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Boccia tournament triumph! Page 4 The HWCS Magazine Your voice, by you, for you Spring 2016 Celebrating International Older People’s Day Page 3

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Boccia tournament triumph! Page 4

The HWCS Magazine Your voice, by you, for you

Spring 2016

Celebrating International Older

People’s Day Page 3

International Older People’s DayBy Monica Gedge, Steeple Leas

2 3Welcome Activities

We hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine. Once again, we have had a fantastic response from service users sending in a lot of varied items for the magazine – so please keep them coming.

In this issue we have some fantastic stories and pictures of service users and what they have been up to. There are some brilliant articles of how our service users have overcome difficulties in their lives – their stories are so heart warming and it just goes to show what we can achieve with the right support.

Judging by the photos and articles, Christmas and Halloween were very memorable and a lot of fun. Santa was clearly very busy last Christmas and again shows how generous people can be by giving their time as well as donations.

We will be launching our service user art competition shortly. The winning art will be featured in our calendar for 2017 – so please look out for details in your projects if you want to showcase your art.

The editorial team

Sue Parker based at Clumber Court

Nina Carr based at Clumber Court

You can contact Nina and Sue from the VoiceBox editorial team by emailing [email protected] or pass your comments to your support worker to send onto us.For the next edition we would like to include pictures of you, your pets, your gardens and anything else you think may interest other service users – we can help with the article so you don’t need to be a expert with words.

FireWOrkS COMPeTiTiONNo one guessed the correct amount of fireworks hidden in the last edition, so if you want a chance to win a £30 voucher keep your eyes peeled for the easter bunnies in this issue.

Hello!Welcome to this issue of VoiceBox – our service user magazine.

Easter bunny competitionCan you spot how many easter bunnies are hidden in this issue of VoiceBox? Email your answers to [email protected] or ask your support worker to send it to us. Don’t forget to include your name and address and we will enter you into a prize draw where one lucky winner will receive a £30 voucher.

Deadline for competition entries is Friday 15 April 2016 – good luck!

In a nutshell: ‘We had a wonderful day’. First off we all took part in making a banner out of letters to celebrate the day – it turned out beautiful.Next came a large plate of biryani rice and chicken on the table. We thought this was to share between us all. Imagine our surprise when the plates, all large, kept coming out from the kitchen and we discovered that there was an individual plate for everyone. This was followed by ice cream then hot cups of tea. There was so much food I think we all went home with takeaways for the evening.

The ladies at Ashiana then showed me how to put on and wear a ‘hijab’. A tour of the building and gardens followed. In one room there were exercise machines and in another a massage chair which we had a go on. That was so funny as we were not expecting it to massage everywhere!We then went to visit SMaRT. Here we were told about the number of properties

they are responsible for at any one time and how many calls they answer in 24 hours. We might think they sometimes take a while to answer but if you see the work they do you would realize it is amazing how they cope.All in all we had a marvellous time. We were made so welcome. No one rushed us home and we were able to have really good long chats with most of the other residents. Thank you Ashiana and Basera residents for sharing your special day with us.

This year residents at Steeple Leas in Grantham, Lincolnshire, decided that it would be nice to celebrate this very special of days with residents from other independent Living Schemes. We joined with residents from Basera and Ashiana and met up at Ashiana’s premises in Nottingham.

4 Activities 5 Activities

We did lots of practice walks in preparation for the walk and finalised the route. On the day we were all kitted out in our walking shoes with waterproofs in our rucksacks – just in case. We started the day with tea and bacon sandwiches – to give us energy of course! We took turns in leading at the front and were in high spirits – no complaints about aching feet yet although Michelle did get a tiny cut on her

leg before the first check point in West Leake. Our jokes about amputation were rewarded with one of Michelle’s “looks”!

Onto our second check point at Gotham, we played “I Spy” and talked to each other before having a break. We had some drama too when a tea flask exploded so we all had to have

an ice cream to make up for it. Jade arrived and after finishing lunch we headed onto the outskirts of Nottingham.

The rain started as we got to Clifton so we decided not to stop at our next check point and plough through to Nottingham. We were getting weary by now with ‘are we there yet’ and ‘my legs are hurting’ being heard. With the end in sight, we all did a huge cheer as we came over the last hill – what a sense of achievement. We were greeted by staff at NCHA’s offices with a welcome and well done board – 17 ½ miles in 7 hours – a well deserved cup of tea and biscuits were definitely needed.

