West Somerset Disability Association Trustees:
Chairman: Terry Venner
Martin Greenwood, Peter Hughes, Peter and Heidi Morse, Susan Horne.

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
Chairman:  David Kendall  01643 863505
Secretary  Margaret Bruford  01984 656367
Accts/Treasurer: Molly Newstead  01984 634739

Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:
   David Willett  01643 708592

Events Committee:
   Shirley Williams  01984 632265
   Sandra Kendall  01643 863505

IT Tutor:   Chris Brinkman  Mob 07955 486105
Seahorse Centre : IT room   01643 702021 or 07955 486105
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  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!
Computer training at the IT centre will continue for a few weeks more until the end of March.  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, payable monthly in advance and non-refundable.  There are regular classes on Wednesday mornings, Thursday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
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. 

Chairman’s Report
Hi Everyone
Now that Christmas and all the decorations have been put away for another year I will wish you all “A Happy New Year”.  Christmas lunch was good and because so few people attended we were able to have a free one.  I was sorry that not more of you were able to come.
At the January Monday meeting we had a very good speaker from Warm Street who set us a small quiz about saving money in the house.  Some of the answers came as a big surprise and amazed us all.  She brought lots of leaflets and in particular a thermometer which I found very informative and pleased to say my house is at the correct temperature.
It was also suggested that the money raised on the day, go to the earthquake appeal in Haiti, this was agreed by the members and the money that was collected was made up to £50.00. and taken to the bank.
We are still trying to arrange for a speaker at the February meeting.
As you know the I.T Room is closing at the end of March and we shall be having a small party to say thank you to Chris, we hope that all the members that have been taught by him in particular, along with everyone else will come along and say goodbye.  Dorothy Lloyd and Jean Gilbert have had an invitation to the send off.
I am sorry that I will not be attending the February meeting as I will be on holiday in Australia in all that sunshine.
David Kendall
davidalbertkendall@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle raised £20.00.  Thank you, everyone!
Sorry to have to remind members that the yearly subscriptions are due on the 1st of April 2010, still at £10.00.

The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265.
Future events:  Suggestions for future events would be very welcome and will give the committee something to work on.

Articles, letters and e-mails
After a very quiet run up to Christmas with a visit to Cribbs Causeway and our lunch at the Windham Arms which I think every one enjoyed and went off well.
Then came Christmas day which was very quiet for me but very enjoyable, being on my own I still had the full Christmas lunch and ended up in the chair for an afternoon snooze.  Then came the snow and ice, having to keep the heating on all the time (I hate the cold) and having to stay in doors in case of falling over and breaking something.  I have a little Papillion dog and he did not like the idea that we could not go out, so all of a sudden we became divorced, if I was in the front of the house he was in the back and if I spoke to him he would pull himself up to his full height as if to say don’t you touch me.  After six days we were able to go out again and everything is back to normal.  It was very good to be able to get some fresh air again.  May I end with wishing you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Year?
Friends (I think) bought me a very funny book for Christmas called “You know you’re past it when” and I have had many a laugh whilst browsing through it like
· Happy hour is a nap in the afternoon.
· Your children are beginning to look middle aged.
· You keep more food in the fridge than beer.
· You’re asleep but others worry that you are dead.
· You and your teeth don’t sleep together.
· Your ears are hairier than your head.
· You can live without sex but not without your glasses.
I shall continue to read this book and let you have more silly quotes in future News Letters
Molly Newstead.

Stroke Advice (Red Cross leaflet)
Suspect a stroke?  Act FAST!!  Call 999
A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.  Strokes are the third most common cause of death in the UK and leave many with a long-term disability.
When dealing with a stroke, speed is of the essence.  The earlier the casualty receives treatment, the better.
If you suspected someone was suffering from a stroke, what would you do?
Stroke symptoms
· Facial weakness; drooping eyes/mouth
· Weakness in one arm
· Slurred speech
· Dizziness, blurred vision
· Sudden confusion
If you suspect a person has had a stroke, use the FAST (Face-Arm-Speech-Test) guide:
F – Facial weakness: the person is unable to smile and their eye and/or mouth is droopy
A – Arm weakness: the person is only able to raise one arm
S – Speech problems: the person is unable to speak clearly or can’t understand the spoken word
T – Test the signs and call 999 for emergency help if you suspect the person has had a stroke
Treatment for a stroke
Keep comfortable
Reassure and monitor and record vital signs – level of response
Check breathing and pulse until help arrives
Do not give anything to eat or drink
If casualty loses consciousness: open airway, check breathing
Be prepared to give CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
EQUIPMENT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
The Red Cross also provide other services, such as the loan of medical equipment but do remember that these services are not free. Telephone No. 0845 331 3331. 
CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES They will also provide transport to hospital and will wait for you while you attend your appointment.
Or they will supply support to you home from hospital and make sure you are settled and comfortable. Support and help rebuild confidence.  Shopping & escort shopping.  Make support visits. Collect prescriptions and pensions. Sit with you if your carer needs to go out.  Companionship These latter services are free of charge, but they would be very pleased with a donation.
 
