Hello everyone! The summer holiday season is here now! Here is the latest newsletter. For the moment, the newsletter will appear every other month instead of every month so the next one will appear at the end of September. There is no meeting in August as is usual and so the next meeting is here on Monday 24th 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 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 5EBÂ
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
Hello everybody,
I thought it would be a lot easier to do the newsletter every two months but I guess the regime has been broken and one becomes complacent which really is, not me. So here we go. The first thing I want to bring your attention to is on August 8th: the meal at The Royal Oak, Hillcommon, Taunton. Transport has been arranged and Beryl will be picked up first followed by Stephanie to be picked up at 10 a.m. then Steve, Mary, Eunice and Claire and arriving at the Seahorse centre about 11 a.m. to pick other members up; then Tricia and then Peter at Carhampton. There is disabled access to the Royal Oak, toilets are just inside, and drinks are available BUT please pay for these at the bar. The meal, which is normally a carvery, will be served to the tables. I have been round everyone that is going to find out the choice of meat, there is plenty of choice of vegetables, choice of sweet, and coffee. So please everyone enjoy your lunch, which is all thanks to Marlene’s Quiz Night.
There is no meeting in August and on September 24th, a lady is coming with a live owl to talk to you. On October 29th, we have a Master Thatcher who is going to teach us how to make corn dollies. His work around here was seen at the Allerford Museum, which some of you saw last month. On November 26th, Chris Adams is coming to talk to us and in December, there is no meeting but we shall be having our Christmas lunch.
Have been busy with grants and seven are in, so keep fingers and toes crossed!! Martin is doing two of them and Molly has done one.
Shall be away in September and the AGM papers will be included in the next newsletter. Most of the committee will remain for three years. The events committee only serve for one year, as the pressure on them to find different venues is enormous. I am standing down as President but will be around to fulfil the commitments I have made, also Steve is standing down as Chairman as he is having difficulty in hearing but we thank him for his work.
Bye for now
Jean
Chairman’s Chat
Hello Everyone!
This last month has been very interesting.
On June 22nd, a group of us went to the exhibition in Yeovil organised by the Somerset Association for the Blind.
This was the local version of Sight Village, which is held in Birmingham each year. (I did go there about five years ago. It was enormous and very confusing.) By contrast, the Yeovil one was manageable. There were guides from Millfield School. They were in yellow tee shirts and quite easily seen. They had been well trained and I found mine very helpful. (Jean tells me that she was a lovely blonde. Pity I could not see her properly!)
There were many interesting gadgets there but I limited myself to a more powerful illuminated magnifier.
In July, I went with the Blind Association for six days in Bognor Regis. It was a very nice hotel, run by Action for Blind People. The lift was intriguing. When I got in a disembodied voice said, “Doors closingâ€, then, “Floor oneâ€, “Floor twoâ€, and then, “Doors openingâ€. The food was excellent and the hotel accessible for wheelchairs. During the week, we toured West Sussex. All-in-all, a very good time.
I must go and tidy up this place now.
Cheerio
Steven
Treasurer’s Report
At the June meeting, we collected £19.00 for the raffle. At the July meeting the raffle raised £29.00 and we collected £19.80 for the Almoner’s Fund.
The quiz evening at the Minehead Social Club raised £354.50!!
Many thanks to Stephanie for her generous donation to the West Somerset Disability Association’s funds.
David Kendall
Events’ Committee Report
The trip to Windsor Castle went very well and everyone who came enjoyed themselves. Unfortunately, several people who said that they would come pulled out at the last minute and only eight of us went in the end. This left the organisation running the trip at a loss.  As a result, we have decided that we must charge people for trips if they say they want to come and the money paid will be non-refundable.
The quiz evening at the Minehead Social Club was a great success and raised £354.50 for the Association.
Those of us who went to the Sight and Sound exhibition in Yeovil had a profitable day and came away with many ideas about how to make life easier for themselves
We have had to cancel the barbecues at The Seahorse Centre. The first was cancelled because of inclement weather and the second, in August, was because of clashes with other events.
We have arranged several other events and trips to take place in the next few weeks.
Proposed Outings
Wednesday 8th August  Lunch at the Royal Oak, Hillcommon, near Taunton
Wednesday 15th August Sausage and Mash at Allerford Village Hall. Transport provided from Minehead. Contact Shirley, for transport. Arrive 12.30, £3.50 including the meal with sausage, mash, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, sweet and tea or coffee. Names to Sandra or Shirley by Saturday 11th at the latest.
Saturday 25th August  The Coffee morning in Minehead has been cancelled because of a clash with other activities in the town.
Articles, letters and e-mails
For Sale
NIPPI Starrider motor trike. 49cc petrol engine. Good runner. Well maintained. £150 or near offer.
ELAP swivel car seat. Black. Fits most cars.  £110 or near offer.
Tel: 01823 490421 Buyer to collect. (North Curry, Taunton)
Mr A Billinghurst
We have also been given the following items of equipment, which we can pass on to anyone who wants them in exchange for a donation to WSDA funds.
• Keyboard, (Dell)
• Scanner (Simplex DP 30M)
• Lexmark Z34 printer
Handy Numbers
Age Concern Information Line 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk
Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 www.arthritiscare.org.uk
AT West Community Transport 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) 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
The next meeting will be on Monday 24th September at 2.00 pm at The Seahorse Centre. I hope to see you there.
