West Somerset Disability Association

Events December 2008 to January 2009

wsda — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:51:05 +0000

Events’ Committee Report
The Events Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464

Forthcoming Trips and Events

Monday 15th December: The Seahorse Centre Christmas Fair from 1.30 to 4.00 pm. Raffle, stall, refreshments, Father Christmas
Tuesday 16th December: Christmas Dinner at the Allerford Inn, Norton Fitzwarren. The cost will be £10.00 for members.
Saturday 20th December: One of Ireland’s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.
There is the possibility of a trip to an Ice Show in Exeter next year, some time between 17th and 22nd February to see Holiday on Ice. Anyone interested should contact Sandra or Shirley, whose phone numbers are listed above and on page 2.

Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:

January 2009: Richard Newby from Somerset County Council will be talking about Highways and answering your queries.

Newsletter 99 December 2008

wsda — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:46:48 +0000

Hello everyone! The next meeting is in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 26th January 2009 at 2.00 pm. As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge. There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building.
Our address: The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees
Martin Greenwood; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; Tim Poat; Terry Venner.

Transport
Dave Willett organises a taxi for partially-sighted people to come to the Monthly meetings. This must be booked with him. If you can’t make it, PLEASE RING HIM, to cancel it.
If you cannot access other transport you can register with Atwest community transport 01643 707090 and use the SLINKY bus to come to meetings. You must have a bus pass.
PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU!!! Transport queries about outings should be addressed to the Events Committee.

Useful Telephone Numbers
West Somerset Disability Association Committee Members
President:  Jean Gilbert  01984 641197
Chairman:  David Kendall  01643 863505
Vice Chairman: Mary Court   01643 702129
Secretary:  Marlene Saunders 01643 702972
Accts/Treasurer: Molly Newstead  01984 634739
Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:
   David Willett  01643 708592
Welfare:  Margaret Bruford  01984 656367

Events Committee:
   Shirley Williams  01984 632265
   Sandra Kendall  01643 863505
   Peter Kilner  01643 821464

IT Tutor Chris Brinkman 01643 708025 Mobile 07971 285878
Seahorse Centre IT room 01643 702021 or 07971 285878 Messages (Reception) 01643 705000
E-mail: wsomersetdisability@tiscali.co.uk or wsomersetdisability@yahoo.co.uk
Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.uk

Computers
The newsletter is also on our website with news of our activities and forthcoming events. Please tell us your e-mail if you have one, as an e-mailed newsletter is free but we must pay to post them. Help us to help you!
If you would like computer training, please let us know or talk to Chris our IT instructor. You must be a member of our association (£10.00 per annum) before you can have lessons, which cost £2.00 per hour. If anyone has a problem with their computer at home and would like help from Chris, he will tell the committee of the problem and they will then decide what to do.

Disability Advocacy Service
The service is provided by A4e. Contact Jackie Churchill at 07841250277. The A4e website is www.a4e.gov.uk. Their address is A4e, 2nd Floor, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3JZ. The service will offer help if you need assistance with care arrangements, equipment, housing, blue badges, etc.
President’s Report

So sorry about missing talking to you all last month. The eye operation has been a success, but I am still not driving.
Have had a really busy month on the phone talking to service suppliers; I think word got out: ‘Jean’s at home’! Had to miss 3 meetings this month, because it’s difficult to read, but as someone pointed out (male) it need not stop me talking!
We have got 3 grants in, so fingers crossed. We have a date from Tesco for our collection in the supermarket to raise money for WSDA: it is Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January and I want all hands on deck please for that collection as this money goes towards your outings.
All members must have bus passes to go on AtWest buses. These forms are available from the West Somerset Council office in Summerland Road (By WH Smiths).
Good luck Peter with your recovery from your operation. Mary, good luck with your eye operation.
Marlene: hope everything has been successful with your stay in Musgrove Hospital for your Polio.
Looking forward to seeing most of you for the Xmas dinner on 16th December. The bus is booked and will be in touch with you regards time to be picked up. Please bring some money with you as there will be a Xmas raffle.
Jean
Chairman’s Report

Hello to you all!
How very nice to see so many of you at the last meeting (my first as your chairman), and thank you all for making it easy for me. For those of you that could not be there we had a chap called Roy Gosden, who is deaf but had a hearing dog, and he talked about his relationship with the dog and how he helped him, and I think I speak for everybody who was there, thanks very much Roy.
Our next meeting’s speaker will be Richard Newby from the council and I think he comes from The Highways’ Agency so come to the next meeting with plenty of questions.
I look forward in seeing most of you at the Christmas party, but for those of you that will not be there, on behalf of all the committee, we wish you a very happy Christmas and look forward in seeing you at the monthly meetings. For those of you that will be spending Christmas on your own for the first time, all our thoughts will be with you.
Best wishes to Jean and those of you that are not too well at the moment, get well soon.
David Kendall

Vice-Chairman’s Report

Hi Mary here again, yes I am still here. I hope all that attended the meeting found it very interesting. There were quite a lot of members missing but for those who turned up I am sure they found it interesting.
Roy gave a talk about his dog called Sky who is a hearing dog and as Roy is totally deaf he relies very much on his dog. He gave a very good talk and everyone seemed to be interested which was a change as usually most people are talking while someone is speaking. I have known Roy for some time and find him very interesting and charming man.
We have had two new members this month who I hope will find us of some help in more ways than one. “Welcome” to you both.
I believe a few of us have both been into hospital for Cataract operations. I hope we all end up seeing more than we did before. I know that Jean and I have to have the other eye done. I hope we do not have to wait too long as I find it a bit of a nuisance with only one lens in my glasses and having to wear clip-on dark glasses to keep the wind and sun out of my eye.
I do hope that everyone who is ill or not feeling well gets well soon.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all A Very Merry Christmas and A Very Prosperous New Year, I know it is early but I won’t see some of our Members until the next meeting. So Goodbye and God Bless until the next time we meet.
Mary

Treasurer’s Report

We collected £41.00 for the raffle and £9.30 for the Almoner’s Fund at the November meeting.

Events’ Committee Report
The Events Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464

Forthcoming Trips and Events

Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:

January 2009: Richard Newby from Somerset County Council will be talking about Highways and answering your queries.

Articles, letters and e-mails

Five day Coach trip to the Lake district – 17th to 21st November
It was a murky cold Monday morning at 7.30am when the coach collected us from the bus stop in Minehead for our journey to Grange Over Sands in the Lake District. We were a party of five friends out to have a jolly holiday. Soon we were on the M5 and M6 motorways heading for Cumbria. The murky cloudy weather persisted all day.

