Between 15th and 23rd June it was Learning Disability week. And we started of the week with our family festival. The wet weather didn’t dampen our spirits as in true Keynsham Mencap and Great British tradition we braved the rain at the Keynsham Rugby Club. Our supporters were out in force and made it along to hear covers band ‘Hair of the Dog’s amazing set, bringing the atmosphere up and lightening the mood which attempted to chase the clouds away. Chuffy the train took our festival goers up and down the field and SENsations deputy Hazel kept a watchful eye on the bouncy castle whilst standing under an umbrella. The Music Man Project sang some of their favourite songs from their Royal Albert Hall performance, and it was the newer members first public performance. Luckily we had some indoor space so the bar, raffle, tombola, face paints and cake sale kept everyone entertained. DJ Barry brought along his new DJ equipment with lights, smoke machine and bubble machine and kept the party going inside once it got too wet and dangerous for the band to continue. Thank you to all who got a bit soggy in support of our cause despite the rain we still raised over £800 before we took out our costs.
We then enjoyed a trip to Millfield School for their annual
Mencap Fun Day. Groups from all over the South West and beyond travelled to the school for the day where a whole range
of activities are put on for people with learning disabilities. There is something for everyone with live
music dancing, sports, climbing wall, face painting, cooking and crafts. It’s
always a popular day and well attended by Keynsham members.
And so we ended learning disability week with a 5 a side football
tournament held at Sir Bernard Lovell Sports facility on Sunday 23rd
June. 9 teams from the community including our 3 Keynsham Mencap FC teams took
to the pitch to battle it out for top place. We had a BBQ and small raffle
where we had some amazing prizes donated by a London agency called DINK. These
included tickets to a premier league game and a signed jersey. The Old Bank pub in Keynsham have been really
generous and they have sponsored our team kit, so now our players also play in
green as well as red and blue. The players also have a new training top each. Thank you for all the supporters who enjoyed
the day of football fun and to the staff of Sir Bernard Lovell. The final score on the day saw the coaches
win the tournament. Well done everyone,
the day was a huge success and we raised just over £400.