Hello everyone! The holiday seems a very distant memory now and here we are at the end of a mild winter, looking forward to Spring. Here is the February newsletter. The next meeting is here on Monday 26th March 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
So sorry about the last newsletter, my computer has been to the man who puts them right so am hoping for better results!!
Thanks to Claire Packwood from Somerset Association for the Blind (SAB) for coming to our last meeting and introducing Sue Horne who will be at all our meetings. She is a volunteer member from SAB and she will help our members who are blind or partially sighted. That is a wonderful help and we are very grateful.
I have completed another grant, so fingers crossed. This one is from Age Concern for new Leaflets to have the art design and new Logo printed.
Have not been to so many meetings this last month, in fact had to cancel some. Like all of us I am getting older, but as my daughters say, it’s all in the mind. I wish!!
If you get your electricity or gas from British Gas the Winter Rebate scheme finishes on March 12th. I did tell you all about this a year ago, so hopefully if you are on benefits you will qualify. This is now of course subject to availability.
I find this extremely frustrating, even more so when you are poorly. The name of SAIN is changing from April 1st to Compass Disability services. Before I forget, Peter and Heidi, bon voyage on your swap trip to Australia. Please come back and give us a talk about it when you return.
We had an excellent monthly meeting of the committee and a lot of work was done. Please remember to bring raffle prizes to the monthly meetings; also please speak to Steve, our Chairman, as often as possible and when you do so, say who you are. He is really keen to meet as many members as possible. Remember he is blind and deaf, with two hearing aids. Despite this, he has a great sense of humour and he will help anybody.
Jean
Chairman’s Report
Hello all!
Gosh, it is nearly March. Where have the last two months gone?
We had a good meeting on Monday although we did miss Jean Gilbert. She was at home with a nasty virus. We do hope she is feeling better now. She did like the begonia we sent her.
For those of you who were not at the meeting, I did mention about the raffle. The money raised is used to help with the cost of various outings. It, together with the money from the coffee mornings do help to keep us going. So, please do keep bringing raffle prizes.
Talking of outings, elsewhere in this Newsletter, is the result of the work of the Entertainments committee. It is an interesting list and we must congratulate them on it. Many thanks.
`bye for now,
Steven.
Treasurer’s Report
At the monthly meeting we collected £28.00 from the raffle, and £16.06 for the Almoner’s Fund. We must also thank Glen Clark for the contribution of a collection he made of loose change. He gave it to us last month but it was not counted in time to be reported in the January newsletter. There was just over £6.00. Thank you very much again, Glen.
Events’ Committee Report
There is a list of forthcoming events on a separate sheet at the end of the newsletter covering the period from now until August. We hope there is something there for everyone. Any further suggestions for outings or events should go to a member of the Events’ Committee. Anyone who wishes to participate in any one of the events should contact one of the Events Committee (Names and phone numbers are on Page 2 of the newsletter) or return the form fully filled in.
Poets’ Corner
An extract from a book “Victoria Cross Heroes†By Michael Ashcroft
“The notion of giving bravery awards to low ranking soldiers and sailors first came under serious consideration in Britain in 1854. Until this point, the government and military leaders had not felt the need to reward ‘ordinary’ men for their courage. Even great military leaders, such as the Duke of Wellington had believed that serving the country enough for any low ranking soldier. The Duke believed that patriotism, a modest wage and daily meals were sufficient to buy a man’s loyalty and bravery. Others in the War Office and Admiralty shared this view.â€
WHY DISCREDIT AWARDS FOR BRITISH OTHER RANKS?
Until there came the Crimean War,
No one had counted acts of bravery, before.
Now came the time, when deeds of valour held the floor
And someone should think, of a private soldier’s score.
Some for their comrades gave their lives, who could ask for more?
The Duke of Newcastle, saw the need and with Prince Albert sowed the seed!
‘Queen Victoria’ proved supreme, equality was her special theme!
The award to be available to all who served, a soldiers dream!