Tuesday saw the sun shining brightly and we were able to take our drive through the breathtaking Kirkstone Pass and along Ullswater to Keswick where we had time for lunch and sightseeing. The day finished with a visit to Grassmere. The drystone walls everywhere were very interesting. They went up the hills to infinity. In the fields were many sheep in particular a local breed called “Herdwick” quite different in their appearance. They are born black and each year they change to a shade of grey until they become nearly white.
Wednesday saw us on the coach once more this time travelling to Kendal and the K village outlet shopping centre, like nearly everyone else I managed to find something to buy. Once again after lunch we travelled to picturesque Hawkshead, retuning to the Hotel via Coniston Water.
Thursday morning soon came round and today was spent in Windermere and on the lake, a bit damp and windy to start with but it stayed bright enough for a super boat trip around the lake. Wonderful homes and boathouses made for an interesting viewing and admiration. We stopped at the town of Grange Over Sands for a final look at the gift shops before returning to the hotel for the last dinner with music and dancing until the early hours.

Friday came round all to quick and we were soon back on the motorway heading for home. Everyone on the coach said what a great time was had by all. The five of us enjoyed it so much that we are going to try another five-day trip in February next year, but this time in Llandudno.
Alan Stevens

Handy Numbers
A4e Disability Advocate: Jackie Churchill 07841 250277 www.a4e.co.uk
Age Concern Information Line 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk
Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 www.arthritiscare.org.uk
A Taste of Exmoor: Home cooked food delivered to your door! 01643 709856 or 07919 816197
AT West Community Transport 01643 709701
Blue Badge (Disabled Parking Scheme) 0845 3459133 or 01823 335285. Renewals at 01278 437255
Breast Cancer Care 0808 800 6000 www.breastcancercare.org.uk
CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) Minehead 01643 707484
Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Depression Alliance 0845 123 2320 www.depressionalliance.org
Diabetes UK 0845 120 2960 www.diabetes.org.uk
Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
Hospital Transport 01278 727444
NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
MIND (National Association for Mental Health) 01643 708 765 deborah.melmoth@mindinwestsomerset.org.uk
Open DAWS (Cathy McGill) 01643 821112
PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) Ruby Haq 01278 437013 www.somerset.nhs.uk/pals
Piper Lifeline (Cynthia Lewis) 01643 709234
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 09090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.sab-fund.org.uk
Stroke Association 0845 303 3100 www.stroke.org.uk
Talking Newspapers 01984 640 471
West Somerset Advice Bureau (similar to a Citizens’ Advice Bureau) 01643 704624
Winter Warmth Helpline 0800 085 700 www.dh.gov.uk

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 26th January 2009 at 2.00 pm.

Newsletter 98 November 2008

wsda — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:08:01 +0000

Hello everyone! Autumn is really here, now. Enjoy Halloween and Firework Night and if you don’t like them, then enjoy the brisk weather and seasonal colours. We have included a copy of our ‘Protection of Vulnerable Adults’ policy for your information with the newsletter. The next meeting is in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 24th November at 2.00 pm. As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge. There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building.
Our address: The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees
Martin Greenwood; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; Tim Poat; Terry Venner.

Events Committee:
   Shirley Williams  01984 632265
   Sandra Kendall  01643 863505
   Peter Kilner  01643 821464

President’s Report
Jean recently had an operation for a cataract and she does not feel able to give a report this month. Best wishes for your quick recovery.
Chris

Chairman’s Thoughts
It has been an enjoyable year, being your Chairman but I am not sorry to be handing over the reins to David. Good luck!
Finally I would like to thank you to everyone for your support in the last year.
All best wishes
Gordon

Vice-Chairman’s Report
Hello Mary here
Congratulations to David and the other members of the new committee and the Events Committee. The updated committee is listed on the second page of the newsletter. I do hope that we all get along and the members and committee work together harmoniously. If anyone has any problems, come to me or any other committee member and we will try to help smooth things out for you.
Barbara Mullen from Magna Housing should have come to give us a talk but she did not manage to come. Shauna Roberts from Social Services visited to observe our meeting.
The votes for the new committee were counted by Susan Horne, one of our Trustees, who was a neutral person. Many of the papers were not easy for her to decipher but as far as was possible to tell, the result is an accurate reflection of the wishes of the members.
Mary

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle raised £45.00 and we collected £7.56 for the Almoner’s Fund. £11.40 in loose change was given to us by one of our members. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
David

Events’ Committee Report
This is the new Events Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464
Forthcoming Trips and Events
Tuesday 25th November: Christmas Shopping at Clarks Village, Street
Tuesday 16th December: Christmas Dinner at the Allerford Inn, Norton Fitzwarren. The cost will be £10.00 for members.
Saturday 20th December: One of Ireland’s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.
There is the possibility of a trip to an Ice Show in Exeter next year, some time between 17th and 22nd February to see Holiday on Ice. Anyone interested should contact Sandra or Shirley, whose phone numbers are listed above and on page 2.

Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:
November 24th: Roy Gosden will bring his dog Sky and he will talk about hearing dogs for the deaf.
December: no meeting
Next year’s speakers have not yet been arranged.

Articles, letters and e-mails
Visit to Bristol Hippodrome
I was one of the people who were able to go to the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I had never been to that Theatre before and I was very impressed. It was wheelchair friendly and the staff were great. The stage and sound were fantastic, binoculars were provided in case someone had a problem. It was a very interesting show and somewhere I would love to go to again. As always we were well looked after on the bus and I understand that those who were able to have the fish and chip meal thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to thank those who organised it all and also helped me.
Pat Graddon

ICE ‘IN CASE OF EMERGENCY’

We all carry our mobile phone with name and numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these number belong to our closest family or friends.

If you were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know whom to call. Hence the ‘ICE’ Campaign. The concept of ‘ICE’ is catching on quickly. All you need to do is store the name ’ICE’ (In Case Of Emergency). If it would be more appropriate for the emergency services to text your contact then store the number under “ICE TEXT”

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found when that he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but he didn’t know which number to call. If there was a recognised name for this purpose, in an emergency situation, the emergency services and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as ‘ICE’ For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 etc.

Let’s spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 24th November at 2.00 pm.

