Stephen Thompson finished the London Marathon in April with a time of 3 hours, 35 minutes and 39 seconds. His sterling efforts have raised nearly £6,000 to date in sponsorship money for SPIN, for which we are truly grateful.

We would like to thank Stephen and all those who sponsored him for their generosity in supporting our charity. The money has helped to support our Prom, and will help to fund our Activity Week in the summer and our Christmas Party, as well as the week-to-week costs of our club.

Of the members and parents who took part in off-line giving, Andrea Baker guessed the nearest finish time and won the box of chocolates.

On Wednesday, 16 December, 66 members, carers, staff and volunteers from SPIN went to see Aladdin at the Assembly Rooms in Tamworth.

They were vociferous in their participation of the storyline, cheering the goodies and booing the baddie. Everyone had a really good time.

Many thanks to the cast who gave a wonderful performance, incorporating our group into their dialogue.

SPIN has once again entered a tree into the Christmas Tree Festival at St Editha’s Church, Tamworth. This year’s theme is ‘Follow the star’ and the tree is a little different, in that it is hand made out of wood. Stars adorn the tree and there is a nativity scene at the base. Feel free to take one of the SPIN leaflets placed nearby to find out more about the charity and its work.

Viewing of all trees in the festival began last night (Friday, 20 November), and coincided with the switching on of the Christmas lights in Tamworth at 6.00 pm on the same evening. Please go to the Christmas Tree Festival at some point over the few days and support the SPIN tree with your vote. All Christmas trees can be viewed from now until 30 November.