Compaid News

Doctor Who stars to gather in Tunbridge Wells for charity

2011-11-25T14:42:00.001Z

Stars of the long running science fiction show Doctor Who will be attending a one day convention in January to help raise funds for Compaid.

The event, entitled Big Blue Box, takes place on Saturday 14 January 2012 at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Special screenings, panel discussions, signings and more are planned to give local Doctor Who and science fiction fans a day to remember.

Among those taking part are actresses Louise Jameson, who played opposite Tom Baker as Leela, and Susan Jameson, who has recently played Mrs Wibbsey opposite Baker in Doctor Who audio plays. They will be joined by Doctor Who writers, including John Dorney, Paul Magrs and Jonathan Morris.

Several companies are backing the event, including local publisher Panini who produce Doctor Who Magazine, Doctor Who licence holders AudioGo and Big Finish, and the Tunbridge Wells branch of Waterstones,

All profits from the event will go towards Compaid’s work with disabled people in the local area.

Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid says, “Big Blue Box marks the first ever fan convention for Doctor Who in Tunbridge Wells, which has a long history of associations with the show. From a screening of a classic Peter Cushing Dalek movie to more recent fan films, we will be taking full advantage of Trinity’s superb theatre.”

Tickets cost £25 for the day, and are available from Trinity Theatre’s box office on 01892 678678 or online at www.trinitytheatre.net

25th Anniversary Ball raises £27,000 for charity

2011-11-14T12:43:00.001Z

More than 140 guests partied late into the night last Saturday (12 November) and raised an incredible £27,000 for local disability charity Compaid.

The event was held in Hildenborough at Mountains Country House, who kindly donated the use of their fabulous marquee for the evening. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by Pop Creative Food, while being entertained with music from West End Jazz, Apollo Funk Discothèque and Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society, who performed songs from their upcoming production of Brigadoon.

The Ball was the inspiration of sisters Helen Tinworth and Sally Way, whose mother, Jean Burns, is a regular client of Compaid’s computer training centre in Paddock Wood. Helen commented: “Compaid supports hundreds of disabled people like my mum every week, and in its 25th year, Sally and I thought a fundraising ball would mark the charity’s anniversary in style.”

Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid said, “It was a fantastic evening, and it was great to be joined by many people who have been pivotal to Compaid’s success over the years. Sally and Helen, Shirley Spencer, Event Manager at Mountains Country House, along with Compaid staff and volunteers, have worked hard to make the Ball a real highlight of our fundraising calendar.

Compaid opens for business in Paddock Wood

2011-10-21T16:18:00.000+01:00

Local disability charity Compaid has opened a new computer training centre for disabled people in Paddock Wood.

The specially adapted centre, in Maidstone Road, will support up to 25 clients each day, teaching skills such as using the internet, desk top publishing and digital design. Many previous clients have used these skills to move on to paid or voluntary work.

The charity had previously operated out of Tunbridge Wells Football Club for the last five years after leaving its original site at the old Pembury Hospital.

“We’re delighted to have secured these new premises in Paddock Wood,” comments Chief Executive, Stephen Elsden. “We expect to support more disabled people from the local area, and are closer to the road network into Maidstone and West Malling.”

The move and the refurbishment has been supported by a number of charitable trusts, as well as local building experts who gave their time free of charge.

Stephen adds: “I’d like to thank Tunbridge Wells Football Club for their hospitality over the last few years, and expect both our organisations to go from strength to strength in the future.”

TWODS join forces with Compaid for return of Brigadoon

2011-10-18T09:49:00.001+01:00

Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society is supporting Compaid through an after show bucket collection during their performances of Brigadoon at the Assembly Hall from 22 to 26 November.

Brigadoon, about a mysterious Scottish village that rises from the mist for one day in every hundred years, was last performed in 1989 and made famous by Gene Kelly in the film version in 1954.