West Somerset Disability Association (WSDA)

Protection of Vulnerable Adults policy

The WSDA has a commitment to prevent and detect abuse and maintain every individual’s safety.
Individuals who are at risk from abuse should be empowered to maintain control over their lives and keep themselves safe.
In treating all adults with respect and dignity over their life choices much abuse can be prevented.
Good practice in employment and management means the health and social care workforce is able to deliver a safe and consistently high level of service.
When we are all clear about how individuals should be treated then it is easier to identify, investigate and implement safeguards when the behaviour of others falls below expected standards.
If an adult may have been or is being abused this should be reported to your Local Adult Social Care office (or if a crime has been committed to the Police), or direct to a Helpline such as Action on Elder Abuse.
Definition of a Vulnerable Adult
A vulnerable adult is an individual who is unable to care for him/herself
§ By virtue of old age
§ Mental or physical infirmity
§ Sensory loss
§ Learning disability/difficulty
§ Any reason that he/she is unable to protect him/herself against significant harm or exploitation.

A vulnerable person may be abused by:
§ A relative or informal carer
§ A paid professional carer or advisor
§ A client who is receiving services from the same resource (e.g. day care, residential care)

A vulnerable adult may also
§ Abuse a carer
§ Abuse other vulnerable persons who are also receiving care in the same setting
§ Neglect themselves
§ Deliberately harm themselves

Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It exists where the vulnerable person suffers significant harm or is exposed to significant risk.

Abuse may be due to:

§ The use of force or the threat of force, physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, pushing or restraint.
§ The unwarranted use of physical restriction or restraint.
§ The participation in sexual activity that is not understood or welcomed.
§ The incorrect use of prescribed medication drugs or chemical.
§ The use of discrimination, racist, sexist, disability or of age.
§ The unwarranted removal of control of individual finances of the loss or misuse of those finances.
§ Exposure to unacceptable risk.
§ Neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or education services, the withdrawing of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition or heating.

General Signs of Abuse May include

§ Difficulty in interviewing the person alone.
§ Repeated visits to a general practitioner or accident and emergency department.
§ Refusal of support services.
§ A history of unexplained or repeated falls or minor injuries.
§ Requests for help to many different agencies, or frequent transfers from one agency or G.P to another.
§ Episodes, the account of which varies from time to time or are inconsistent with the physical evidence.

Essential Support and Guidance

If anyone has any doubts at any time, they must follow the procedures suggested. Full support will be offered to anyone who finds himself/herself in the potentially traumatic situation of witnessing and reporting a vulnerable person of any age. You should never feel alone or unsupported at such a time. It is worth remembering the following -

The 4P’s – Protection, Prevention, Procedures, and Partnership

Trips and Events for the rest of 2008

wsda — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:06:02 +0000

Saturday 4th October Bristol Hippodrome: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Tuesday 25th November Christmas Shopping at Clarks Village, Street
Tuesday 16th December: Christmas Lunch at the Allerford Inn at Norton Fitzwarren. Lunch will be at 1pm;the cost to members will be £10. Saturday 20th December One of Ireland’s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.

Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:
October 27th: Barbara Mullen from Magna Housing, explaining all the services they offer.
November 24th: Roy, who is talking about hearing dogs for the deaf.
December: no meeting

Newsletter 97: October 2008

wsda — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:01:26 +0000

Hello everyone! The next meeting will be here in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 27th October at 2.00 pm. As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge. There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building.
Our address: The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees
Martin Greenwood; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; Tim Poat; Terry Venner.

Useful Telephone Numbers
West Somerset Disability Association Committee Members
President:  Jean Gilbert  01984 641197
Chairman:  Gordon Wright  01643 862167
Vice Chairman: Mary Court   01643 702129
Secretary:  Molly Newstead  01984 634739
Treasurer:  David Kendall  01643 863505
Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:
   David Willett  01643 708592
Members’ Representatives:
(Minutes) Marlene Saunders 01643 702972
(Welfare) Margaret Bruford  01984 656367
Events Committee:
   Peter Kilner  01643 821464
   Sylvia Griffiths  01643 704637
IT Tutor   Chris Brinkman  01643 708025 Mobile 07971 285878
Seahorse Centre IT room   01643 702021 or 07971 285878   Messages (Reception) 01643 705000
E-mail: wsomersetdisability@tiscali.co.uk or wsomersetdisability@yahoo.co.uk
Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.uk

President’s Report
Hello everyone. Unbeknown to you this computer nearly went out the window!! It is old, and oh boy does it play up. Never mind, here I am.
I am sorry to have to report the death of two of our members.
Donald Parsons died last month. He and his wife Pat have been members of the WSDA for many years and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to Pat.
David Douglas died suddenly a few days ago. This was a shock to us and we send our condolences to Thelma and the family.
Now a change of date and venue for Xmas Lunch. The menu for Foxes Hotel, when it arrived was very plain, so we have made a decision to go for another venue. This wasn’t easy. First I had to get a bus, and with Xmas bookings already in place for so many groups it was difficult. However, cutting out all the nitty gritties we are now going to the Allerford Inn at Norton Fitzwarren on TUESDAY DECEMBER 16TH. Lunch will be at 1pm and the cost to members will be £10. We shall need to know what your choice of food is, as there is a big choice, and someone will come and speak to you or be in touch with you about what you have chosen, so it will be all booked. For those of you who would like the Carvery, Turkey or Beef, there will be assistance for you if you cannot get to the Carvery. The starter and main meal, other than the carvery, and sweet will be brought to you. Please, try and remember what you have ordered, BUT in case you don’t there will be a list to refer to.
I was to speak at the HOPE event October 8th at the Tithe Barn, Dunster, on the subject of discrimination and prejudice but because I have been poorly and the literature for speakers had to be printed I had to say no. Probably a lot of our group don’t even know about harassment or prejudice but believe me it’s around. There is plenty of evidence, which challenge us every day. Access and exit barriers, steps into banks and shops, dropped curbs, and a failure to meet a variety of impairment-related needs. We are very lucky in this area as we have good groups, which support us. If you need help you must learn to ask and ask nicely. Some barriers are obvious but others are more unexpected. If you have harassment please report it, as not doing so makes all the figures wrong and nobody knows. I could go on forever as it is a very diverse subject, but will stop now.
Thanks to Sam Rawle and Tim Bowen from the Council and Andy from the Waste Disposal Department for taking time out to come and talk to us on the disability issues you had.
Thanks to Ian Galloway for his efforts in getting another dropped kerb for wheelchair users in Minehead.
Jean

Chairman’s Thoughts
Another West Somerset Disability Association year draws to a close and as we prepare to vote for our new committee for the coming year it is perhaps the time to look back at what has happened over the last year. I know it has been a very eventful year for Una and myself with many major changes. I am aware that I have not been able to attend all the meetings of the group but thanks to the guidance and good offices of the rest of the committee the various meetings have all gone ahead, (I don’t think they missed me) as have the various outings and coffee mornings. Someone has always been prepared to stand in for me in my absence. I would like to extend to all the members of the committee both my and your grateful thanks for all their efforts on our behalf. The group is still enjoying a full and active programme thanks to our events committee and I hope that you all feel that you are getting all the support you need which is what the group was set up to achieve.