We raised £541.82 in all – time to start looking for that new shed!

Shed 17 By Ben, Sarah, Amy, Richard and Jamie, Bridge Street

I captained the Lombard Street Project Boccia Team who participated in the World Health Mental Awareness Week Boccia Tournament organised and run by Newark Indoor Bowls Club.We took part in the inaugural event a year ago which raised £100 for our Social Fund and this year we had Project Manager Alison Gregory and service user Gary Shaw both making their second appearances.Gary was particularly enthusiastic and wants to play on a regular basis and I also fancy playing bowls at the club. New interest for the Lombard Team came from service user Chris Moore. The tournament was highly successful with sixteen teams taking part, (double the number of last year). Lombard Street’s John Hope, who organised the event was delighted with

the turnout which, in addition to the forty eight competitors, included some seventy supporters. The interest this year was a great testament to the sport and how accessible it has become for the local community.John is very enthusiastic about Boccia rightly claiming that it can be played equally well by people who are overweight, underweight, unfit as well as fit and people with mental or physical disabilities. The Newark club already have five groups participating in the game on a regular basis plus several individuals. Lombard Street Project are pursuing this as part of a ‘Healthy bodies, Healthy minds’ campaign and hope to make Boccia a weekly activity for the service users to participate in. Maybe next year we will win the trophy!

Boccia Tournament By Michael Elleray, Lombard Street

The shed at our project burned down recently so we set about raising some funds for a new one. As several of us also wanted to ‘shed’ a bit of weight we decided to do a sponsored walk from our project to Nottingham which is about 17 miles – hence ‘shed 17’. Our group of walkers included Ben, Sarah, Amy, richard (tenants) along with Jamie (ex tenant) and Michelle, Sarah, Tony and Oladele (staff). Another member of staff, Jade, kept us going with food and drinks along the way.

Staff asked what we wanted to do, which was new for some of us, and then they made it happen along with so much more. We were treated to Christmas dinner at a restaurant – it was even more special as staff arranged it when the children were at school so we could have a nice relaxing meal.

They arranged activities for the children like making their own decorations and a party for both adults and children with festive films, games and food. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and staff even stayed late. They really do go above and beyond what I expected and really care about us all.

We all received a huge food hamper with everything you need for a Christmas dinner such as biscuits, chocolates, Christmas puddings, a chicken, fresh vegetables and potatoes.

Staff told us to help ourselves from a huge box of beauty products such as cosmetics, hair treatments, deodorants and perfumes – it was great to pamper myself for the first time in ages.

I was surprised and touched to receive so many presents from

the staff as I was not expecting any and all exactly what I liked. All the staff worked so hard to make sure we had a wonderful Christmas, and I really did, thanks to them. The staff were there throughout the Christmas period offering support and making it a wonderful time, probably one of the best I’ve actually ever had.

Christmas is meant to be all about family and being here with the other residents and staff, I actually felt like I belonged, like I was with family. They care so much and have helped me more than I can every say, especially at this time of year. They made me feel so happy, cared for and at home. So thank you to each and every member of the amazing staff here for giving us a very merry Christmas.

Christmas in Octavia House By Anonymous, Octavia House

i was a little apprehensive about spending Christmas in a refuge as i thought this year would be just as bad as the rest but it was uncalled for. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we all had a great Christmas.

7 Activities

Older Peoples Day, belly dancing and buffet at Lilac Court

We’ve had a busy few months at Lilac Court. Tenants joined in with local belly dancers celebrating Older People’s Day in October.We had a lovely Christmas - a small group of tenants cooked a Christmas lunch open to

everyone at Lilac Court which proved really popular and was a great success. Tenants made a big effort in decorating the room and the tables for the lunch.

6 Activities

We had a great time at the party. Everyone dressed up, some outfits were very spooky.The food was excellent and the room was decorated with pumpkins, spider’s webs and skeletons which made it very special. Everyone really enjoyed the event. Many thanks to the staff for all their hard work.

Halloween Party 2015 at Midworth StreetBy Linda R

Due to the generous donations we had presents for all the children who attended, Santa and novelty guests, and face painting. They also provided £150 for a fabulous buffet that all the families enjoyed and commented on.

The children participated in singing and dancing, musical statues and pass the parcel.

There were plenty of positive comments from the families who attended,

Chelsea’s family said “Brilliant! Well worth it!