The ‘Victoria Cross’, for ‘valour’ so well deserved!
Now, one hundred and fifty years later, through many wars,
The ‘Victoria Cross’ is still supreme and treasured, wherever it is stored.
Perhaps someone now, will even out another score.
A ‘Cross‘ for the Officers; a ‘Medal’ for Other Ranks.
Not “Queen Victoria’s way, of equality, for all!
‘Bravery’ knows no boundaries, in Peace, or War!
……………………
Len Cross 25.01.2007
RAF 1933 - 1945
Articles, letters and e-mails
From Catherine Davis:
Hi Chris, 2 items for the newsletter please.
Rob found this UK Government website today. Packed with information for people who are disabled in any way and who want to use any form of transport. For instance: did you know that if you are registered as visually impaired you do not need to buy a disabled persons railcard if you are travelling with another person? This is what this website says:
“However, you do not need a Disabled Persons Railcard to benefit from discounted rail travel if you are:
 a.. A wheelchair user and you have to stay in your wheelchair for the duration of your journey; or
 b.. Registered as Visually Impaired and travelling with another person.
In both cases you and one travelling companion can get discounts of one third off the First or Standard Class price of ‘Single’ and ‘Open Return’ tickets, and 50% off the price of ‘Day Return’ tickets.”
Here is the link to this website, which Rob says is fully accessible:
http://www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door/index.htm
The second item is from a friend of ours, a single mum, who is an experienced cook/caterer, who has just set up her own business here in Minehead, supplying meals in a similar way to Wiltshire Foods. She is an excellent cook!
She delivers on a Monday or Thursday in general. Nicola calls her business “A Taste of Exmoor”
We thought some of our members might be interested. Those who have tried her meals are very enthusiastic! She will also provide buffets/sandwiches etc to business/social lunches.
The menu is printed on the last page of the newsletter.
Nicola Sutcliffe 3 Parklands Rise, Minehead TA24 8UD 01643 709856 or 07919816197
Thanks. x
Blessings
Catherine Davies
kate@echurch-uk.org
http://www.echurch-uk.org/webaccess
We walk by faith not by sight
We received this from Hilarie Perry:
To the Committee and Members of the WSDA
Thank you for the kind thought of sending me such an attractive card for my birthday in February. It was very welcome and much appreciated.
Hilarie
Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre
Email: advice@cse.org.uk
Feeling the Cold?
Let the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre help you to keep your home warm and your fuel bills down.
With the winter weather settled in and snow forecasted, keeping your home warm and fuels bills down is on all householders’ minds. “What can I do?†you ask.
The Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre can help you save into the New Year by providing advice on no-cost and low-cost measures. For instance, using just one energy saving light bulb can save you up to £100 over the lifetime of the bulb! There is no time like the present to call your local advice centre and get information on energy efficiency measures and related grants and discounts schemes.
One such grant scheme is ‘Somerset Warm and Well’, which offers FREE or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation to all homeowners and privately renting tenants in the Somerset area. If you are over 70, on a low income & have low savings or in receipt of certain benefits, you may qualify to get these measures installed for FREE! If you do not qualify for free insulation you still can receive a considerable discount.
Having your home properly insulated can save you up to £200 a year on your fuel bills. Sarah Finnigan, Manager of the Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre says; “There has never been a better time for householders in Somerset to apply to the Somerset Warm and Well scheme.â€Â Make your New Year’s resolution to help save energy and the environment, while keeping the pennies in your pocket!
The Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre provides free and impartial advice. Call FREE today on 0800 512 012.
[1]Â The Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre offers free and independent energy efficiency advice to tenants and householders on how to reduce energy use in their homes. The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre is funded by the Energy Saving Trust and local authorities. It is independently owned and operated by the Centre for Sustainable Energy.
[2]Â The funding of the Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre relies partly on the publicity we generate. If you intend to print an article based on the information included in this press release please can you send a copy to the address below or contact Sarah Finnigan, Advice Centre Manager on 0117 934 0919.
