Clown Doctors Latest News

Merry Christmas from all the Clown Doctors!

2011-12-16 12:06:00

All the Clown Doctors are getting very excited about Christmastime, especially now that snow has come to the hospitals! If you're spending time in the Newcastle hospitals this Christmas then look out for us- we are bringing some festive jokes your way!

And to all the fabulous children, families and healthcare staff that we've visited this year, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

Laughter is the best medicine!

2011-12-16 12:08:03

Research at the University of Oxford showed that people who had watched hilarious comedy programmes and had experienced belly laughs were able to put up with as much as 10% more pain than people who had watched 'boring' programmes. You can see the BBC's report here: "Study reveals laughter really is the best medicine"

So next time you're feeling poorly, ask one of our Clown Doctors to tell you a joke- they're bound to make you smile!

Dr Sneezitoff completes the Walk in the Park!

2011-12-16 12:08:03

The weather was a bit wet so Poppy bravely held her umbrella over the wonderful children and their families who came to Leazes Park. The event was started by Miss Newcastle, and plenty of people braved the weather to support this great cause. Well done Dr Sneezitoff- we hope your red nose didn't get rained on!

Many thanks to the lovely folk at Potts Print (UK) (www.potts.co.uk) for letting us use one of their fabulous photos of the day- more photos and details about the Walk in the Park can be found at http://pottsprintuk.posterous.com/happy-mondays-a-walk-in-the-park

Ben Shephard does the C2C Challenge in aid of the Children\'s Heart Unit Fund!

2011-12-16 12:08:03

You can follow their progress at www.seb4chuf.org.uk

You can also donate to this great cause- your generous donations will be used to buy medical equipment and of course to fund our Clown Doctor Programme in Ward 23 of the Freeman Hospital. Just text CHUF99 and the amount you wish to give to 70070- thank you!

New Calling Cards

2011-12-16 12:08:03

If you have received a Calling Card then please return the detached slip at the bottom to your Play Specialist or the Clown Doctors when you next see them. Thanks for your lovely comments!

We\'ve got new photos!

2011-12-16 12:08:03

Our friend Annalise visited us in the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle, and we had a lovely day playing and posing! Thanks you to all the staff, families and children who agreed to be photographed- you all look gorgeous!

All our photographs were taken by Annalise Richter and are the property of TIN Arts Limited.

Evaluation

2011-12-16 12:08:03

Open publication - Free publishing - More health

Clown Doctors start their fifth year of delivery!

2011-12-16 12:08:03

They are busy exploring the new Great North Children's Hospital on the RVI site, and are pleased to have moved back into Ward 23 at the Freeman Hospital after its recent renovations- it looks very smart!

This term they are looking forward to welcoming two of their clown doctor sisters from Edinburgh, who are visiting in November- look out for them on the wards! And don't forget that the Clown Doctors will be making some extra visits to the wards in December, to spread some festive cheer!

Busy busy Clown Doctors!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

The Great North Children's Hospital

The Clown Doctors have waved goodbye to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, and all their pals there have moved to the brand new Great North Children's Hospital. It's very posh- it even has a cinema! The Clown Doctors are getting used to their new workplace- they've only got lost 26 times, and they sometimes forget which ward they're in, but they like the new playrooms! They can't wait until all their friends from the General Hospital move too, so they can all play together. If you're visiting the hospital look out for us on Wednesdays and Thursdays- please come and say hello!

Trip to Edinburgh

In May Dr Rumtumtumich and Dr Mouseloaf packed their suitcases and travelled to Bonny Scotland to visit their cousins at Hearts&Minds. They spent a whole week playing and practising their skills with clown doctors from Scotland and Northern Ireland, under the watchful eye of master clown Pierre Byland. They were very tired after all their adventures but had lots of stories and games to share with the other Clown Doctors.

A Visit to Percy Hedley

The Clown Doctors visited the Percy Hedley School in Newcastle in April, and had a lovely time joining in with 'The Bear Hunt' song! Thank you to all the lovely teachers and children who made us feel so welcome- we hope to visit you again soon!

Our new Clown Doctors have graduated!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

After lots of training, hard work and silliness they received their graduation certificates and white coats during a special Graduation Ceremony. The rest of the team are all so pleased to have welcomed them into our Clown Doctor family, and took the opportunity to pose for a photo with them.

Doctor Ronald, Doctor Thora and Doctor Melanie have already started their wards rounds in the hospitals so look out for them and say hello!

The Clown Doctors Team is growing...

2011-12-16 12:07:48

The new Clown Doctors are currently very busy in training for their new roles, and are looking forward to visiting the children in the General Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Freeman Hospital. When they have graduated from their training you will be able to learn more about them on our 'Meet the Clown Doctors' page, so keep a look out for them!