We really enjoyed the food! It was good to see fruit on the table. The face painting was a good idea, the presents were really lovely, and the staff were all great.”

Sabrina’s mum wanted to say “Thank you to all the lovely staff, as this could not have been easy to organise, it was brilliant.”

Sadie said “The party was alright, my daughter loved Santa and his helpers.”

Fay said “All the children had a great time”

Each year the party has become bigger and better. Foothold would like to thank all the service users and the staff for coming and making it a successful event.

Foothold and Umuada would like to send a big thank you to Nottingham City Transport for providing a bus to and from the venue, staff said that this was a massive help.

Foothold and Umuada Christmas Party By Chelsea Bell, Katie, Fay Richardson, Sabrina Mitchell and Sadie, Foothold and Umuada

8 Activities

On Tuesday 1st December Foothold staff arranged the annual Christmas party. This was funded by Nottingham City Transport.

ChristmasBy Lisa Smith, PST Derbyshire

9 Activities

Lisa Smith has been supported by PST Derbyshire for over two years. She was organised this Christmas and did her shopping with her care worker Bev. Lisa and Bev really enjoyed looking at all the Christmas decorations in the shopping centres and having a great laugh together.

Winter CelebrationsService users, Ashiana

These photographs are from the Christmas 2015 party at Ashiana. Tenants feasted on roast turkey, lamb, chicken and Christmas vegetables followed by mince pies. We wanted to keep it very traditional. All tenants and staff took part in Secret Santa and later on Ashiana had a visit from Santa Claus himself to give out presents.

10 Activities

I would like to thank the organisation for a wonderful time we had at our Halloween Party organised at the Children’s Play Room. It was great fun and my little daughter thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

When I hear the word “Halloween” the first thing that comes to mind is magic and truly the evening was filled with lots of magical moments and we were thrilled with the energy, costumes, props and pumpkins that were created. I would especially like to thank Carol, Carla and Jess for creating such a magical ambience.

The food was good and we also enjoyed dressing up like witches, asking for trick or treats, taking photo’s, dancing and decorating our own little pumpkins.

All this was splendid and the kids were so happy and didn’t want this event to end.

It was my daughter’s first Halloween party and I would like to say “thank you” for making it so special for her. I will always cherish these beautiful memories that the organisers have bought for us. Keep up the good work and bringing all these smiles.

In the end I would say “we want more”.

Thank you

I go along to Pelham Kitchen as I know Rebecca who works in there. I collect the tea towels and bring them back to Claremont Road to be washed.

Staff help me to put the tea towels in the washing machine and then into the tumble dryer. I then take the tea towels back to the café.

What’s good is that I get a voucher for doing this and have a coffee with the staff. I like to get out and meet new people as I get on well with them.

Last week the Fun and Friends group had the pleasure of Matt, from Pelham Kitchen, cooking at Claremont Road.10 service users from Watcombe Circus and Claremont Road (and a few staff!) taste tested the bacon, sausage and ham along with the bread that they were hoping to use in the new Pelham Kitchen.Helen Street, Manager at Claremont Road said ‘It was really exciting for us all to be involved in NCHA’s new venture. The service users loved tasting the products and gave feedback to Matt’

Peter Bishop from Claremont Road said ‘It was nice, I enjoyed the meat. There was a lot’.

Beverley Mawby from Watcombe Circus said “ The soft bread was nice and the sausages were delicious’Thanks for coming and remember where we are when you need the cakes trying!

My New Job By Ellen Walsh, Claremont Road

Fun and Friends - the new official taste testers for Pelham KitchenBy Peter Bishop, Claremont Road and Beverley Mawby, Watcombe Circus

11 Activities

Halloween Party By Anonymous, Umuada

On the 17th of September Claremont, Watcombe and Wells Road went on a day trip to the seaside with the fun and friends group.

We had a lovely day and had fish and chips together in Skegness.

Nine service users from Claremont went on the trip.

Pete said he enjoyed the trip and would like to go again with Watcombe, he said he enjoyed seeing the amusements and seeing the caravans.

Adam said he most enjoyed the coach and having a shandy in the pub!

Diane and Ellen enjoyed shopping for seaside goodies and service users had the choice of visiting the Aquarium or going bowling, everyone seemed to really enjoy the day.

