Special Events

Details of special events coming up for Chatterton Tuition

The Big Smile Maths Activity Day

STOP PRESS: We raised a massive £500. Thank you to everyone who contributed in some way or took part.

See the report of the day in the local press

and the letter of thanks from the Theo Trust.

Our Inspiration

The Big Smile Maths Activity Day was inspired by my contact with some very special children through charity events organised by the Theo Trust - 'giving deprived children the chance to prosper'. All of the children still seem able to smile despite the very sad lives that they lead.

Dima's Story

This is about 12 year old Dima. It is not his real name but he is a real person. The Theo Trust helped him some years ago, he illustrates the childhood trauma which is sadly all too common in some of the children the Theo Trust help.

Dima lived in the countryside. Like many country folk in Russia, Dima's parents had a house in a village with sufficient land on which to keep a few animals. They provided an important source of food. Dima's father had two cows, they weren't his own but he received money for looking after them. Both parents were heavy drinkers. Tragically when Dima was just 3 years old his mother, under the influence of drink, slipped with a pan of boiling water and much of it went over Dima. Dima suffered severe scalding and had to stay in hospital for a while. his mother was arrested and the court took away her rights to be a parent. She was sent to prison and Dima has not seen her since.

Dima's father could not manage Dima on his own, so he took him to the local orphanage and he came home in the summer to help look after the garden and animals. When Dima was 10 years old and had just returned to the orphanage where he was unhappy, another tragedy struck. Dima's father was drunk and somehow the cows found their way out of the garden enclosure and wandered on to a nearby railway line. One was hit by a train and this meant serious trouble for the father. In the depths of his despair, he went to a local wood and was found hanged. Dima was now truly on his own.

The picture of Dima was taken when he was 12 years old. He was determined to do well and was selected by the orphanage to take up an offer to study in the UK for a year. This gave him a good grasp of English and on his return to Russia he went to a good school and later to university. During these years the Theo Trust supported him with his education and accommodation and some visits back to the UK. He is now happily married and his wife is expecting their first child shortly. With the help of the Theo Trust he was able to turn adversity into success and he now takes a keen interest in his old orphanage and helps other children.

Why a Maths Activity Day?

Chatterton Tuition Maths Activity Days have always been very popular and so this seemed the obvious event to hold - a fantastic way for children to discover that maths can be fun and at the same time help raise the profile and some extra funds for the very worthy Theo Trust.

When

The Big Smile Maths Activity Day will be held in Copgrove on Wednesday 21st December 2011, starting at 10 am and will take the format of three 2 hourly "slots" each one tailored to a particular age range/key stage, so that we can involve as many children as possible in this exciting project.

How you can book

More details will follow (look on the website, Facebook and Twitter). If you wish to book your child(ren) onto this special Maths Activity Day then please phone or email as soon as possible. All it costs is £20 plus an obligatory smile. Please make out all cheques to "Theo Trust" and complete our Big Smile gift aid form and our Big Smile registration form. Both forms are downloadable here or available on request. Once we have your payment your child's place will be secured. As ever, places are limited so booking early is advised. All proceeds from The Big Smile Maths Activity Day will go to the Theo Trust to help children just like Dima. If you wanted to donate more than £20 please do so. Thank you for your support.