All best wishes
Gordon

Vice-Chairman’s Report
Hello Mary here
I would like to thank the speakers at the monthly meeting, who gave a very informative session about disability issues such as rubbish collections from the doorstep rather than the roadside. It makes life so much easier… The meeting seemed very interesting this time.
Condolences to Pat Parsons and Thelma Douglas on the deaths of Donald and David. They will be missed by us.
Please remember to fill in the voting forms and send them back in the envelopes provided or if you get the newsletter by e-mail, then e-mail the form back or print it and post it to:
Molly Newstead
6 Brook Road
Williton
TA4 4TE
Happy voting! See you at the AGM next month.
Mary

Treasurer’s Report
We collected £48.00 with the raffle and a member gave us £2.31 of loose change, which we put in the Almoner’s Fund. We had one new member this month as well.
David

Events’ Committee Report
Trips and Events for the rest of 2008
Saturday 4th October Bristol Hippodrome: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Tuesday 25th November Christmas Shopping at Clarks Village, Street
Tuesday 16th December: Christmas Lunch at the Allerford Inn at Norton Fitzwarren. Lunch will be at 1pm;the cost to members will be £10. Saturday 20th December One of Ireland’s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.

Articles, letters and e-mails
Making Local Food Work
In these days of rising fuel prices and concerns about food security, Somerset is very fortunate to have won funding to wave the flag for local, sustainable food. A nation-wide project has been developed with partners passionate about good access to local, healthy food and the Big Lottery Changing Spaces fund will be investing £10m over the next 5 years.
Reconnecting people and land through local food is the primary aim of this programme and in Somerset work is focussed on supporting the wide range of flourishing food co-ops across the county, learning from their experience and sharing it with the rest of the country.
So what exactly is a food co-op? In essence it’s where people come together to use their collective purchasing power to buy local food, often in places where local food is just not easy to find anymore or to proactively support local producers or to achieve economies of scale. They are usually run in a ‘not for private profit’ way by volunteers based in community centres, family centres, schools, workplaces or from a member’s front room or garage!
The idea is that you regularly order a weekly bag or box of lovely fresh seasonal local produce, which is delivered to a convenient location near you. Both you and the food get to minimise the distance needed to travel, saving on fuel costs. The result: maximum freshness, less carbon emissions, shorter and more secure supply chains, direct income for the producer plus new friendships and experiences into the bargain.
If you’d like to know where your nearest food co-op is or you’d like advice on how to set one up in your street, village, local community centre, school or workplace get in touch with either Linda or Caroline at Somerset Community Food on 01458 832983 or visit www.somersetcommunityfood.org.uk
caroline.lewis@communityfood.plus.net
linda.hull@communityfood.plus.net

“More over 50s than anywhere else in country”
A new study reveals the district will have more people aged 50 or over than anywhere else in the country by next year.
West Somerset Free Press, 18th July 2008
Come along to a workshop about…
Ageing Well in West Somerset
9.30 – 15.30
Thursday 9th October 2008
Halsway Manor
Join us to discuss issues that will affect people aged 50 and over, including what you can do for us, and what we have to offer you.
Who should attend?
Anyone who is over 50 or is closely involved with the issues that affect people over the age of 50 and is living in West Somerset.
How do I register for the event?
If you would like to join us, please call 01984 635208 or email ageingwell@westsomerset.gov.uk. If you need transport to and from Halsway Manor, we can assist you with arranging this – just ask.
Supported by Somerset County Council, Avon and Somerset Police, West Somerset Strategic Partnership, Somerset NHS, Magna Housing and West Somerset Council

World Sight Day and a new card program for visually impaired people
Thursday 9th October is World Sight Day, which is this year dedicated to raising awareness of visual loss amongst older people. To coincide with this awareness-raising event a visually impaired couple are launching an innovative venture which hopes in some way to help partially sighted older people and younger ones too! Jim and Linda Lawson, who have a considerable experience between them of visual impairment and older people, are launching Easy2C, a company producing a very different type of greetings card which is as it says on the tin easy to see for anyone with sight loss who can still read a little large print. Both the artwork and print size have been carefully designed to match the needs of those losing vision and those with conditions such as Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma.
The card designs are produced by a visually impaired artist qualified to degree level, Rachel Duerden, and the paper, envelopes and inserts are made from managed forests, thus environmentally friendly. 5% of the profits will go back to charities supporting and selling their work, commencing with Henshaws Society for Blind People who have very kindly offered their knowledge and assistance to get the venture off the ground and host the points of sale for Jim and Linda.
Easy 2C was created because so many people receive cards they cannot read and often have to ask others to read them for them or just guess the name of the sender. It is sad to think that you could be sending a card that they cannot read to struggle to do so. Of those who have seen these new cards, the reaction has been fantastic. The greetings can be tailor made for different occasions as well as buying the standard greetings off the shelf at £2.00 per card.
The ageing population of this country will see an increase in eye problems as we are all living longer yet using our eyes as much if not more. There are now over 2.5 million visually impaired people of whom we are aware in this country and a lot are elderly…
For further information contact Easy2C on 01704 573199 or Henshaws in Liverpool on 0151 227 1226.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 27th October at 2.00 pm.

Events’ Committee Report August to December 2008

wsda — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:16:56 +0000

Trips and Events for the rest of 2008
Tuesday 9th September Weston-Super-Mare £2.50 each
Friday 12th September Coffee morning and Bring and Buy sale: 10.00 to 12.00, Methodist Church Hall, Minehead. If anyone with a car could help with transporting stuff from Carhampton to Minehead it would be appreciated. Please ring Peter Kilner on 01643 821464.
Saturday 4th October Bristol Hippodrome: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Tuesday 25th November Christmas Shopping at Clarks Village, Street
Friday 12th December Christmas Dinner at Foxes Hotel, Minehead from 12.00
Saturday 20th December One of Ireland’s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.

Newsletter August and September 2008

wsda — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:14:38 +0000

Hello everyone! The next meeting will be here in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 29th September at 2.00 pm. As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge. There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building.

Our address: The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees
Martin Greenwood; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; Tim Poat; Terry Venner.

