Axminster Library Launch Dyslexia Friendly Backpacks
Our Trustees, Alison Hayward and Malcolm Laws, attended the launch of the new Dyslexia Friendly Backpacks at Axminster Library on Thursday 17th October. Funded by the ACS Douglas Hull Dyslexia Fund, the packs contain games, books, e-readers and more. To reserve a pack, call in to the library to find out more.
Pippins Afternoon Tea Event
Our Trustees, Mervyn & Jacqueline Symes were invited to attend the Afternoon Tea at Kilmington Baptist Church on Saturday 14th September in support of Pippins Community Centre. The traditional afternoon tea was well supported, and serenaded by Dee Dee Redford on piano. ACS continually look to support Pippins and their activities and associated groups.
Dementia Awareness Evening
On May 15th, in support of Dementia Awareness Week, ACS were pleased to host a Dementia Awareness Evening at the Heritage Centre. Hosted in conjunction with Dementia Friendly Axminster, Shiobhan Pickering gave an informative talk and answered several questions from those present afterwards.
Former Axminster Mayor's Bequest to Fund Dyslexia Support
ACS have been chosen by the late Douglas Hull to receive a large bequest from which to support Dyslexia needs in our local schools. ACS looks forward to projects related to Dyslexia in the area and would ask that any schools that have not become involved yet to apply for funds if required.
Nourish Grand Opening
Our Vice Chairman was given the honour of officially opening the new Nourish HQ on Wednesday 9th May. The new premises at Cross Keys House was formerly the Scott Rowe Building at Axminster Hospital. The new premises will allow Nourish to continue with their food preparations with all the facilities they need, and we wish them well.
Action East Devon Donation
ACS are pleased to support Action East Devon by donating £5000 toward the costs in supporting those vulnerable young people within our community. The Axminister Headlight sessions held at Pippins Community Centre support those young people seeking support with mental health concerns. We hope that this contribution will enable these valuable sessions to continue.
Flamingo Pool Space Splasher
ACS are happy to support the Flamingo Pool with a contribution of £2000 toward their new inflatable Space Splasher, encouraging children to exercise and have fun with a splash! Available during the school holidays, the inflatables will be a great wet weather activity to keep the young ones happy.
Ed & Noah Go Sailing
ACS was please to contribute to sponsoring Ed Stubbs and Noah Kenny for the FEVA World Championship sailing event in Italy, and who came in 49th position out of 211 boats. Well done boys!
Our Very Own Defibrillator
ACS are proud to fund the addition of a further Defibrillator for the town, and located outside of our very own charity shop in South Street.
Independence for Idris
ACS was pleased to support the fundraising efforts of the family of Idris to help fund equipment to benefit Idris from extra therapy and specialised equipment to aid his treatments for his Cerebral Palsy.
Ax Skatepark young representatives
ACS was pleased to provide sponsorship for the Axminster Skatepark Young Representatives, encouraging good manners and responsibility at the skatepark.
Donation to ARC May 2023
ACS have been instrumental in funding ARC bereavement and counselling service since it was founded in 2007 by clinical lead psychotherapist Catherine Davies and GP Dr Barry McKenna, ensuring they have been able to continue with offering the specialist mental health and trauma care to all their referred patients at Axminster Medical Practice.
The donation of £3900 will fund the reinstatement of their clinical placements following the disruption of the pandemic, which will increase the number of counselling hours by 700 hours.
Dementia Awareness Course March 2023
A number of ACS Volunteers attended the Dementia Awareness Course held at the Waffle House. The course was provided by Siobhan Pickering of Dementia Friendly Axminster and which our Volunteers found very interesting and informative, assisting them in their volunteering roles when dealing with the public both in person and over the phone.
Axminster Community Shed February 2023
Our Trustees were delighted to present Axminster Community Shed with a cheque for £500, which will go toward their transition to portable tools enabling those with physical difficulties to engage with projects more easily.
Axminster Skatepark January 2023
ACS donated £500 to Axminster Skatepark, which went toward improving the drainage at Willhay Lane recently, not just for the skatepark users but also for the Axminster community who regularly use the lane for access to the town which has been an ongoing issue for many years.
Christmas Tree Festival December 2022
With thanks to our Telephone Volunteer, Louise, for decorating our Christmas Tree Festival entry. Taking pride of place next to the pulpit for the duration, it was much admired.
Telephone Ladies Coffee & Catch Up 22nd November 2022
ACS Telephone Ladies enjoyed a catch up over coffee this month at the George Hotel. An opportunity for sharing ideas, experiences, and good company!
Dalwood Fair AGM Sunday 30th October 2022
Our Vice Chairman, Mervyn Symes, gratefully received a cheque on behalf of ACS from the Dalwood Fair Committee for £462, and gave an update on ACS activities to the gathering. The AGM was preceded by a thank you supper for the Volunteers of the 2022 fair, the proceeds of which were distributed to local charities.
ACS Welcome a New Trustee
ACS are pleased to welcome Mrs Thelma Collier to the team! Thelma, who was born and bred in East Devon, has lived in Axminster for over 46 years. As a town Councilor for over 19 years, Thelma served as Town Mayor from 2005 to 2007. With this and also having retired as a Compliance Manager with a local law firm, Thelma brings with her an accumulation of knowledge of both the town and its people, and we look forward to working with her.
July 2022 - Addition to the Team
ACS Trustees are pleased to announce an addition to the team. Mrs Amanda Wlaker has been appointed Shop Manager to our charity shop in South Street. Amanda brings with her over ten years of charity retail experience, as well as an abundance of enthusiasm!