Netball Tournament

Hello again Sunshine News readers

Perhaps its the time of year, maybe its the fact that we have events literally coming out of our ears here at Sunshine HQ right now, but I feel like writing this column comes around quicker each week! I am definitely not complaining though. We had such a rough time during the pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions dramatically impacted our income generation events and activities meaning the families, schools and other charitable organisations who rely upon us for help had to wait longer for life changing equipment for the children in their care. So the current events chaos is a very good thing!

Earlier this week I had a fantastic meeting with representatives from North East Netball and England Netball who joined us in our office to discuss plans for the Christmas Cracker netball tournament on Monday 19th December as well as something really special for our children in 2023…..

After the success of the Clavis Football tournament earlier this year, and given our partnership with NE Netball, we were keen to be a part of a netball event that we could share with supporters and invite our charity partners to be a part of and that’s where the Christmas Cracker comes in! It’s a festive themed netball tournament for all abilities where Christmas attire is strongly encouraged (It’s the Chronicle Sunshine Fund. What did you expect?) The tournament is open to all and will take place across three courts at Northumbria University’s Sports Central facilities. There’ll be prizes for the tournament winners and also for best/worst dressed too. If you are a bit long in the tooth to remember your school netball days and just want to come along to cheer on your team, there’s a spectator gallery and plenty going on to keep you entertained while cheering on your team. Jade Featherston from England Netball (Pictured here with Jess and Gemma from North East Netball) said “The Christmas cracker event is a fantastic opportunity for work colleagues or groups to come together to spread some Christmas cheer while supporting an amazing North East charity. The Chronicle Sunshine Fund is a charity that means a great deal to us and one we like to team up with wherever we can because of the fantastic and impactful work they do in the North East. In this event we are hoping to raise lots of money so we can support the children as much as possible while providing an exciting team building opportunity. Open to ALL, we know there are going to be a mix of new netballers and people who have played for a long time but regardless we hope for a day filled with Christmas tunes, fancy dress and festive spirit!”

Our own Bev and Erin have already self appointed themselves as our co captains and tactics are already being discussed. Rachel and I have been more concerned with our team outfits….Places are limited and this event will sell out so sign your team up today by emailing northeast@englandnetball.co.uk for further details.

Our Great Sunshine Bake campaign continues to cook up a storm with various events taking place this week. As we edge closer to our Grand Final on 8th December at the prestigious surroundings of The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, there’s very limited time left for you to get involved and be in with a chance of being crowned Great Sunshine Bake Star Baker 2022! For all things baking, Erin Todd is your gal drop her a line on Erin.todd@thesunshinefund.org and she can advise you on your show stoppers!

Siobhan x