Useful Telephone Numbers
West Somerset Disability Association Committee Members
President:  Jean Gilbert  01984 641197
Chairman:  Gordon Wright  01643 862167
Vice Chairman: Mary Court   01643 702129
Secretary:  Molly Newstead  01984 634739
Treasurer:  David Kendall  01643 863505
Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:
   David Willett  01643 708592
Members’ Representatives:
(Minutes) Marlene Saunders 01643 702972
(Welfare) Margaret Bruford  01984 656367
Events Committee:
   Peter Kilner  01643 821464
   Sylvia Griffiths  01643 704637
IT Tutor   Chris Brinkman  01643 708025 Mobile 07971 285878
Seahorse Centre IT room   01643 702021 or 07971 285878   Messages (Reception) 01643 705000
E-mail: wsomersetdisability@tiscali.co.uk or wsomersetdisability@yahoo.co.uk
Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.uk

Computers
The newsletter is also on our website with news of our activities and forthcoming events. Please tell us your e-mail if you have one, as an e-mailed newsletter is free but we must pay to post them. Help us to help you!
If you would like computer training, please us know or talk to Chris our IT instructor. You must be a member of our association (£10.00 per annum) before you can have lessons, which cost £2.00 per hour. If anyone has a problem with their computer at home and would like help from Chris, he will tell the committee of the problem and they will then decide what to do.

President’s Report
My goodness how these months fly. Have had a very busy month with lots of different meetings and am still learning different ‘things’ but at the same time keeping very much up to date with so many changes going on. Have had two meetings with West Somerset Council and they are working on our behalf on different issues that has arisen.
A few of us went racing recently. We met our patron, Philip and all of us had a good time.
Please come and support us on FRIDAY September 12th between 10 and 12pm at the Methodist Hall on the Avenue, Minehead, next to the Hospital, for a coffee and sale of cakes and bric-a-brac. Admission is 50p. This is our first big event this year, so we shall need all hands on deck, and all goods will be gratefully received.
We have an outing to Weston Super Mare on the 9th September. Last time we went we all enjoyed ourselves but please if you book, be committed to going, because it causes so much work if you don’t turn up. I am away the previous week, so please don’t leave me any messages on the phone.
We have after 18 months of writing and consultations with Tesco at long last, hopefully been given a slot, to have a collection. It will not be until next year but at last we have won.
Take care all of you, and enjoy your holidays.
Jean

Chairman’s Thoughts
Hello all
At the moment I seem to go from one crisis to the next. This time I have put my back out and am walking around like a robot, and with so much work to do I feel very frustrated but it will go away.
Following on from my last “thoughts” the group have now come to the time when we have to appoint the Officers for the next three years and with that in mind would any of you like to be put forward for any of the offices. If so, please let any of the existing committee know as soon as possible. After all, a new face on the committee means new ideas. New ideas also mean a more vibrant group able to fulfil the needs of its members more effectively.
This is also a time to remind all of you that even if you do not take office you can still “do your bit” for the group by giving your full support to those that do take office otherwise it becomes a soul destroying job.
The existing committee have worked very hard on behalf of the members over the years despite their own disabilities and are deserving of our grateful thanks. I would like to thank them personally for the support and help they have given to Una and I and in particular during my year in office when we have gone through a lot of changes to our circumstances.
May I remind you that the next meeting is in September and I look forward to seeing you all then.
All the very best
Gordon

Vice-Chairman’s Report
Hello Mary here
I hope you all enjoyed the meeting last Monday. Although there were not many that attended I think we all had a good time. I being the Vice Chairman had to conduct the meeting. I hope you all heard and understood all that I said.
We had several issues to talk about one being the A.G.M. Now we need you all to think hard about who you want to be elected. Carol Harmon gave a very informative talk about benefits and claims so I hope you were all paying attention and I hope some of you will benefit from her advice.
David and Thelma won the first prize in the raffle and Sandra won the second prize. I hear that we made £5-60 on the Almoner’s collection, not bad as every penny counts. Thank you very much.
Mary

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle collection raised £44 this month and Jane collected £5.60 for the Almoner’s Fund. Keep up the good work!
David

Events’ Committee Report
Trips and Events for the rest of 2008
Tuesday 9th September Weston-Super-Mare £2.50 each
Friday 12th September Coffee morning and Bring and Buy sale: 10.00 to 12.00, Methodist Church Hall, Minehead. If anyone with a car could help with transporting stuff from Carhampton to Minehead it would be appreciated. Please ring Peter Kilner on 01643 821464.
Saturday 4th October Bristol Hippodrome: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Tuesday 25th November Christmas Shopping at Clarks Village, Street
Friday 12th December Christmas Dinner at Foxes Hotel, Minehead from 12.00
Saturday 20th December One of Ireland’s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.

Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:
August: no meeting
September 29th: Sam Rawle and Tom Bowen from the West Somerset Council talking about your problems with disabilities.
October 27th: The Annual General Meeting will take place at this meeting. Also Barbara Mullen from Magna Housing will explain all the services they offer.
November 24th: Roy is talking about hearing dogs for the deaf.
December: no meeting. Happy Christmas! The next meeting is in January.

Articles, letters and e-mails
Stephen Brinkman sent some information about rail travel.

RAIL TRAVEL MADE EASY

DISABLED PERSON’S RAILCARD
If you have a Disabled Person’s Railcard (or a Senior Railcard), rail tickets are up to one third cheaper than the normal price.

MAKING RAIL TRAVEL EASIER
Trains are being improved so that customers have access to good quality visual and audible information. Priority seats for disabled people and designated wheelchair areas are being put into many carriages. Many toilets are wheelchair-accessible, with more being planned.
There are a number of key stations with lifts and lots of smaller improvements such as automatic doors, lowered ticket office sales points and induction loops for people with hearing difficulties have been installed.

ASSISTANCE
If you need assistance we recommend that you book it at least 24 hours in advance of travel. The 24-hour notice period also gives us time, where possible, to relocate staff to help you. This is important if you are going to travel at a time when a station is usually unstaffed.

HELP US TO HELP YOU
Rail staff are trained to give you help. So, if you are likely to require help getting on and off trains or receiving information, please tell our staff. This will help them to help you if disruption affects your journey.

WHEELCHAIRS
Most trains can accommodate wheelchairs that are 700mm wide 1,200mm long (2 feet 3½ inches by 4 feet). There are a small number of older trains that can only currently carry wheelchairs that have a maximum width of 670mm (2 feet 2 inches).
The maximum combined weight of a person and their wheelchair is between 230kg (506 lbs or 36 stone) and 300kg (660 lbs or 47 stone). There are a limited number of spaces available to wheelchair users on each train, we therefore recommend that you book your space in advance.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 29th September at 2.00 pm.