In addition to performance collections, TWODS will also make a donation of £2 for each of the first 250 tickets sold through their box office until the end of October. Simply call Ted Denman on 01732 355363 and mention Compaid when you order tickets. Ticket prices start from £11.

Kevin Denman, Vice Chairman of TWODS, comments: “TWODS has a long history of supporting local charities, and I’m delighted to be raising funds for Compaid in its 25th anniversary year.”

Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid, adds: “Our staff, volunteers and disabled clients have enjoyed many earlier TWODS productions, and we look forward to a successful partnership with Brigadoon.”

The show starts at 7.30 each evening and there are also matinee performances on Wednesday 23 and Saturday 26 November starting at 2.30. The show on Wednesday evening is a signed performance.

Compaid Voice speaks again

2011-09-01T09:58:00.003+01:00

The third issue of our popular newsletter, Compaid Voice, is now available, with the usual mix of articles from clients, staff and volunteers.

This issue includes news of many of our 25th anniversary activities and celebrations, and much more besides.

The newsletter can be downloaded here, and hard copies are available on request.

Compaid delivers new Kent Karrier scheme in Sevenoaks

2011-07-29T16:42:00.003+01:00

Compaid has been awarded the contract to deliver a new Kent Karrier on demand shopping service in Sevenoaks District.

The award follows the withdrawal of Sevenoaks District Council's minibus service, which has been a lifeline for disabled, elderly and rural residents for many years. The new Kent Karrier scheme offers a door to door shopping service for just £5 annual membership and a small subsidised fare per journey.

The new service has been boosted by the donation of a nearly new minibus by Sevenoaks District Council, which Compaid has named after Jeanette Kent, a former Compaid client from the Sevenoaks area who sadly died last year.

For more information on eligibility criteria and membership of the scheme, call 01622 605349 or visit Kent County Council's website.

Compaid revamps vehicle fleet

2011-07-29T16:36:00.002+01:00

Compaid's fleet of accessible minibuses has been overhauled thanks to the generous support of three major donors.

Six new vehicles, in a striking yellow, have now taken to the road to replace older minibuses that had each done well over 100,000 miles. The new vehicles were funded by the Wolfson Foundation, the Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation, and the Social Enterprise Investment Fund.

Two of the vehicles were named after Lorna Ridgway and Dennis Kentish, respectively the Founder of Compaid and the charity's Chairman from 2000 until 2009.

The revamped fleet is now ready to take disabled and elderly people on journeys throughout Kent and the South East.

Compaid Voice speaks out again

2011-03-18T08:59:00.003Z

The second issue of Compaid Voice, featuring contributions from clients, staff and volunteers within the charity, has now been published.

To mark Compaid's 25th anniversary, the newsletter includes many reflections on years gone by, as well as celebrating more recent achievements.

The newsletter can be downloaded here, and hard copies are available on request.

Talented performers gather to celebrate 25 years

2011-02-24T14:50:00.000Z

Local disability charity Compaid is staging a major variety show as part of the celebrations to mark its 25th anniversary.

The charity, founded in Tunbridge Wells in 1986, supports disabled people with a range of services, from computer skills training to accessible transport, and relies on a network of volunteers to support its work.

The variety show, entitled Compaid’s Got Talent, will be held on the evening of Saturday 30th April at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Hosted by BBC Radio Kent Breakfast Show presenter John Warnett, the event will feature local bands, dancers, singers, magicians and a hypnotist.

Performers are drawn from among Compaid’s staff, volunteers and disabled clients, as well from the wider community in which the charity operates.

Tickets cost just £12.50 and are available now from the Trinity Theatre box office on 01892 678 678 or online through Trinity Theatre’s website . All profits from the event will go towards Compaid’s work with local disabled people.

Charity seeks new volunteers in Paddock Wood

2011-01-14T14:28:00.001Z

Local disability charity Compaid is holding a coffee morning in Paddock Wood next week to attract new volunteers to the organisation.