12 Days Out

Our day out to SkegnessBy Carolyn Radford, Claremont Road It was a Saturday morning;

no doubt service users were up getting themselves ready at silly o’clock. The mothers with children probably had no sleep at all, but hey that’s what I suppose the trip was meant to be about - excitement and fun. From what I saw it was going to be a good day from the time we all boarded the coach, the kids being loud and women laughing and joking.

The driver of the coach was amazing. Everyone was having a laugh asking questions like are we there yet and making jokes it was good to see everyone getting on and having a laugh.

Once we arrived we went off and did our own thing, some in groups, some not.

The little ones loved CBeebies land, we took lots of photos with Iggle Piggle and Mr Tumble’s house, also the Postman Pat ride.

Some of the older children went on the bigger rides like, rapids, Nemesis, Sonic and even Air! OH YEAH.

It had some lovely walk ways and eating areas. The only problem was a wasp but luckily they did have a medical centre and the staff

were amazing.

At 4 o’ clock we all met at the coach ready to go home - everyone was happy and laughing and looked like they all had a great day. As soon as we were all on the coach everyone just chilled and was flat out.

I would like to thank Jessica Birchnall and the staff for the trip - a BIG thank you. It was a once in a life time experience for most of us and very much appreciated.

Thanks for that opportunity!

13 Days Out

Day Trip to Alton TowersBy Nicci, Derbyshire WISH

The staff supported us to go on a trip to Blackpool – we had a great time and went to lots of attractions such as the waxwork museum, sea life centre and even the Blackpool tower. There was entertainment in the hotel at night which was fantastic and we enjoyed it all.David said ‘ I love watching Jeremy Kyle and it made my holiday to have my photo taken with his waxwork’Kevin added ‘I liked travelling to

places on the tram which I had not done before. One day I was eating a doughnut and a seagull flew down and took it – I didn’t mind sharing and it was very funny!’Simon said ‘ I loved the waxwork celebrities and the sea life centre. My favourite part of the holiday was watching the entertainment at night and all the costumes and dancers’We all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and didn’t stop laughing the whole time.

Our trip to BlackpoolBy David Simons, Kevin Hummell and Simon Cook, PST Derbyshire

Emma has been trained to become a peer mentor. This means she can provide advice to others that have experienced the same problems that she’s been through and give guidance that could help them get out of difficult money problems.

As well as training, Emma has also taken part in community activities and developing the programme. Emma has completed a National Open College Network level 1 qualification and is currently working towards level 2.

emma said:

“My confidence is much better and I think I’ve made a good impact on people. I’ve been

able to help them, because I know how difficult it can be to get out of debt. I think it makes a big difference when someone talks to you about how to overcome financial problems, instead of trying to deal with them yourself.

I volunteered for Sound as a Pound because of the support I had and I felt that I wanted to give something back. I know what it feels like to think that there’s no help, when clearly, there is and I wanted to be a part of it.

“In the future, I’d like to be a support worker. Ideally, something that helps people with their problems. I’m really pleased with my achievements and looking forward to working with Sound this year.”

Emma is Sound as a Pound By Emma Wardle, Sound as a Pound

emma Wardle is a volunteer with Sound as a Pound, which is an NCHA programme supporting people living in Nottingham who struggle with their finances.

15 General

So far the children have been able to go the cinema night to watch Pan, a farm day, a seaside day, Halloween craft day and party, and weekly breakfast and teatime clubs.

The feedback from the children about what they enjoyed the most about the activities and excursions has been brilliant and worth all the planning.

And the biggest news of all is that NCHA have secured funding for the much needed unit, which will become the dedicated children’s area, named the Friendly Club by AA one of our refuge children. Watch this space...

Exciting developments for Octavia House

14 General

NCHA has secured funding for a Children’s Worker, which means the children in the refuge finally get some regular planned activities, clubs and excursions.

17 Overcoming difficulties

I worked hard with staff and my care team, quickly becoming friends with other tenants and developing a good social network. Slowly, I started to feel more confident in achieving tasks, including travelling alone on public transport and developing a healthier lifestyle – I signed up to Slimming World and lost 12 stone in 13 months.

I began to feel trusted and respected at Bridge Street and other tenants would talk to me when they were feeling low and unable to talk to staff.

I also spoke to potential employees and tenants, helping to put them at ease and answering questions honestly before becoming a volunteer project rep.