Events July to December 2008

wsda — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:59:55 +0000

Trips and Events 2008
Friday 11th JulyÂ Cream Tea at Pine Mills, by Fyne Court
Saturday 12th JulyÂ Coffee morning, 10.00 to 12.00 at the Carantoc Centre, Millett Close, Carhampton. Bring-and-buy sale.Â Come and support us.
Saturday 2nd AugustÂ Taunton Flower Show Â Â Â£3.00 eachÂ
Tuesday 9th SeptemberÂ Weston-Super-Mare Â Â Â£2.50 each
Friday 12th SeptemberÂ Coffee morning and Bring and Buy sale from 10.00 to 12.00 at the Methodist Church Hall, Minehead.Â If anyone with a car could help with transporting stuff from Carhampton to Minehead it would be appreciated.Â Please ring Peter Kilner on 01643 821464.
Saturday 4th OctoberÂ Bristol Hippodrome
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Tuesday 25th NovemberÂ Christmas Shopping at Clarks Village, StreetÂ Â Â
Friday 12th DecemberÂ 12.00 noon Christmas Dinner at Foxes Hotel, MineheadÂ

Saturday 20th DecemberÂ One of Irelandâ€™s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.Â

Newsletter: June and July 2008

wsda — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:57:03 +0000

Hello everyone! The next meeting will be here in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 28th July at 2.00 pm.Â As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge.Â There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building.Â

Our address: The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EBÂ

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees
Martin Greenwood; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; Tim Poat; Terry Venner.

Transport
Dave Willett organises a taxi for partially-sighted people to come to the Monthly meetings.Â This must be booked with him. If you canâ€™t make it, PLEASE RING HIM, to cancel it.Â
If you cannot access other transport you can register with Atwest community transport 01643 707090 and use the SLINKY bus to come to meetings.Â You must have a bus pass.
PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU!!!Â Transport queries about outings should be addressed to the Events Committee.

Useful Telephone Numbers

West Somerset Disability Association Committee Members
President:Â Â Jean GilbertÂ Â 01984 641197
Chairman:Â Â Gordon WrightÂ Â 01643 862167
Vice Chairman:Â Mary CourtÂ Â Â 01643 702129
Secretary:Â Â Molly NewsteadÂ Â 01984 634739
Treasurer:Â Â David KendallÂ Â 01643 863505
Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:
Â Â Â David WillettÂ Â 01643 708592
Membersâ€™ Representatives:
Â (Minutes)Â Marlene SaundersÂ 01643 702972
(Welfare)Â Margaret BrufordÂ Â 01984 656367
Events Committee:
Â Â Â Peter KilnerÂ Â 01643 821464
Â Â Â Sylvia GriffithsÂ Â 01643 704637
IT Tutor Â Â Chris BrinkmanÂ Â 01643 708025 Mobile 07971 285878
Seahorse CentreÂ IT roomÂ Â Â 01643 702021 or 07971 285878
Â Â Â Messages (Reception)Â 01643 705000
E-mail: wsomersetdisability@tiscali.co.uk or wsomersetdisability@yahoo.co.uk
Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.ukÂ

Computers
The newsletter is also on our website with news of our activities and forthcoming events.Â Please tell us your e-mail if you have one, as an e-mailed newsletter is free but we must pay to post them.Â Help us to help you!
If you would like computer training, please us know or talk to Chris our IT instructor.Â You must be a member of our association (Â£10.00 per annum) before you can have lessons, which cost Â£2.00 per hour.Â If anyone has a problem with their computer at home and would like help from Chris, he will tell the committee of the problem and they will then decide what to do.

Disability Advocate
The service is provided by A4e.Â Contact Jackie Churchill at 07841250277.Â The A4e website is www.a4e.gov.uk.Â Their address is A4e, 2nd Floor, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3JZ. The service will offer help if you need assistance with care arrangements, equipment, housing, blue badges, etc.Â

Presidentâ€™s Report
Hello everybody, although we didnâ€™t have a meeting last month, I with others, have been extremely busy.Â Had an evening with Helen, from the Seahorse Centre, Jean Kent and myself talking to the Brownies in Watchet about disabilities.Â They all seemed to enjoy themselves and Nellie, Jeanâ€™s dog, managed all her tasks to perfection.Â All the Brownies got their badges, but driving home did think of all the mumâ€™s having to stitch all the badges on!!
Next month Carol Harmon is coming to talk to you, and is bringing all the forms for benefits.Â She is very informative, so any questions, have them ready
Please be aware that if you have a Blue Badge, you are not being informed when it is due for renewal.Â The new number for renewals is 01278 437255.Â You have been warned!!
All our best regards go to Martin Greenwood, one of our Trustees, whose Mum, Vera died quite suddenly. She was a member of this group and always enjoyed her computer lessons.Â Two members are attending her farewell at Wells.
Have been to other meetings and keep very much in touch with all our service partners.
Thank you, everyone for all the wonderful cards and presents on my birthday.
Keep well
Jean

Vice-Chairmanâ€™s Report
Diane and Jackie, who are two advisors from A4e (the disability advocacy service) came and talked to us at the meeting.Â They gave us all advice about benefits and care issues and had one-to-one sessions with members who were interested and had particular problems.
Marlene and I have been invited to lunch by the local Polio Foundation, which is based in Bath.Â Bath is too far away for us to attend the meetings and so for this occasion all of the members will come to Minehead and have lunch at a date to be arranged.
Mary

Treasurerâ€™s Report
The raffle raised Â£41 at the June monthly meeting. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the funds.Â

Eventsâ€™ Committee Report

Tuesday 25th NovemberÂ Christmas Shopping at Clarks Village, StreetÂ Â Â
Friday 12th DecemberÂ 12.00 noon Christmas Dinner at Foxes Hotel, MineheadÂ

Saturday 20th DecemberÂ One of Irelandâ€™s favourite Singers, Curtis Magee, at the Royal Ordnance Factory Social Club, Puriton, near Bridgwater.Â
Â Â Â
Announcements

Speakers at our monthly meetings:
July 28th: Carol Harmon talking about Benefits and bringing leaflets
August: no meeting
September 29th: Sam Rawle and Tom Bowen from the West Somerset Council talking about your problems with disabilities.
October 27th: Barbara Mullen from Magna Housing, explaining all the services they offer.
November 24th: Roy, who is talking about hearing dogs for the deaf.
December: no meeting

Articles, letters and e-mails

Visit to Buckingham Palace, May 20th 2008
West Somerset Disability Association won â€œThe Queenâ€™s Award for Voluntary Service 2005â€ and as a result this year we were invited again to send two members of the Association to a reception at Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on Tuesday May 20th 2008.Â Margaret Bruford and Susan Horne, who is also a volunteer for Somerset Association for the Blind, attended the reception on the behalf of the WSDA along with another 360 guests from around the country who have all won the Queenâ€™s Award over the last few years.Â Susan and Margaret said:
â€œWe arrived at the Palace, drove through the gates and parked.Â We ascended the grand staircase and were directed to the Throne Room where champagne and canapÃ©s were served after which we were presented to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.Â We were then left at liberty to wander through the staterooms where we were once again introduced to the Queen and had the opportunity to talk about the WSDA.Â We left the Palace at 8.00pm having had a very memorable evening!â€
To find out more about the SAB (Somerset Association for the Blind) please contact Claire Packwood on 01643 841174.