The charity supports disabled people with a range of services, from computer skills training to accessible transport, and relies on a network of volunteers to support its work.

The coffee morning is being held on Wednesday 19 January 2011 at St Andrews Church in Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood. The session runs from 10.30am until midday, and there will be a short film, demonstrations and time for discussion.

Free tea, coffee and cake will also be available, and there will be a small raffle.

Anyone is welcome to attend, but if you are interested in coming along, then please contact Judith Williams, Volunteering Manager at Compaid on 07933 480759 or e-mail judith.williams@compaid.org.uk

Midwinter Ball raises over £10,000

2010-11-19T09:06:00.000Z

More than 170 guests partied into the night last Saturday (13 November) and raised more than £10,000 for local disability charity Compaid.

The event was held at Mountains Country House in Hildenborough, and guests to the black tie ball enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by Pop Creative, live magic from local illusionist Adam Smith, and a disco by Apollo Funk.

Helen Tinworth, who was the main organiser of this ball said, “My mother, Jean Burns, is a regular user of Compaid’s services and absolutely loves her time spent using their computer aided programmes to create beautiful cards and pictures. The charity provides an opportunity for her to do something constructive and get her out and about”.

Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid said, “It was a memorable evening packed with fundraising activities and we were thrilled to raise over £10,000 for our charity through the auctions and raffle.

“ We are also very grateful to Emmet Hannan of Mountains Country House and Allbars Ltd for generously donating the venue hire to hold this ball.”

The evening began with a short welcome by the Chairman of the Trustees, Chris Langridge, who said, “Compaid provides a range of services for disabled adults and children in and around Kent to maximise the social, creative and learning opportunities within their lives. The charity also provides vital transport for hundreds of disabled and elderly people each week.

“This Ball will enable us to help more people like this and because we rely on the generosity of companies and individuals to fund this charity, the money we had made at the ball will make a huge difference”.

Compaid Voice speaks out

2010-11-05T14:07:00.002Z

A brand new newsletter written by and for Compaid clients, volunteers and staff has just been published.

Compaid Voice features articles, quizzes, artwork and recipes by many of the disabled people supported by the charity, along with a number of contributions from staff and volunteers.

The first issue can be downloaded here, and it is hoped to publish Compaid Voice at least four times a year.

Disabled artists present new Local Attractions exhibition

2010-08-03T11:09:00.001+01:00

A group of disabled artists have produced a new exhibition on the theme of Local Attractions.

The exhibition runs on the Big White Wall at Tunbridge Wells Library from 13-26 August. The artists all attend a local Activities Centre run by the disability charity Compaid.

Works included in the exhibition, which is sponsored by Warners Solicitors, range from views of Dunorlan and Knole Park, to studies of Leeds Castle and Cranbrook Mill.

One of the artists is Carol Parker, who produced a striking picture of the North Downs. Carol comments: “Kent is where I live so when I was asked to paint a local attraction, the Downs came immediately to mind, with all their beautiful scenery, and notably the splendid poppies.”

The exhibition is free and open every day during the Library’s normal opening hours.

Welling Masonic Lodge presents £2,000 to Compaid

2010-07-27T11:01:00.002+01:00

Members of the Welling Masonic Lodge have raised £2,000 for the work of local disability charity Compaid.

Master of the Lodge, John Kent, whose daughter Jeanette attends Compaid’s Activities Centre twice a week, presented a cheque to Compaid’s Chief Executive, Stephen Elsden, on Monday 26 July.

The presentation was held at Compaid’s Activities Centre at Culverden Stadium in Tunbridge Wells. Each week, around 80 disabled people receive computer skills training at the Centre, and the money raised will help to support even more people in the coming year.

John Kent said: “Through the charity’s work with my daughter, Jeanette, I know personally how Compaid can really turn people’s lives around, giving individuals valuable skills and helping them to develop new interests.”

