SIR — I am writing on behalf of CLOWNS to say a huge thank you to Alex Payne and James Short for raising £1,550 by taking part in the Coyote Rally earlier in the year.
Also to PC Mark Curran, PCSOs Anne Stoneham and Sue Hurley and SC Mark James for their sterling sponsored bike ride over Exmoor, raising around £2,000.
Money donated in this way is so important to registered charities such as CLOWNS. It is not restricted funds, which means we can put it towards areas that need financial help.
In this case it is the Playbus, which visits seven different villages across West Somerset for two hours each week during term time.
We have 100 children and 67 adults registered on these sessions and for many it is a lifeline where they can gain support from each other or visiting professionals such as a health visitor while their children can take part in themed craft and early learning and fun activities.
Anyone with children under school age is welcome to come along to a session - if you would like to talk to a member of staff before your visit please phone the office on 01643 707190.
Getting our message across to the general public is very difficult so many people think CLOWNS is just the highly visible double decker Playbus.
However, we also provide a mobile and static toy library and physical family fun activities at 14 different venues across West Somerset.
We have an outreach van providing one-to-one family support and holiday playschemes for school age children up to 13 years of age offering 19 days at 15 different locations starting on Monday July 27.
We have a small scrapstore that can be joined for £5 per year and run messy play sessions, fun days and craft days.
If you would like further information and timetables please contact our office or visit our website http://www.clownsproject.ik.com">www.clownsproject.ik.com
CLOWNS aims to improve the quality of life for families in West Somerset by providing quality, accessible, mobile support to those living in isolated circumstances and by delivering opportunities to 0 to 13 year olds, encouraging families to learn, thrive, have fun and be happy.
Thank you to everyone who supports CLOWNS. We are in our 15th year and intend to be around for many more to come.
Kathy Morton,
Co-ordinator,
CLOWNS,
c/o The West Somerset Sports Centre,
Minehead.