The Clown Doctors join the Great North Baton Challenge!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

'The Great North Baton Challenge' is The Children's Foundation's fundraising campaign to raise money for The Great North Children's Hospital. The fundraising theme draws on the success of Team GB in the Beijing Olympics and the anticipation of the country as a whole for London 2012. For more information, please call the 'Baton' hotline on 0191 282 0888.

To see the Clown Doctors and athletes at the launch of the Appeal just click on this link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7635952.stm

Suffolk Clown Doctors need you!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

The Suffolk Clown Doctors enjoy working with hospitalised children and young people through magic, singing, drama, play and circus skills.

To express an interest, please send a CV with appropriate supporting material by Friday 26 February to:Gabby Cox, Suffolk Artlink, 1 Miles Ward Court, Halesworth IP19 8AY or email gabby@suffolkartlink.org.uk

The Great North Children\'s Hospital is named!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

They had a great time blowing bubbles and meeting Kevin Keegan! The Clown Doctors are looking forward to seeing the inside of the new hospital, and to providing visits to the new wards when the building is completed in Spring 2010. The hospital will provide the highest level of care for children and young people, and is part of the ongoing transformation of the Newcastle Hospitals.

If you would like to make a donation towards the provision of Clown Doctor visits in the new hospital, please send a cheque (made payable to 'Newcastle Healthcare Charity') to TIN Arts, Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham, DH1 4SQ, or contact Clare on 0191 384 0728.

These photographs were taken by Mark Savage at the unveiling of the name for the new children's hospital for the North East and Cumbria- The Great North Children's Hospital- voted for by the public and announced by Kevin Keegan.

The Children\'s Foundation Golf Day 2008

2011-12-16 12:07:48

Martin Wilson, Director of TIN Arts, was joined on the TIN Arts team by Peter Dewar, Kevin Scott and Peter Cherry.

Martin says that they didn't do too badly, but this has yet to be verified by independant witnesses! If you would like to play in next year's Golf Day, and to support the Children's Foundation, please click on the image below to visit the Children's Foundation website:

Clown Doctors are Finalists in the Journal Culture Awards 2007!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

We proudly attended the award ceremony at Northern Stage on Monday 31st March, and although we didn't win in our category we were very proud to be short-listed. It was great to hear feedback from members of the public who admire our programme, and to see such diverse and encouraging examples of the region's cultural achievements. Photos of the event and full details will appear shortly at: http://www.thejournalcultureclub.co.uk/home/awards.aspx

Where\'s Dr Peawhacker?

2011-12-16 12:07:48

He's climbing into his campervan and setting off in search of places to explore! His final destination is Portugal, where there are already lots of Clown Doctors- perhaps he'll make some new Clown Doctor friends! Like all good adventurers, Dr Peawhacker isn't sure how long the trip will last, but we hope he comes back safe and sound to tell us all about it. Bon voyage Percy!

A generous donation from Goodfund!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

Trustee Jo Chexal visited the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne to see the Clown Doctors in action, and to hand over a fantastic cheque for £3000. Clown Doctors Jemima Jamjuggle and Percy Peawhacker were on hand to show her around and were delighted with the very generous donation- thanks Goodfund!

Evaluation Document available now!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

Just visit http://tin-arts.co.uk/9.html to view this document, which reflects on how the Clown Doctor programme has progressed so far. If you would like a paper copy please contact Clare at clare@tinarts.co.uk or 0191 384 0728.

Halloween Ball at Hardwick Hall!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

Everyone was dressed in their finest or scariest outfits, and as well as a drinks reception, three course dinner and dancing, the guests took part in games, a raffle and an auction. Photographs of the event can be found at www.doubletake.fpic.co.uk

Golf Day- a great day out!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

Our supporter on the day was the Harlands Group, which is fast becoming the UK Leisure Industry's leading provider of flexible Direct Debit solutions. We are indebted to them for their support, and they didn't play too badly either!

Great opportunity for your business!

2011-12-16 12:07:48

Each of our hospitals can be sponsored exclusively by one company at a cost of £6000. This cost can be split up over the year, or you can even enter a commitment to raise it through fundraising activity rather than meet the cost from your core budgets.

A partnership with the Clown Doctors will give your business several key benefits:

Through on-site visits you will be able to see first hand how your generosity will make a difference to young patients and their families.
We will bring the Clown Doctors to two events of your choosing, adding fun and merriment to your workplace, AGM or corporate events.
Our publicity information is prominently placed across the hospitals we deliver in and your logo or branding will be included.
Invitations for your staff or clients to special events hosted by the Clown Doctors. For example: Annual Charitable Golf Day (4 free places); Annual Charitable Dinner Dance Event (4 free places)

For your chance to get involved simply visit our contact page or call us on 0191 384 0728.

Children\'s Foundation Golf Day 2008

2011-12-16 12:07:48

Martin Wilson, Director of TIN Arts, joined supporters of the Clown Doctors Kevin Scott, Peter Dewar and Peter Cherry at the Children's Foundation Golf Day 2008.