Stephen Elsden commented: “Compaid already supports more than 1,000 disabled people in the local area, and we have even more people waiting in the wings for our services. This donation from the Welling Masonic Lodge means we can further extend the work at our Actvities Centre.”

Thank you to our volunteers

2010-05-12T16:07:00.002+01:00

Compaid is holding a special thank you event for our volunteers on Thursday 3 June.

We rely on a committed network of volunteers to deliver our services and help raise vital funds. To mark this immense contribution, and to celebrate Volunteers Week, we are inviting all current and former volunteers to join us for coffee and cake at our Activities Centre at Culverden Stadium.

Cake will be served at 11.00am, and all are welcome to bring a friend along so we can share information on our work and future plans.

We hope to see you there.

New Chairman and Trustees for Compaid

2010-04-23T11:48:00.002+01:00

Chris Langridge has taken up the position of Chairman of Compaid. Chris is a Partner in local law firm Cripps Harries Hall, and succeeds Michelle Templeman, who has retired.

Chris took up the post at Compaid's Board Meeting on 23 April, when three new Trustees were also formally accepted on to the Board. These are Jenny Barrow, a Company Secretary with Children's Mutual; David Turner, sales and marketing consultant for News International; and Tony Riddeck, former Chief Executive of Croydon Citizens Advice Bureau.

Further details of all Board members can be found on the About Us section of this website.

New Trustees join Compaid Board

2010-02-04T10:06:00.004Z

Compaid is pleased to announce that Emmanuel Berard, John Osmond and John Turner have joined the Board of Trustees.

Emmanuel is an experienced HR professional, and John Osmond works for IBM, managing its strategic partnership with Cisco systems, while John Turner has worked as an economist for Ford for many years and now undertakes consultancy work in the automotive industry.

"I am delighted to welcome three new Trustees of such outstanding calibre to the Board. The range of skills and expertise that they bring will further strengthen the experience and professionalism of our existing members," comments Chairman Michelle Templeman. "Their business experience and ability to assess market issues strategically will be a great asset to Compaid as we work through our new three year strategy."

For more information on our Trustees, see our Who We Are page.

Going the extra mile(s)

2010-01-18T13:31:00.004Z

Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid, will be going a few extra miles for the charity in April when he takes part in the Paddock Wood Half Marathon.

Stephen has been training in and around Tunbridge Wells for several months, and hopes to complete the 13 mile course in under two hours, while raising over £500 for Compaid.

"The cold weather and snow has made training difficult, but the thought of all the clients within Compaid who will benefit through my efforts is spurring me on," comments Stephen.

If you would like to sponsor Stephen ahead of the race on 11 April, visit www.justgiving.com/stephen-elsden

New Trustees required

2010-01-01T10:08:00.000Z

We are currently recruiting for a new Chairman and additional Trustees to join our Board.

Candidates for Chairman will be expected to have leadership experience, ideally within the voluntary sector or a related organisation. We are particularly interested in Trustee candidates with experience in some or all of the following areas: business development, strategic alliances, information technology, property development and transport.

For more information, click here.

Major new art exhibition staged

2009-11-03T14:06:00.001Z

A major new exhibition of original art by disabled clients of Compaid is being held at the Trinity Theatre gallery in Tunbridge Wells this month.

Images of Christmas runs from 9-22 November, and features more than 30 original designs on a festive theme. Disabled people at Compaid’s Activities Centre in Tunbridge Wells have designed all of the paintings, using specialist computer software to assist them. Alongside interpretations of Santa and snowmen are winter landscapes and classic Christmas scenes.

The exhibition is being sponsored by Warner’s Solicitors, and is run with the support of Town and Country Foundation, who curate the gallery at Trinity Theatre.

The exhibition is open from 10.00am until 3.00pm each day, as well as during performance times at the theatre. The exhibition will be launched with a private view on Monday 9th November from 3.00-5.00pm.

In addition, Compaid clients are delivering two special workshops to representatives from other local disability groups on Thursday 12th November.