Excellence award for Seahorse Centre
STAFF and volunteers at the Seahorse Centre are celebrating after the centre was named a centre of excellence.
They were presented with the Centre of Excellence Award for their positive attitude at a Somerset County Council Community Directorate Awards Ceremony.
The team was congratulated for the high quality day services provided for adults with learning disabilities in West Somerset.
The centre provides a variety of activities such as gardening, cookery, sports and computer classes as well as days out including boat trips, visits to the theatre and laser-rifle shooting.

My Daughterâ€™s Wedding
My daughter Emily-Rose was already engaged to Andrew when all the family stayed in Newquay after Williamâ€™s wedding in St. Merrynâ€™s church.Â She had originally thought of an engagement of about eighteen months to two years so that Andy and she would have enough time to plan a wedding as lovely and perfect as William and Tabisâ€™s. Unfortunately, their plans had to be brought forward because of two quite serious accidents my Father had in 2004 and 2005.
When Andy and Emily first got engaged my Father suggested that they had a reception in his garden so that they could walk from the church straight into the garden â€“ exactly as I did thirty-six years ago.Â Emily and Andy thought it was a great idea and so from then on we planned for everything to take place in the village of Wootton Courtenay.Â
After much consultation with my Dad and Stepmother, Andyâ€™s parents, my brother Chrisâ€™s family and the vicar and his family we decided that the wedding should be at 2.30 p.m. followed by video and photos of the bridal procession walking from the church, through the archway into my Dadâ€™s garden.Â Weâ€™d then have introductions and chatter with speeches interspersed with Pimms and nibbles, finishing that part of the afternoon with a champagne toast to the bride and groom.Â Â
We thought that by now it would be about half-past five and time for the wedding breakfast in our village hall, which would be followed by a disco.Â We assumed that the party would break up at about two in the morning, when Andy and Emily would call cabs to take some of the guests to Dunster and William and Tabis would stay in the village hall until the bar was cleared up and the staff gone.Â
Before the wedding there were heaps of fun things to do such as organising the bride, bridesmaids and brideâ€™s motherâ€™s outfits.Â I felt very important to be the brideâ€™s mother.Â There was also the meal to arrange, the food for the wedding breakfast and the buffet for the disco and dance.
At last the wedding day arrived and the weather forecast was quite reasonable.Â After breakfast Emily, Tabis and Alison went into Minehead to keep their appointment Emily had arranged with a salon hairdresser.Â While they were out I took the opportunity to have a shower and dress up in my outfit.Â
At ten oâ€™clock the people making the video arrived and nearly caught me in my underwear because Emily and Andy thought they were coming at eleven.Â They were a really nice couple and we got on well straight away.Â Emily, Tabis and Alison arrived at about a quarter past eleven and we all felt that the wedding had really begun.Â
We all drank coffee and ate croissants and sausages, laughing all the while.Â Janet arrived to do my hair in ringlets to match the bridesmaidsâ€™ hair and I felt years younger.Â Maple, my guide dog, must have realised she was going to have an exciting day because she ran in and out of the house and garden, up and down both lots of stairs.Â
At about twelve oâ€™clock we set off for Old Rectory, my Dadâ€™s house where we were having speeches and photos after the wedding service.Â My Dad was sitting on the lawn because the sun had just come out but there were clouds on the horizon.Â He told us which room he and Sue had decided should be our boudoir for preparing for the wedding and then Emily began to watch the weather anxiously, hoping for a fine day at least until we were all in the village hall eating our meal.Â We all assured her that it seemed the type of day that the weather would change many times and went on with getting ready.Â It was really special to be part of all this â€“ I shall really love the video.Â
At just after two oâ€™clock Chris came to collect Emily and take her to the church so that he could give her away and the rest of us started to walk to church.Â It was lovely to see friends from the village watching us go by and being kind enough to say we looked lovely.Â The ushers showed us to our places and we all talked nervously, waiting for Emily to arrive.Â William sat on my left, Ken on my right and Maple squeezed under my feet trying to hide.Â
Absolutely at half-past two the wedding march started and my Emily, Ali and Tabis arrived.Â
The wedding went by as though I was in a dream and I am so pleased that there is a video so that I can get a copy and listen to it over and over again.Â I have been waiting for this day for so long that I can hardly believe it is here at last.Â I remember the vicar telling Andy and Em to slip into the vestry for a few minutes so they could have a while to themselves just after they had made their vows.Â The churchwardens at Wootton Courtney hadnâ€™t wanted anyone in the vestry so the vicar added a nice touch by overruling them.
I can remember following the bride and groom out of the church and through the arch of flowers into Dadâ€™s garden, holding up the traffic as we went.Â I heard later that that Emily and Andy put the wedding bouquet on her Dad Geofâ€™s tombstone.Â Â Â Â
When we arrived in my Dadâ€™s garden the weather was as near perfect as I can ever remember.Â The sun was warm but certainly not too hot and the wind was a pleasant breeze.Â Ken, Maple and I sat on Dadâ€™s lawn in the sun, drinking Pimms, chatting to members of the family while we waited for the toasts and speeches.Â What a perfect day!
The speeches and toasts were very entertaining and put us all in a very happy mood for the rest of the day. I am really going to enjoy the video at Christmas!
At about half-past five we began strolling towards the village hall where Emily and Andy had arranged to have their wedding breakfast.Â William took Maple home to Woodbine Cottage and got back very quickly while Rosy and her husband Nigel, the bagpipe player, Ken and I walked up to the village hall where Emily and Andy soon joined us at the top table.Â
â€¦â€¦â€¦.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the wedding breakfast and of course there were many toasts to the bride and groom.Â At about half-past-seven chairs were cleared for dancing and the disco began.Â
I donâ€™t usually enjoy parties but I enjoyed this one.Â Emily introduced me to some ex-Queenians I hadnâ€™t met and I talked to family members and friends whom I hadnâ€™t seen for years. Katie, Miriam and Emily used to ride over the moors and play in each otherâ€™s houses a lot when they were all small.Â
Later I danced with Andyâ€™s brother James and then his aunt Madge from Australia who is very amusing and made me laugh so much!
At about half-past eleven Ken said he was very tired and couldnâ€™t stay up any longer, so John, Andyâ€™s Father, offered to walk us back to Woodbine Cottage.Â
I was rather pleased that I didnâ€™t completely disgrace myself when we walked down the hill because I managed quite well and Ken only stumbled a little bit.Â I felt I must have had more than I should have to drink in Emilyâ€™s wedding day.Â
However it was Ken who felt rather ill in the night.Â He couldnâ€™t face any food the next day and so missed out on a really super family lunch grill organised for us all at the Dunkery Hotel the next day.
â€¦â€¦â€¦..
Emilyâ€™s wedding turned out to be just as perfect as Williamâ€™s had been.Â My only sadness was that Kath Brown, Emilyâ€™s Godmother, had died just before Christmas, 2005, so she missed the wedding she was so looking forward to.Â Geof, too, missed out because he would have been the proudest Dad in the world to have a son-in-law like Andy and parents-in-law like John and Sandy.
Stephanie Witherick