For more information please contact Karen Dutton on 0117 934 0922 or Karen.Dutton@cse.org.uk .
Bristol & Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre
The CREATE Centre
Smeaton Road
Bristol BS1 6XN.
0800 512 012
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.risereclinedirect.co.uk .
petemachin@talktalk.net
“QUALITY FURNITURE FOR QUALITY LIFEâ€
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 March at 2.00 pm at The Seahorse Centre. I hope to see you there.
Proposed Outings
As you all know the reasons for the coffee mornings and the BBQs is to pay for the Christmas lunch and in some cases maybe half towards our trips out. You can help by attending as many of the events as possible, this is your group and the more that take part the better. Where buggies have been arranged You will be responsible for payment of the deposit and the small fees charged for the hire.
Name
Address
Telephone no.
Bus pass no.
Request for buggies
06.03.2007 Blackmore Gate: ride round and Lunch. Two for the price of one
17.03.2007 Coffee morning Please look around at home for saleable items for the bric-a-brac stall. Help on these mornings will be very much appreciated.
26.03.2007Â Easter Bonnet competition at the March monthly meeting.
17.04.2007Â Lynmouth Corner House Restaurant for Lunch
05.05.2007Â Coffee morning
22.05.2007Â Lynmouth for fish and chips.
31.05.2007Â Bath and West Show
12.06.2007  Windsor Castle – picnic will be provided  Cost £24.00
23.06.2007  BBQ at The Seahorse Centre   Cost £6.00
10.07.2007  Bristol to look around the SS Great Britain Cost £10.00
17.07.2007Â Allerford Museum and Cream Tea at the Post Office.
04.08.2007  BBQ at The Seahorse Centre   Cost £6.00Â
A Taste of Exmoor
Menu Ordering Sheet
TO PLACE YOUR ORDER TELEPHONE NICOLA ON 01643 709856 OR 07919 816197
OR HAND COMPLETED FORM IN ON NEXT DELIVERY. FREE DELIVERY. NO MINIMUM ORDER
OR POST TO 3 PARKLANDS RISE, MINEHEAD, SOMERSET, TA24 8UD.
Menu
Item                                                                        Cost per dish  Â
Cost                                                                                  £
Soups  Â
Carrot and Coriander                                                          1.00 Â
Leek and Potato                                                                 1.00 Â
Vegetable                                                                          1.00 Â
Main Dishes  Â
All dishes served with seasonal vegetables unless indicated.  Â
Beef Stew With Dumpling And Mashed Potato                         4.00 Â
Chicken Casserole With New Potatoes (Vegetables Included)Â Â Â 4.00Â Â
Chicken Breast In Mushroom Sauce With Mini Roast Potatoes  4.00 Â
Cottage Pie Topped With Mashed Potato                               4.00 Â
Fish Pie Topped With Mashed Potato                                    4.00 Â
Lamb Hotpot Served with Mini Roast Potatoes                       4.00 Â
Pork Sausage Casserole Served With Mashed Potato              4.00 Â
Pasta Tubes With Chunky Vegetables In Tomato & Basil Sauce 4.00 Â
Desserts  Â
Apple Crumble Served With or Without Custard                 1.00 Â
Bread and Butter Pudding Served With Or Without Custard 1.00 Â
Milk Chocolate Mousse With White Chocolate Swirl              1.00
Fruits Of The Forest Trifle                                                 1.00
Lemon Cheesecake                                                         1.00
Extra Items  Â
Home made White Loaf                                                   1.00
Home made Brown Loaf                                                 1.00
TOTALSÂ Â Â
NAMEÂ Â
ADDRESS
 Â
Â
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERÂ Â
DELIVERY DATE REQUIREDÂ Â
PAYMENT REQUIRED AT TIME OF ORDER OR DELIVERY BY CASH OR CHEQUE.
CHEQUES PAYABLE TO ‘A TASTE OF EXMOOR’. SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO INVOICE.