Comments Stephen Elsden, Chief Executive of Compaid: “This exhibition will showcase the artistic flair of many of Compaid’s clients, and I hope will encourage other disabled people to explore what is possible in the visual arts with the right support.”

Fergus Ross, Business Development Director at Warners Solicitors adds: “Warners Solicitors are delighted to help bring the achievements of Compaid and clients to the fore at the Trinity Theatre gallery on the 9th-22nd November. As a longstanding local firm we are committed to helping in our community wherever possible. Helping those whose sole purpose is to help others is a cornerstone of our Education and Charity team.”

Update 24 November. The exhibition is now closed, but all of the artwork can be viewed online here.

Compaid Awareness Week is coming

2009-10-22T12:09:00.003+01:00

Our very first Awareness Week is almost here. Next week, from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, we'll be organising various activities throughout Tunbridge Wells, where the public can learn more about our work.

You can meet Compaid clients, volunteers and staff at the following locations:

26 October - Tunbridge Wells railway station - 7.00 - 9.00am

27 October - Fiveways junction - 10.00am - 3.00pm

28 October - Sainsburys Local, St John's Road - 9.00am - 1.00pm

29 October - The Pantilles - 10.00am - 3.00pm

30 October - Tunbridge Wells railway station - 5.00 - 7.00pm

In addition, we are holding an Open Day at our Activities Centre in Culverden Down, where you can see demonstrations of our work with disabled people, and hear about our plans for the future.

Throughout the week, we'll also be publicising our free prize draw. You can enter the draw right now from this website.

We hope to see you at one of our events next week. Do come along and find out how we could help each other.

Prizes galore in our free draw

2009-10-12T10:12:00.002+01:00

Compaid Awareness Week is coming at the end of October, and to mark this occasion, we are running a free prize draw with fantastic prizes on offer.

From family tickets to local attractions, to a case of wine and health treatments, there is somnething for everyone, and the draw is free to enter.

Head on over to our Prize Draw page to find out more. Winners will be drawn and notified on Friday 6 November. Good luck.

Major donation helps disabled people go wi-fi

2009-08-26T16:57:00.000+01:00

Disabled clients at Compaid’s Activities Centre in Tunbridge Wells are enjoying the world of wireless computing thanks to a major donation from KHOCA.

KHOCA, a Kent based grant making charity, awarded £5,000 to Compaid to purchase new wireless computers and other equipment, which is used by Compaid’s clients each day to create original computer artwork, write diaries and memoirs, and enjoy games and other activities on the internet.

The money has been used to buy 13 new wireless machines, which can now all communicate directly with each other, and with a wireless printer bought earlier in the year thanks to proceeds from the Courier’s Heart of the Community Awards. Compaid’s clients are now hard at work creating new paintings for Christmas cards and a major exhibition at the Trinity Theatre gallery in November.

Pam Nelson, Activities Centre Manager at Compaid, comments: “The new equipment has made a huge difference to the disabled people who come to the Centre. They can now create more elaborate artwork, play more challenging games, and produce greetings cards in a fraction of the time it used to take. We are very grateful to KHOCA for their support, and we hope to upgrade more equipment at the Centre over the next few months.”

Colonel Dennis Kentish 1934-2009

2009-06-25T08:40:00.001+01:00

We are sad to announce the death of our Chairman, Col Dennis Kentish, who passed away on Saturday 6th June.

Dennis joined Compaid as Chairman of Trustees in July 1999 whilst he continued to work in a part-time capacity for WaterAid. He was a pragmatist to his very core, yet was always ready to listen to those facing problems, offered wise advice, support and endeavoured to find solutions. He leaves a legacy of leadership that will be hard to replace and we will miss him greatly. Our sympathy and support go to his wife Jill and his family who have lost a husband and father.

Volunteers Week events

2009-05-27T11:29:00.006+01:00

COMPAID is taking part in a Volunteers Fair in Tunbridge Wells on Monday 1 June as part of Volunteers Week.

