Blessed to be
Together
Church Minister and Roofbreaker, Rev Erica Wishart, brought
together her local community for a ‘birthday tea’ to celebrate
20 years of Through the Roof.
The congregation at Tranent Parish Church, East Lothian invited
parents and children from local schools, and church members
invited others, provided home baking, and served teas, coffees
and juice. Every visitor was given a warm welcome and a free
TTR pen or balloon as well as information about the charity
and details of the church’s monthly all-age service.
Church members and young mums with babies enjoyed a
cuppa and a cake while waiting for their group to begin. The
main crowd were children and staff from The Hub - a unit for
children with severe and complex disabilities. Everyone
Erica explains what TTR is all about
watched the DVD introducing TTR’s work, and the children had
a brilliant time as they enthusiastically devoured the delicious
home baking!
Erica told us it was heart-warming to see her congregation
mixing with pupils with complex needs and singing ‘He’s Got
the Whole World in His Hands’, accompanied by sign language.
The school was so impressed they invited the church to an
event the following week - a great step forward for church-
school-community links.
Erica was delighted at raising £125. She said, “That was a
blessing but importantly, we experienced the blessing of
people with different abilities having fun together. The Hub are
keen for us to put on a short afternoon tea again and that
seems like too good an opportunity to miss! Thank you
Through the Roof for giving us the idea and for the wonderful
resources you provided… It was so much fun”.
A good time had by all
‘Give it a Go!’
Well done Erica and Tranent Church for your efforts. If you want
to celebrate with family, friends, neighbours, home group or
church, please contact us for your free pack.
The DCF Treloar’s
Holiday
12 guests had a great DCF activity break – full of cycling, climbing,
and just relaxing together – at Treloar’s College near Alton. One
holidaymaker, Heidi, told us, “This is my third year and the analogy I
made after the first year remains the same. When I was there I was
like a fish in an enormous pond - I was in the world where I fitted in,
no struggles, no trying to keep up with everyone. Whereas back at
home, thanks to my brilliant friends and family I have lots of streams
of water but not the big pond!”
Fun and fellowship at Treloar
Becky, another guest, told us “DCF has given me the chance I hadn't had for several years to go on holiday, where I could
relax and participate without barriers… Everyone was so friendly and caring – I definitely wasn't left on the sidelines! …
I've made good friends through these holidays, everyone looks out for each other. One of many highlights this year was
the climbing wall, where everyone who wanted to could go as far as they felt able with as much or little support as they
needed.
I always find the spiritual input uplifting and challenging... We can be real about the ups and downs of living with a
disability, yet God sees us as no different and has a plan for each of us. If you've been wondering about these holidays
then give it a go! Whatever your age or ability, you'd be made to feel most welcome.”
You can find more details about next year’s holidays earlier in this issue.
www.throughtheroof.org