Stone Life February/March 2014 | Page 42

CHUCKLE HOUSE A LAUGH A MINUTE AS CHU GOES FROM STRENGTH TO huckle Productions, the locally-based not-forprofit family learning organisation, took a huge step forward at the end of last year with the official opening of The Chuckle House at Stone Enterprise Centre by Oliver Speight, Founder of Speight of the Art - an organisation that helps to organise projects and events throughout the UK in an effort to bring the benefits of ‘the arts’ in all its forms, to children of all ages and abilities. Founded in 2009, the principal aim of Chuckle is to promote family learning through the arts by giving a foundation to all types of child development (physical, cognitive, emotional and social) via imaginary workshops, theatre and live music. This exciting new project will considerably enhance the organisation’s ability to provide these services to a much wider group of local families. As a company, Chuckle Productions believe that the earlier the intervention for learning in a fun, interactive and multi-sensory way, the greater the likelihood a child will be secure in their C The Chuckle Crew outside the Chuckle House with Chuckle Productions Founder, Sara Christie, centre right. 42 February/March 2014 development. Learning begins, is generalised and is supported and enhanced in the home and within families. By working together with parents, Chuckle aims to support those that are a child's first and continuous teachers whilst having a lot of fun along the way. All age groups are catered for from toddlers to teenagers and Chuckle love grandparents too! “We believe we can use music, drama, dance, art, craft and digital technology to enhance and support a child’s development from birth to adolescence whilst having lots of fun along the way” commented Chuckle Founder, Sara Christie. “The opening of The Chuckle House emulates the ethos of Chuckle; we want to be able to help whoever we can, whenever we can, however we can supporting families so that their children can grow in confidence and self-worth, whether that’s exploring music, song writi