Volunteers are vital to our work, and support disabled people in our Activities Centre and through our Transport Service, as well as helping to raise funds through local events.

The Fair will take place on level 1 of the Royal Victoria Centre, by M&S, from 9am-1 pm. Staff from COMPAID will be on hand to explain about our various volunteering opportunities, so do come along to find out more.

There will also be information on volunteering for COMPAID at a special exhibition at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells from 1-5 June, and we will be holding a thank you coffee morning at our Activities Centre at Culverden Stadium at 11.00am on Wednesday 3 June.

Heart of the Community success

2009-05-27T10:38:00.005+01:00

COMPAID Trust has won a 2009 Heart of the Community award, thanks to all our friends and supporters who voted for us through the Courier Newspaper.

The awards were given out at a special event on Thursday 11 June, and we received a cheque for £500. We have also received very generous donations from the public towards our appeal, which will help to pay for new greetings card production equipment at our Activities Centre in Tunbridge Wells.

Thanks again to everyone who supported us, and look out for our new cards later this year.

Help COMPAID work with Sainsbury's

2009-05-08T16:51:00.002+01:00

COMPAID is hoping to join forces with the Sainsbury's Local store in St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Sainsbury's Local convenience stores across the UK are looking for local charity partners to join with for fundraising and volunteering during the company's 140th year.

Customers have until 26th May to nominate their charity of choice. The top three nominated charities for each store will then be invited to present to a group of staff who will then decide on the winning charity.

So please do drop in to the Sainsbury's Local on St John's Road and nominate COMPAID to go forward for this fantastic opportunity.

Find the missing treasure for COMPAID

2009-05-01T14:36:00.004+01:00

If you love treasure hunts and have a car, or know a friend who does, then the Car Treasure Hunt this June could be for you.

Held in aid of COMPAID Trust and Tunbridge Wells Football Club, the Treasure Hunt will see teams travel in and around Tunbridge Wells by car in search of clues, hidden items and disguised images.

The event, on Saturday 6th June, begins at the Football Club in Culverden Down at 11.00am with a full briefing, before the hunt proper kicks off at midday. The route will end again at the Football Club, where a curry supper and charity auction will be on offer.

Entry is £20 per person, including full instructions, goody bag, and curry supper. For more information, see the attached entry form or call 01892 520517.

Car%20Treasure%20Hunt%20Entry%20Form.pdf

Compaid couple wed

2009-04-24T16:59:00.000+01:00

A couple who met at COMPAID Trust’s Activities Centre were married at St Paul’s Church, Rusthall on Tuesday 21 April.

Ian King and Gillian Shaw first met in January last year when Ian began volunteering at the Activities Centre, assisting disabled clients with computer skills training and development. Gillian had been coming to the Centre since 2002, following a brain injury which had left her with short term memory.

After Ian was assigned to support Gillian in learning computer skills to assist her memory, the pair discovered that they’d lived close together, been to schools in the same town, and studied the same subject at the same college, during their teenage years.

Their friendship quickly developed, and on Boxing Day 2008 the couple got engaged.

Among the guests at the wedding were several COMPAID friends, including Pam Nelson, manager of the Activities Centre, and Sarah Bullett, another volunteer at the Centre and Trustee of the charity.

New Chief Executive appointed

2009-03-31T10:55:00.000+01:00

COMPAID Trust has appointed Stephen Elsden as Chief Executive, following the retirement of Betty Howell after 14 years in the post.

Stephen joins from Leonard Cheshire Disability, and has 20 years experience in the charity sector, with particular emphasis on marketing, fundraising and service development.

"I am delighted to be joining the charity," says Stephen. "COMPAID Trust has achieved a huge amount for disabled people, under the leadership of Betty and her team. I am confident we can now build on that success to develop our services and support even more people in the future."

Among Stephen's first tasks will be the development of a new strategy for the charity, which he hopes to launch in the autumn of this year.