful with explaining things and allowing the children to ask loads of questions. Being able to use their sense of touch is hugely important for a lot of the children, enabling them to build a picture in their minds of what the characters and set may look like.

Once we took our seats in the main auditorium, those that wished to could use a headset so the action on stage could be described to them to bring the action to life. The performance was amazing and everyone, grown- ups and children alike, had a really enjoyable time. A big thank you to the staff and crew at York Theatre Royal, especially Gill and Ted the Audio Describers, who helped make this a really magical event. A particular thank you to the York Theatre Royal pay- it- forward scheme, who provided some free tickets, and to The Victoria Wood Foundation for their generous grant which enables us to continue providing arts and culture activities.

Last Friday we held the first ever tenant’s Christmas Party here at Wilberforce House. With the open plan space of the Living and Learning Zone and a buffet provided by on site Weston’s Café, it’s the perfect venue for our tenants to meet together, and kick off the festive season.

Alongside the buffet, full of party and festive favourites, there was a disco in the Rainbow Room and even a visit from Santa, much to the delight of a number of the tenants. He arrived to a flurry of bells and worked round the room, chatting with people and handing out a little gift. He even posed for some photos by the Christmas Tree!

Superstar of the party was our tenant, Lee, who DJ’d for the whole party, pulling together a brilliant playlist of Christmas hits, disco classics and modern floor fillers. Tenants and staff alike were singing, dancing and shaking the maracas!

We are well into the Christmas season here at Wilberforce House, with a dinner and carols left to look forward to, before the big day itself.

Last weekend, and for the first time, we were delighted to open the doors of Wilberforce House for the Club Wilber Christmas Party! Across the open plan Living & Learning Zone, we had craft activities, a sensory space, a disco area and a chocolate fountain.

As our families arrived late morning, they dived straight into the festive fun; making snowmen, decorating and filling their own crackers. As soon as the smell of chocolate filled the air, children, and adults, jumped to the fountain to dip festive kebabs of fruit and sweet treats. The sensory area, with lights, textures and sounds, was popular with the littlest Club Wilber members, and it was the perfect place to escape the busyness of the café area.

After a buffet lunch of sandwiches, pizza and nibbles, the children were excited when the Big Man himself, Santa Claus, walked through the door to the jingle of bells and took a seat by our huge Christmas Tree. The families took it in turns to meet Santa and say a few words and receive a present. The expressions on the children’s faces at this special moment at the party make all the hard work worth it for the team!#

We were delighted to welcome Club Wilber Ambassador and York City Knight’s player, Will Jubb to the party, along with his partner Jess. They spent time making snowmen with the children and chatting to the families, who are always really excited to see Will. We also gave him a congratulation present for his recent graduation, with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Fisheries Studies from The University of Hull.

Like the Birthday Party and at Halloween, these parties are the perfect time for the families to catch up. We waved everyone off and wished them a Merry Christmas and we’re already excited for our Panto trip together in January!

Our latest edition of InSight is out now.

This edition includes:

• Letter From The CEO
• Coming Soon
• One year living in Wilberforce House
• Grow & Sow
• LLZ activities update
• Club Wilber update
• YorSensory
• Fundraising and our Christmas appeal launches

Click here or the image above to read the latest edition of our InSight Magazine

Our Christmas Raffle is back and there’s a host of fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a big Christmas hamper, a Betty’s hamper, two £100 Lifestyle shopping vouchers and a box of Nestle favourites. Tickets are £2 each and available from reception at Wilberforce House and by emailing reception@wilberforcetrust.org.uk

We are also delighted to be offering Christmas Cards again, this year featuring a wonderful contemporary design. The cards come in packs of 10 and are £4.50 a pack. As with the raffle, all proceeds raised go to the trust.

You can donate a star by clicking the donate button that you see on every page of our website and by clicking here.