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Here is a selection of recent events showing the kinds of things we do at Up on Downs.

Drama Workshops
Around 30 children and siblings took part in our first pair of drama workshops in October 2007 in Letchworth. We had great feedback from parents and children on the day and as a result we have secured funding to run a series of quarterly workshops for 2008. Go to the Events page for details of dates.

Christmas Party
Once again Kevin the Monkey entertained us, faces were painted, parachutes were whirled around and we produced some great Christmas crafts including wind chimes, masks and bags. TV presenter Claire Sutton from QVC joined us as celebrity guest and at the end of the afternoon Santa found time to drop in and deliver presents to all the children.

Training Events
Our first training day on the topic of speech and language help for children with Down's was held on 2nd February 2008. It was well attended by parents, teachers and therapists and feedback showed that it was hugely inspirational for many people who hadn't realised how much potential there is for teaching our children.

Family Days Out
In 2007 we organised days out to Woodside Animal Farm near Luton and Gulliver's Land near Milton Keynes. Our Woodside trip in May was rather wet but made full use of the animal handling staff, birthday rooms and the heated indoor playbarn! Our trip to Gulliver's Land was a lot drier and got everyone riding the pirate ship, carousels and rollercoaster with glee.

Walsworth Family Socials
Our family meetings have been getting bigger and more fun as we have introduced more activities for the children and young people and brought in some young volunteers to help organise them. In 2007 we made Easter baskets, watched a puppet show, played parachute games and had sparklers and hotdogs to mark Guy Fawkes weekend.

If you have some news you would like to share, we would love to hear, why not let us know at News@UpOnDowns.co.uk