My long term goal is to work as a mental health support worker and my own experiences will enable me to give so much more to the role. My family are grateful to Bridge Street for helping me to live a ‘normal life’ becoming more confident and independent with a new lease of life. Staff tell me I am an

inspiration to others too.

I never felt judged at Bridge Street where the atmosphere was very much about people and their different characters – it touched my heart. Because of the support I received to build my confidence I have been successful in:

• moving to Bridge Street• travelling alone through town and on public

transport• gaining new friends• becoming a volunteer project rep• achieving a healthier lifestyle• speaking at the NCHA staff conference• completing the Three Peak challenge• walking 17 miles for Shed 17

And best of all – I have now moved into independent accommodation.

Jamie’s personal journey at Bridge Street By Jamie, previously from Bridge Street

Before moving to Bridge Street, i spent years feeling unable to leave the house. My occupational therapist encouraged me to apply to Bridge Street and helped to build my confidence to move in.

16 General

Here are some pictures of the art I have created by using Zentangle - horse, book leaf folding, fairy house and a special 18th birthday celebration card.

Unusual hobbiesBy Rose Jones, Steeple Leas

18 Overcoming difficulties

People took advantage of me for my money but I let them because I didn’t want to be by myself, in the end I felt so low that I began to self harm. Eventually I made the decision that I needed a fresh start even if it was going to be scary.

After coming to Nottingham I was accepted for a flat at Corporation Oaks, I was so scared as I’d never been in supported accommodation before. I had lots of questions: Would I get bullied? Would I make friends? Would it be dark and gloomy? When I arrived I was amazed, I had a massive room with my own kitchen and bathroom and I got on with every tenant like a house on fire. I also had amazing support. Corporation Oaks have supported me down the right path; I no longer drink and have been clean from drugs for eight months now.

I have recently completed a Peer Impact Training programme with Broxtowe Youth Homelessness. This project trains young people like myself, who have been homeless and been in supported accommodation to tell their stories to other young people in schools.

It was a fab experience, I achievedso much and walked away with a certificate and new friends.

I’ve achieved so much By Paige Brown, Corporation Oaks

Before i moved to Nottingham i was living in Cumbria were i was involved with the wrong people, i was drinking and using drugs all the time.

19 Overcoming difficulties

My Mum tried to help me when I started using drugs with alcohol but my life spiralled out of control and I was in and out of prison. I had two children with my girlfriend but ended up leaving them as drugs and alcohol took over my life and I didn’t want to subject my children to this lifestyle. I tried on several occasions to end my life and often woke up in hospital hooked up to machines.

I did the rounds of the hostels when I left prison, but was always asked to leave due to my drug use. I would often sleep rough in doorways or on park benches which was really cold in winter.

In 2012 I moved to a mental health project called All Saints at a time when my drug taking was at an all time high. I just wanted the emotional pain and the loss of not just losing my Dad, but my whole family, to go away. I realised that I needed to stop my habit as I wanted to build a good relationship with my children and to be a father they could be proud of.

Project staff and my dual diagnosis worker supported me on my road to recovery. At times it was lonely, shutting out all my friends as they were involved in drugs and I needed to remove the temptation. My aim is to be free from Subitex (prescription based substitute)

after a successful stay in detox in early 2015.

I am now in college studying maths and English whilst working towards becoming a peer support worker to help educate other drug users. I feel on top of the world and so proud to be on track.

My journey By Ronnie Redding, Forensic Floating Support

My Dad died of a heart attack when i was 11 and my world fell apart. Life was hard and i found myself in a children’s home struggling to cope with my own feelings and grief over losing my Dad and feeling like no-one understood or cared.

I hadn’t got the first clue how to run my own home, from the finances down to how to work a washing machine. The staff were amazing, patient and explained everything. Cooking classes helped me to prepare, cook and eat healthy meals every day and gave me confidence to socialise with people I didn’t really know. For my personal development the Foyer was fantastic but when I found out I was having a baby, they were even better, helping to find a home and setting it all up with utilities.

They carried on helping after I moved when I left my baby’s father due to emotional and financial abuse – something I learned about whilst at the Foyer. Now I live with my new partner Paul, my two year old son and we run our own home, mainly due to the skills I learnt at the Foyer.

A few months ago I heard the Foyer was facing closure due to a lack of funding - so I signed

up to raise awareness of the project, to keep it open and help more young people like me. I also wanted to give something back to this amazing place and the people that work there - it fits into my busy life easily and I can do my

work for the Foyer around my son’s needs.

