Happy New Year to you all! The holiday seems a very distant memory now and here we are in the midst of a mild winter, looking forward to Spring. Here is the first newsletter of the year. The next meeting is here on Monday 26th February 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 at the front of the building. You can smoke at the back if you want to.
Our address: The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB
West Somerset Disability Association Trustees
Martin Greenwood, (Chairman); Peter and Heidi Morse; Terry Venner; Una Wright.
Transport
If you booked to come by taxi to the monthly WSDA meeting and you can’t make it, can you PLEASE RING DAVE WILLETT, who organises this transport, to cancel it. 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:  Steven Elliott  01643 702321
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:
 Sandra Kendall  01643 863505
   Shirley Williams  01984 632265
  Â
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
Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.ukÂ
Computers
You can see the newsletter on our website as well as news of our recent activities and forthcoming events. Please give us your e-mail address if you have one, as an e-mailed newsletter is free to send but we have to pay to post them to you. Please help us to help you!
If you would like some computer training, please let one of the committee members know or talk to Chris our IT instructor. You must be a member of our association (£6.00 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 Advocate
The service is provided by A4e (0800 288 8712). They are based at A4e, 2nd Floor, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3JZ. The A4e website is www.a4e.gov.uk. The service will offer help if you need assistance with care arrangements, equipment, housing, blue badges, etc.Â
President’s Report
Apologies from Jean. She has had computer troubles and lost her report. She asked me to say that a representative from WISH is coming to talk about home insulation and keeping warm at the next meeting and Lorna Scott, from Forum 21, will be present as well.
Please read the article about Free Hospital Transport carefully and note that it is not for everyone, nor for every situation.
Thank you.
Chris (IT tutor)
Chairman’s Report
Hello All,
Happy New Year. Sorry it is so late! That was a very good lunch we had at Foxes’. It was such a good idea to go there. They do such a good job training disabled people to work in the catering industry. Many thanks to those who arranged it. We took £33 in the collection for the staff. It shows how much we enjoyed it.
We had a good interesting talk today by Brian from Atwest and we know a lot more about the problems running a transport service for groups and individuals.
Sorry this is so short. I did have a slightly longer one, but I pressed the wrong key, and lost the lot! (Perhaps I need a session with Chris?)
All the best to you all, until next time,
Steven.
Vice Chairman’s Report
Hi everyone!
Happy new year to you all. We had a very interesting meeting this month with Brian from ATWEST talking about community transport. We should use this facility or lose it. For more information phone 01643 709701.
It was a shame that there were not more members at the meeting and I hope to see all of you at the next one.
Best wishes Mary.
Treasurer’s Report
At the meeting the raffle raised £34.00 and Stephen Brinkman collected £10.00 for the Almoner’s Fund.
Events’ Committee Report
As you are well aware we are now at the end of January and I don’t think we have done too badly with the weather, only one week of very cold and bitter winds, lots of rain that we could all do without.
We must thank Margaret and Sylvia for their very successful events year with lots of outings, lunches, cream teas, shopping trips, and coffee mornings, raising a considerable amount of money for the group. Thanks also go to Marlene for her quiz night, which also did very well and everyone enjoyed themselves.  The last event, the Christmas Lunch at Foxes with about 40 of our members attending was very very successful. Thank you.
The new Events members Shirley and Sandra have already kicked of their term with a trip to see ‘Cats’ at the Bristol Hippodrome a very good trip made all the easier by our driver from ATWAS – Richard – he did a wonderful job getting us there and back in record time in spite of all the traffic. I have seen Cats before in London many years ago and was a little disappointed, the music, cast and choreography were very good but for me there seemed to be something missing – perhaps I am getting old. My observations on the theatre was that there are 5 spaces for the non transferable wheelchair uses and 5 seats for their carers and I must say that I thought there was ample room for anyone taking their dogs.
If you have any ideas for trips please let Shirley or Sandra know and all will be considered. Finally HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.
Molly, on behalf of the Events’ organisers
Poets’ Corner
September 19th 1995
A Birthday Windfall.
Today I received a letter from the Social Security bods,
News of such importance, it set my mind at odds.
I thought of how much the nation cared, for those in later years
But when I read the letter, it was laughter, or shed tears.
The Manager of my Bank, I thought, he I must inform,
That he may alert SECURICOR, their measures to perform.
On my eightieth birthday my pension will increase
But if I’m to enjoy some benefit, then wonders never cease.
My thanks go out to Government, who care as I grow old.
They are so very generous, to their friends, or so I’m told;
Particularly to the Chairmen of industries privatised;
Because we may think their salaries are generally over sized.
My little bit of extra, should certainly cause a stir,
Inland Revenue know all about it and will wish to have a share.
Although I can laugh about it, it doesn’t make much sense,
To give a man of eighty, just five and twenty pence.
……………
Len Cross.
The Potato Sisters
Mother Potato had three daughters!
She sent them out into the world to find a husband each.
The first daughter came home and said “I am marrying
King Edward!â€
Mother Potato was highly delighted!