Peterâ€™s Report of his holiday
On 19th April we went on holiday to Stalham, Norfolk.Â We arrived around 3.00pm.Â It took eight hours by coach.
On Sunday we went to Sea Palling a little fishing and surfing village.Â There next to the pub, are nice disabled toilets but you canâ€™t get onto the beach.
Monday was in Great Yarmouth where we were looking around and looking for disabled toilets.Â Thereâ€™s loads all over Great Yarmouth so if you go there you wonâ€™t be disappointed.
On Tuesday we had a nice time on the Broads on a boat called â€˜Queen of the Broadsâ€™.Â What I took notice of was the lift for wheelchairs and one person had her disabled scooter taken on the lift to go on the boat and, yes, there were toilets on all decks.Â This was at Wroxham.
Thursday was a nice hot day at Hillside Animal and Shire Horse Sanctuary in West Runton, near Cromer.Â Their disabled toilet was very clean and big.Â You could turn your wheelchair round in there.Â To come back to Cromer, we phoned for a taxi, Ace Cabs.Â They are in Cromer.Â I have found out that these taxi drivers have had first aid training so they can take disabled people no matter what your disability is.Â The other day he had a person in the back of his cab who was very bad.Â So he stopped the cab and saw to her, gave her her tablets, so after a while she felt better.Â They are very polite and are the only ones to do this in Cromer.Â Their phone number is 01263 511749 in case you come to Norfolk.Â They are very cheap, too.
On Friday we went to Sutton Windmill Broads Museum in Sutton.Â They have disabled toilets.Â Then afterwards to a car boot sale where they had toilets but no disabled ones.
On Saturday we visited Thrigby Wildlife Gardens, Thrigby Hall, in Filby.Â They had the best disabled toilets we had seen so far, but we have been enjoying ourselves.
On Sunday we were at the biggest car boot sale.Â Then we looked around Stalham Broads and there were no toilets at all in Stalham.Â Please donâ€™t go to Stalham, like we did.Â It is a dump; no buses go from here.Â The last bus back is 6.10pm, and no bus on Sunday.Â There is nothing to do at all in this village.
On Monday we went back to Great Yarmouth to look around the cafÃ©s.Â We found out there are disabled toilets in them, but watch out!Â Some disabled toilets are upstairs or downstairs so how is the disabled person going to be able to use them.
On Tuesday we went to Sutton Staithe to look at more boats and while we were there we popped into the restaurants to see if there were any disabled toilets in them.Â Yes there are toilets there and if you like smoking there are tables outside with ashtrays.Â Very nice place to visit.Â We walked 2Â½ miles into Sutton.
On Wednesday we went to Norwich.Â Everyone has to go to the cathedral.Â It is very big inside and they have a gift shop and tearooms upstairs.Â There is a lift to go up to the tearooms.Â There are disabled toilets and more by Norwich bus station and some in the town.Â There are disabled toilets right beside Norwich market.Â You need a full day here, but it is worth it to see the old buildings.
On Thursday and Friday we had rest days and packing ready to come home early on Saturday morning.Â We are going back there in August to do the other side of Norfolk so wish us luck.
We didnâ€™t find the nudist beach.Â That would have been nice!Â Hahaha!!
Peter Kilner

Handy Numbers
A4e Disability Advocate: Jackie Churchill 07841 250277 www.a4e.co.uk
Age Concern Information Line 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk
Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 www.arthritiscare.org.uk
A Taste of Exmoor: Home cooked food delivered to your door! 01643 709856 or 07919 816197
AT West Community TransportÂ 01643 709701
Blue Badge (Disabled Parking Scheme) 0845 3459133 or 01823 335285
Breast Cancer Care 0808 800 6000 www.breastcancercare.org.uk
CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) MineheadÂ 01643 707484
Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Depression Alliance 0845 123 2320 www.depressionalliance.org
Diabetes UK 0845 120 2960 www.diabetes.org.uk
Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
Hospital Transport 01278 727444
NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
MIND (National Association for Mental Health) 01643 708 765 deborah.melmoth@mindinwestsomerset.org.uk
Open DAWS (Cathy McGill) 01643 821112
PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) Ruby Haq 01278 437013 www.somerset.nhs.uk/pals
Piper Lifeline (Cynthia Lewis) 01643 709234
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 09090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.sab-fund.org.uk
Stroke Association 0845 303 3100 www.stroke.org.uk
Talking Newspapers 01984 640 471
West Somerset Advice Bureau (similar to a Citizensâ€™ Advice Bureau)Â 01643 704624
Winter Warmth Helpline 0800 085 700 www.dh.gov.uk

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 28th July at 2.00 pm.

May Events

wsda — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:26:22 +0000

Eventsâ€™ Committee Report
Coffee morning
Saturday 10th May from 10.00 to 12.00 at the Carantoc Centre, Millett Close, Carhampton. Bring-and-buy sale.Â Come and support us.Â
On Thursday May 15th will be an outing to Cricket St Thomas wildlife park Chard, Somerset.Â A bus has been organised to take us there. If you need a scooter or buggy when you are there can you phone 01460 67220 to arrange it.Â Thank you.
On Tuesday 10th June: trip to Weston-Super-Mare. A coach has been booked.
On Saturday 2nd August: Taunton Flower Show.Â A coach has been booked.
On Tuesday November 25th: Christmas shopping in Clarks Village, Street.