Make 2012 the year of the trustee

The toy library is always happy to welcome new people to our committee. We meet every second month at the toy library on a Thursday evening 7:30- 9:00 to discuss how the toy library works and make plans for the following 8-12 weeks.

Please ask for more details if you might be interested. You are welcome to attend a meeting to 'get a feel' for what we do. Our next committee meeting is Thursday 26th January, and the following one will be Thursday 29th March.

Below is information from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations:

With an average of one in five charities having trustee vacancies this is an ideal time to think about your organisation's trustee recruitment strategy and to also consider becoming a trustee yourself. Trusteeship is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain valuable work experience, make good contacts and learn new skills that could be transferred to an employer. As an organisation new trustees can bring expertise, energy, ideas and creativity to your board.

If you're interested in becoming a trustee follow these top tips to ensure you find the right position:

1. Do your homework and find a charity you feel passionate about
2. Be clear about the responsibilities you will be taking on and make sure the charity is incorporated
3. Check that the strategic direction of the charity matches its legal objects
4. Know the time commitments – every charity will expect different things. You might be asked to sit on a subcommittee which is extra meetings. Make sure you can give it the time it requires, including reading board papers in advance of meetings!
5. Understand who the beneficiaries are – this is where the organisation’s loyalty lies
   

For more information on becoming a trustee, or to recruit new trustees for your organisation go to:

Trustees Unlimited www.trustees-unlimited.co.uk
Trustee Bank http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/trusteebank

Refurbishments complete!

The Midlands Co-op awarded us a grant of £2850 in 2011 for refurbishments to improve the security, safety and energy efficiency of the toy library.

All work has been completed now, and has included: replacement doors, a new carpet in the lending room, window repairs and thermal insulating blinds, new energy efficient heaters, repairs to the exterior of the building, new fire extinguishers and redecoration following the refurbishments.

Many thanks again to the Midlands Co-op for their support.

January/February play themes

We are focusing on eye health at the moment! Come and play in our opticians shop - try on a range of frames and see how you look, or try out our eye charts. We are also making some very trendy glasses - you can decorate your own frames and put coloured cellophane lenses in! We will be playing games to do with 'looking for things' and noticing what we can see around us.

Leaflets and advice for parents have kindly been provided by Hallcroft opticians (01509 650666), and we have reproduced their advice on children's eye care below.

Children's Eye Care - provided by Hallcroft Opticians

Did you know that 80% of what your son or daughter learns comes to them visually?

Some common eye conditions are treatable if diagnosed at an early age.

Things to be aware of that may indicate your child needing their eyes tested include:

• Consistently sitting to close to the TV or holding a book too close
• Losing his/her place while reading
• Using a finger to follow along while reading
• Tilting the head to see better
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing
• Closing one eye to read/see better/watch TV
• Avoiding reading or playing ball games
• Complaining of headaches/tired eyes

Frequently Asked Questions:

When should I take my child for a test? - The sooner the better, even if you do not detect any of the above things as they may have a lazy eye which is difficult for the untrained person to detect.

My child cannot read or does not know their letters - This is not a problem. We have other ways of testing their eyes without relying on reading letters.

How much does it cost? The test itself is free under the NHS. If they need spectacles, and NHS voucher is issued to cover the whole cost or part payment.

Raising funds with Shepshed Building Society

Going into the New Year - perhaps a thought for Christmas or Birthday money?

If you, or anyone in your family, has a savings account with the Shepshed Building Society, you can nominate for it to be affiliated to the Shepshed toy library.

For every nominated account, the Shepshed Building Society makes a donation to our toy library funds. This does not affect the interest that you receive, but does help us! Please ask at the toy library or building society for more details.

Happy New Year

Welcome back and a Happy New Year to all our members and friends.

This month we will be doing Chinese New Year craft activities and exploring the topics of eye-health and dental health.

We are also introducing two new story sacks: "shapes and colour" and "dentists".

Our evening opening this month will be Thursday January 26th.

We look forward to seeing you soon.