The second daughter came home and said “I am to marry
A Jersey Royal!â€
Mother Potato was over the moon!
The third daughter came home and said “I am marrying
Des Lynhamâ€
Mother Potato was most indignant.
“You can’t do that†she said,
“He is only
A common tater!â€
……………………..
Len Cross
Articles, letters and e-mails
Members’ links to other organisations
Jean Gilbert the President of the WSDA, wrote:
I am involved with many local organisations as an ordinary member, committee member or something more.
I am the President of the West Somerset Disability Association as mentioned above. In addition, I am a director of ATWest, the West Somerset District community transport organisation; the honorary secretary of the West Somerset branch of the Italy Star Association; a member of the West Somerset Voluntary Sector Forum; and an associate member of the West Somerset Talking Newspapers.
Steven Elliott, the Chairman of the WSDA, wrote:
There are four organisations that help me: WSDA, Open DAWS, REMAP and the Blind Association.
Both the first two collect people at home and bring them back home. There is more info about WSDA on this web page: www.westsomersetdisabliity.org.uk. We did go on the Orient Express, a Pullman train to Plymouth with a 4 course meal. We also had cream teas at Horner paid for with money raised by Marlene Saunders at her Quiz night at the Minehead Social Club and several lunches in restaurants.
Open DAWS takes me sailing, swimming, walks and scuba diving. They also take people fly-fishing and sea fishing.
REMAP come to one’s home and make items to help disabled people. The service is free, but they are always happy to receive contributions.
The Somerset Association for the Blind, have helpers who come to one’s home to help, such as sewing buttons, reading mail, help in filling in forms, etc.
So, there are a lot of things going on, at one’s own home and at one’s own pace or one is transported to where they are taking place.
Steven.
Free Hospital Transport
Who qualifies?
Find out if you qualify by reading these notes and ring the Passenger Transport Advice Centre on 01278 727 444 between 9.30 and 4.30, Monday to Friday.
The transport is only available to people with a medical need. You will be assessed and generally free hospital is available for you to access cancer services, renal dialysis, haematology, mental health, learning difficulties, day hospital services, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, day surgery and transfer or discharge. Your medical condition must prevent you from travelling by other means.
Free hospital transport is not intended for people who have a social need, e.g. to visit patients or because you are unable to pay the normal transport costs.
How do you book free transport?
If you think you qualify, phone the Patient Transport Advice Centre to confirm this and then they will book your transport. Please give at least 48 hours notice.
If you do not qualify for free transport, the Advice Centre will advise you about possible sources of cheap transport. This may be community transport. They may also advise you about costs and discounts and tell you if you are eligible for reimbursements if you have to take public transport. (This applies if you are claiming certain benefits, but you will not be able to reclaim taxi costs.
News about Enduring/Lasting Power of Attorney
The following message in Bridgnorth Senior Citizens’ Forum report in the Shropshire Association’s Newsletter draws attention to an imminent increase in cost and difficulty of arranging a potentially vital legal arrangement that we all may need one day.
“At the excellent Mental Health Conference organised by Age Concern which I attended recently, I was struck by the commitment there is by psychiatrists and other medical staff to give vulnerable older people the best possible service. They are working in difficult conditions with reducing budgets. We were advised that with the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act in April, the Enduring Power of Attorney will be replaced by a Lasting Power of Attorney. The latter will be much more expensive to set up and implement and it is recommended that as many people as possible over the age of 18 should take out an Enduring Power of Attorney before the law changes. My family are all going to do this.â€
Computer Equipment
We have the following items which have been given to the Association and which are surplus to requirement. They are available for any member in exchange for a donation to the WSDA funds. If you are interested then please contact Chris Brinkman (07971 285878) or any member of the committee, whose phone numbers are given on page 2 of the newsletter.
• Computer monitor, with integral speakers.
• Internet keyboard.
• Volumes 1 to 10 of ‘PCs made easy’ (for Windows 98) published by Readers’ Digest.
• Volumes 1 to 4 of ‘PC KnowHow’ for Windows 95, published in weekly instalments and in four ring binders.
Rise and Recline Chairs
Britain’s Premier Manufacturer of motion Furniture will make your furniture to measure to suit your INDIVIDUAL needs. With an established range, produced to superior standards of manufacture and reliability, at a price you can afford. Call 01902 602111 NOW to discuss your needs. Home consultations and demonstrations available with no hidden costs.
www.riseandreclinedirect.co.uk .
petermachin@talktalk.net
“QUALITY FURNITURE FOR QUALITY LIFEâ€Â
Handy Numbers
Age Concern Information Line 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk
Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 www.arthritiscare.org.uk
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) 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
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Piper Lifeline 01984 635100
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 09090 www.samaritans.org.uk
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
Winter Warmth Helpline 0800 085 700 www.dh.gov.uk
Next Meeting
Our next meeting will be on Monday 26th February at 2.00 pm at The Seahorse Centre. I hope to see you there.