For Sale
Self-propelling wheelchair for sale.  Immaculate condition.  £100.00 o.n.o.  Contact Judith on 01643 862185
BigKeys computer keyboard, (black letters on a white background.  Ring WSDA on 01643 702021.

RNIB
RNIB has teamed up with British Gas on a scheme to help blind and partially sighted people this winter.  British Gas has relaunched their Essentials Programme which is aimed at providing extra help to older people and those with a disability.  If you are a British Gas customer and claiming Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, or over 70 years old and claiming Pension Credit, then you may be eligible.
Through the Essentials scheme British Gas offers a range of free products and services to customers with sight difficulties, including free home insulation, advice on reducing your energy bills, appliance adaptors, an annual free gas safety check, a password scheme to provide reassurance that British Gas callers are genuine and bills in large print, audio and Braille.
RNIB is one of the charities working with British Gas on the Essentials scheme and can provide extra help to people with sight loss.  For example, RNIB can supply some everyday living products free of charge, such as a big button telephone, a talking watch or clock, extra lighting and kitchen equipment to help make cooking easier.  To receive the free RNIB products you will need to be assessed first by British Gas who will let you know if you qualify for the Essentials scheme.
RNIB can also give advice and support on issues such as welfare benefits, eye health, emotional support, reading, social activities and local sources of support.
To find out more about the Essentials scheme, contact RNIB on 0845 3304897 or email rnibhelp-project@rnib.org.uk

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
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
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
Engage CVS (CVS and Volunteer Centre) 01643 707123 www.engagews.org.uk
Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
Hospital Transport 01278 727444
Independent Living (Disability and Mobility Aids) 01643 709000
LINks ‘Your voice on local health and social care’ 0300 111 0102 www.makesachange.org.uk
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
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.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 22nd February 2010 at 2.00.  See you all there.

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
Chairman:  David Kendall  01643 863505
Secretary            Margaret Bruford    01984 656367
Accts/Treasurer: Molly Newstead  01984 634739

Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:
   David Willett  01643 708592

Events Committee:
   Shirley Williams  01984 632265
   Sandra Kendall  01643 863505

IT Tutor:   Chris Brinkman  Mob 07955 486105
Seahorse Centre : IT room   01643 702021 or 07955 486105
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  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!
There is no further news about the future of computer training at the IT centre so presumably it will continue for a few weeks more until the end of March.  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, payable monthly in advance and non-refundable.  There are regular classes on Wednesday mornings, Thursday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
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. 

Chairman’s Report
Hi Everyone
For those of you that did not make the last meeting (30th November) we had Tom Bown from the council as our main speaker, and as usual he has taken away with him lots of your queries and will come back to us later next year. Also we had three people from A4e who sat in on the meeting and made themselves available to anyone, so many thanks to all. They have asked if they can come back next year to be a speaker so we will book then for later.  If there is any person or organization that you would like to have as a speaker next year please let me know and I will do my best to get them to come along.
Well it is that time of year again when we have to get the address book out and start to write all those Christmas cards out and to get some extra food and drink in for Christmas. So from the committee and me we wish you all a very happy and stress free Christmas. I look forward in seeing all of you at the next meeting on Monday 25th January.
 A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all
David Kendall
davidalbertkendall@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle raised £26.00 and we collected £3.90 for the Almoner’s Fund at the November meeting.  Thank you, everyone.