Volunteering at the Foyer is a massive step in the right direction for me and helps me in my goal to get a job working with young people. I want to use my experience to help people build their lives for a better future and do something they can be proud of.

Volunteering at Loughborough Foyer By Hollie, William Lyon Court

Three years ago i moved to William Lyon Court (part of Loughborough Foyer). i cannot begin to tell you how they helped me.

20 Overcoming difficulties21 Overcoming difficulties

Shelley my support worker did everything possible for me and even went through an MP to get help. She sent emails and lots more as I wasn’t able to get anywhere with Housing Aid. As a result, I was able to bid through Homelink which meant I found a new

home for me and my son. She then helped me to get things like a fridge freezer, cooker, carpets, curtains and other bits and bobs.

The support I received has helped me get back on my feet – I am now

working and not claiming benefits anymore. I really cannot thank Shelley enough for what she has done for me and my family – she was amazing and I will never forget that.

Settled at last Anonymous, Foothold

i became homeless in May 2014 and was placed in temporary accommodation in August 2014. i was referred to Foothold for support and i couldn’t have asked for any better help.

But that all changed when I moved to the refuge. It hasn’t been a quick process and takes time but the staff are incredible and genuinely care about everyone in the refuge. They have supported me every step of the way with whatever I need and are always there through the good and bad days. For the first time, I have somewhere I feel at home and the flats are large and very homely.

I have been supported to get counselling and medication that I desperately needed. My life has changed completely and I am learning to trust people. Staff have helped me realise that I was not responsible for what happened to me and I deserve help and support. It’s a small thing but to me it is huge change in my way of thinking and my life has completely changed in the five weeks I have been here.

I am finally finding myself and starting to come to terms with what happened to me. I have even started to make friends at the refuge as they understand what I have gone through and there is a real connection between us all. This is truly the best place I have ever lived in and would tell anyone who is going through domestic violence to

come here to recuperate, recover and find yourself again.

Staff can help with choosing where you want to live, filling out forms and viewing your new home. You never feel rushed and they let you go at your own pace. The support here is truly incredible and I genuinely love every member of staff in the refuge – it’s my safe place, my haven and my sanctuary.

I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without the refuge or the incredible staff who have gone above and beyond for me – I will never be able to thank them enough and they expect nothing in return. It is more than a job to them and they truly care.

Finding myself again By Anonymous, Octavia House

i have had terrible experiences with every type of abuse imaginable from family and partners. i believed this to be normal or was convinced it was my fault even when i was a child. i was full of self loathing, felt unsafe and insecure, didn’t trust anyone and felt i didn’t deserve help, love or compassion. I was haunted by flashbacks, nightmares and insomnia.

22 Pictures and poems

Money isn’t everythingBy John Alburey, Lilac Court

Do you ever dream of things you’re not,Like a fancy house, or a sailing yacht.

To have nice clothes, or a big flash car,Or are you happy, as you are.

if like me, you have the dreams,But some are worse off, than us it seems.We have no worries, and have no cares,

But some people do, and have nightmares.

We have a nice home with a colour TV,But some children do cry, for they’ve no tea.

We sleep in a bed, so snug and warm,But some people sleep outside, till break of dawn.

We spend money on drink and clothes,But some people can’t afford either of those.

But we all have one thing in common you see,And that is love, and the price, it’s free.

ingredients2 eggs

You’ll also need:2 tsp cress seeds2 cotton wool ballsfelt-tip pens or acrylic paints

1. Carefully remove the tops from the eggs, leaving the bottom two-thirds of the shells intact. Empty the shells (save the eggs for another time), then carefully wash them out.

Decorate the shells with pens or paint, then leave them to dry.

2. Dip the cotton wool balls in a little water, squeezing off any excess. Place 1 ball inside each shell, then sprinkle 1 tsp cress seeds onto each one. Sit the filled shells in egg cups and leave in a dry, well-lit place for a week – a windowsill is perfect. Your cress will start to grow within a few days, perfect for making egg and cress sarnies!

Cracking cress heads Recipe

23 Puzzles

Easter word searchFind the hidden words

February 2016

Tracey Sarah

David Adrian Steve

Jayne Liam Mel Colin

Lauren Andrew Darren Mike

Charlotte

Lee

SineadJean Marlon

James Andy

Fai

Dave Julie

Terry

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