SEND charity Dingley’s Promise prepares for 40th anniversary

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM charity is gearing up for a huge celebration to mark its work supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) over the past 40 years.

Families from across the country will be gathering at Camp Mohawk in Berkshire for a day of festivities on Sunday, June 11, to mark the milestone of Dingley’s Promise.

Those looking to join the Dingley family are also welcome.

The charity launched in Reading, and has since opened centres across the country to support more families.

It also runs a national training programme to aid early years practitioners in supporting SEND children and working more inclusively.

Catherine McLeod, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate our 40th year of giving the best start to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by holding this big event for our families past and present.

“Camp Mohawk is such a fantastic place with facilities

CELEBRATION: Dingley’s Promise helps support SEND families and is marking its 40th and natural space for children with a variety of additional needs to play and socialise.

“We look forward to welcoming our families and seeing all of the children using the facilities, enjoying refreshments and playing together on the day.”

Dingley’s Promise offers nursery provision and developmental support to children with Special

Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years, with the aim of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Charlotte James, who is supported by Dingley’s Promise together with her daughter Emilia, and is attending Camp Mohawk, said: “Dingley’s Promise has been an amazing support for us.

“Even before Emilia started the nursery, they supported us at the family support sessions where they were always happy to listen and answer any questions I had.

“At Dingley’s Promise I feel surrounded by people in similar situations which has helped me to feel less alone.

“We are so grateful for Dingley’s Promise and the patience and care that Emilia

Pedal power as Bikeathon returns with new route

is given and are very excited to share the Camp Mohawk experience with other families, meet new people and celebrate Dingley’s Promise.”

Camp Mohawk is a multifunctional day centre for children with special needs set in five acres of ancient woodland in Berkshire.

It provides a safe haven for children to enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities year-round in a secure and caring environment.

Ms McLeod added: “We welcome any families we have worked with over the last 40 years to join us, so please contact sara.dean@dingley.org. uk for more information about the event and how you can join the fun.” n For more: dingley.org.uk

Dingley’s Promise says it is growing the reach of its specialist provision nationally, to ensure that more children with SEND are given the best start and more families are supported.

They are also ambitious in their target to train practitioners in mainstream settings across the country via its Comic Relief-funded training, with the aim of reaching 30,000 practitioners in their five-year programme.

IT’S NEARLY time for Wokingham to get on their bikes again, as the annual Bikeathon prepares to return.

The annual event starts and finishes at Cantley Park, and usually attracts around 800 riders of all ages.

There are four routes, offering a chance to explore Wokingham’s countryside. They are 15, 25, 35 and, for the first time, 50 miles.

Refreshment and toilet stops have been planned along the route, and for families, there is a Kidical Mass ride of just two miles, starting at 10am.

Children can also tackle a bike obstacle course, and receive a medal courtesy of MyJourney Wokingham for taking part.

There will also be Dr Bike on hand to offer checks, and the chance to have security marking added to bikes.

Refreshments will also be available.

The event is volunteerled and proceeds will go to charities. It will be held on Sunday, June 11. n For more details, or to book a place, log on to: www. wokinghambikeathon.co.uk

The Borough building has quietly existed within the hustle and bustle of Maidenhead since the 1850s as a wine and spirit merchant, located steps away from the main High Street.

Over 170 odd years have passed, and we are now the privileged custodians of this historic building where people have been socia lising for over a century.

Today, this three-storey building is a neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, restaurant with private events spaces

Opening 30th of May from 5pm