A Taste of Exmoor:Â 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   £  Number Required Total Cost £
Soups
Carrot and Coriander 1.00
Leek and Potato  1.00
Vegetable   1.00
Main Dishes (All dishes served with seasonal vegetables unless indicated)
Beef Stew with Dumpling and Mashed Potato
4.00
Chicken Casserole with New Potatoes (Vegetables Included)
4.00
Chicken Breast In Mushroom Sauce With Mini Roast Potatoes
4.00
Cottage Pie Topped With Mashed Potato
4.00
Fish Pie Topped With Mashed Potato
4.00
Lamb Hotpot Served with Mini Roast Potatoes
4.00
Pork Sausage Casserole Served with Mashed Potato
4.00
Pasta Tubes With Chunky Vegetables In Tomato & Basil Sauce
4.00
Desserts
Apple Crumble served with or without Custard
1.00
Bread and Butter Puddings served with or without Custard
1.00
Milk Chocolate Mousse with White Chocolate Swirl
1.00
Fruits of the Forest Trifle  1.00
Lemon Cheesecake  1.00
Extra Items
Home made White Loaf 1.00
Home made Brown Loaf 1.00
TOTALS
NAME
ADDRESS
Â
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER
DELIVERY DATE REQUIRED
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.
Partnerships for Older People Project (POPP)
Somerset Active Living in West Somerset NEWSLETTERÂ SUMMER 2007
Somerset Active Living sessions, activities and events are held at various venues throughout West Somerset. For information about what’s happening in your area please contact the WS POPP Team: Alison Tanton 01398 323826 / Robert Cope 01643 708913
Somerset Active Living at Alcombe
SAL @ Alcombe Methodist Church Hall
Coming up @ ALCOMBE
September Tai Chi for Health 13 week course
5th September Meeting
19th September Outing to Knightshayes (NT)
3rd October  Time Banks Presentation
17th October ‘Arrive Alive’: Driving Standards Agency road safety for the over 50’s
14th November Meeting
28th November Meeting
12th December back by popular demand Willow Workshop 10.15 Start
Since opening in November last year, Alcombe’s Somerset Active Living programme has gone from strength to strength. Up to 40 people regularly drop in to take part in activities, have a healthy lunch, or just enjoy a cuppa and a chat with new friends and old in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Izzy Silvester’s healthy cooking tuition with nutritional advice, tips and recipe sheets to take away continues to be very popular and has provided the opportunity for people to sample just how easy and delicious wholefood vegetarian cooking can be.
Highlights over recent months include Master Baker Graham Chubb’s excellent traditional bread making demonstration. The willow weaving workshop was also very much enjoyed. Just about everyone had a go and made some wonderful garden sculptures. We even had fun clearing up the big mess at the end! Local complementary health practitioners have provided taster sessions of hand and foot massages , and nail painting. Somerset Take Art and Ageing Well (Age Concern Somerset) led innovative seated dance and exercise sessions. Informative talks included the Red Cross’s ‘Home from Hospital service’, ‘Managing your Medicines’ from the local pharmacist, Family History, Exmoor Birds of Prey plus a variety of organisations providing information about services and support for older people.
Somerset Active Living @ Washford
Willow Grove
18th September
16th November
20th November
18th December
Somerset Active Living (SAL) at Washford celebrates its 1 year anniversary this August. Monthly SAL Coffee Mornings are held at the Willow Grove Community Hall on the third Tuesday each month between 10.00 and 12.00.  One of the highlights from the past year included a fascinating talk – ‘Our Plastic Past’ by the curator of the Bakelite Museum in Williton. Various weird and wonderful Bakelite objects were on display, which evoked memories of days gone by.
One of the most popular activities has been the Movement to Music sessions  with Ann Edgar. Using popular music mainly from the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, Ann provides an engaging and lively seated dance session which finishes with a sublimely relaxing visualisation.
Many Thanks To Janet Thomas, May and Frank at the Washford Mini Day Centre for their help and support over the last year.
Somerset Active Living @ Withycombe Memorial Hall
12th September
10th October
14th November
12th December
Somerset Active Living at Withycombe was officially opened by Peter Humber, West Somerset DC Councillor in May and runs regular monthly coffee mornings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
A dedicated team from the Washford Memorial Hall Committee are always on hand to ensure the smooth running of the sessions.
So far activities and speakers have mainly focused on services available for older people, with a few complementary therapy taster sessions too.
Over the next few months the SAL programme will be developed with the help of the Withycombe community.
Tai Chi for Health Courses beginning in September
Minehead + Dulverton
Contact Alison 01398 323826 or Robert 01643 708913 for details
New developments
NEW for Washford
Starting in October 2007 SAL ‘healthy lifestyle’ sessions will be held at Washford Memorial Hall on the first Tuesday of the month 3.00-5.00pm. There will be light ‘superfood’ refreshments, relaxing time and fun activities.
Washford Memorial Hall
Tuesday 2nd October
Tuesday 6th November
Tuesday 4th December
New this Autumn
SAL programmes are planned for Dulverton, Porlock, Wheddon Cross, Minehead and Stogursey.
POPP promotes opportunities that encourage health, well being and independence.
Thank you
Many thanks to all the fantastic WS POPP volunteers. Without them the development of Somerset Active Living programme in West Somerset wouldn’t be possible. Mentioned in dispatches this time is Elaine Keen who has been with the POPP project from the start. Elaine can turn her hand to a range of tasks and in addition to her hard work and cheerful presence in the Alcombe kitchen, her wonderful fruit and vegetable juicing sessions and quizzes have brought us much enjoyment and education.
LOCAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