The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265.
The trip to Cribbs Causeway went very well even though it was a very wet day.  Unfortunately the Christmas decorations were not up in most places, M & S being the exception, they were very pretty.  Some of us had lunch in John Lewis and found that they could not have been more helpful – three of us on Buggies. 
We discovered that the Buggies borrowed from Mobility were free so that was an added bonus.  Perhaps next time we have an outing we will get more support. 

Future events
Thursday 18th February 2010
Ice show at West Point, near Exeter, when we shall be joining Arthritis Care and sharing the coach with them.  Ridlers Coaches will supply the transport, so a few buggies or wheelchairs will be able to be taken.  The cost will be £22.00 all inclusive but members of the group will be able to go for £11.00

Articles, letters and e-mails
From Mary Court
Sorry I was not at the November meeting, but I was unwell.  I wish all my friends at the WSDA a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Stroke Advice (Red Cross leaflet)
Suspect a stroke?  Act FAST!!  Call 999
A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.  Strokes are the third most common cause of death in the UK and leave many with a long-term disability.
When dealing with a stroke, speed is of the essence.  The earlier the casualty receives treatment, the better.
If you suspected someone was suffering from a stroke, what would you do?
Stroke symptoms
· Facial weakness; drooping eyes/mouth
· Weakness in one arm
· Slurred speech
· Dizziness, blurred vision
· Sudden confusion
If you suspect a person has had a stroke, use the FAST (Face-Arm-Speech-Test) guide:
F – Facial weakness: the person is unable to smile and their eye and/or mouth is droopy
A – Arm weakness: the person is only able to raise one arm
S – Speech problems: the person is unable to speak clearly or can’t understand the spoken word
T – Test the signs and call 999 for emergency help if you suspect the person has had a stroke
Treatment for a stroke
Keep comfortable
Reassure and monitor and record vital signs – level of response
Check breathing and pulse until help arrives
Do not give anything to eat or drink
If casualty loses consciousness: open airway, check breathing
Be prepared to give CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
EQUIPMENT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
The Red Cross also provide other services, such as the loan of medical equipment but do remember that these services are not free. Telephone No. 0845 331 3331. 
CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES They will also provide transport to hospital and will wait for you while you attend your appointment.
Or they will supply support to you home from hospital and make sure you are settled and comfortable. Support and help rebuild confidence.  Shopping & escort shopping.  Make support visits. Collect prescriptions and pensions. Sit with you if your carer needs to go out.  Companionship These latter services are free of charge, but they would be very pleased with a donation.

For Sale
Self-propelling wheelchair for sale.  Immaculate condition.  £100.00 o.n.o.  Contact Judith on 01643 862185
BigKeys computer keyboard, (black letters on a white background.  Ring WSDA on 01643 702021.

RNIB
RNIB has teamed up with British Gas on a scheme to help blind and partially sighted people this winter.  British Gas has relaunched their Essentials Programme which is aimed at providing extra help to older people and those with a disability.  If you are a British Gas customer and claiming Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, or over 70 years old and claiming Pension Credit, then you may be eligible.
Through the Essentials scheme British Gas offers a range of free products and services to customers with sight difficulties, including free home insulation, advice on reducing your energy bills, appliance adaptors, an annual free gas safety check, a password scheme to provide reassurance that British Gas callers are genuine and bills in large print, audio and Braille.
RNIB is one of the charities working with British Gas on the Essentials scheme and can provide extra help to people with sight loss.  For example, RNIB can supply some everyday living products free of charge, such as a big button telephone, a talking watch or clock, extra lighting and kitchen equipment to help make cooking easier.  To receive the free RNIB productas you will need to be assessed first by British Gas who will let you know if you qualify for the Essentials scheme.
RNIB can also give advice and support on issues such as welfare benefits, eye health, emotional support, reading, social activities and local sources of support.
To find out more about the Essentials scheme, contact RNIB on 0845 3304897 or email rnibhelp-project@rnib.org.uk

Handy Numbers
There is one new organisation listed this month.  It is LINks ‘Your voice on local health and social care’.
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
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
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
Engage CVS (CVS and Volunteer Centre) 01643 707123 www.engagews.org.uk
Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
Hospital Transport 01278 727444
Independent Living (Disability and Mobility Aids) 01643 709000
LINks ‘Your voice on local health and social care’ 0300 111 0102 www.makesachange.org.uk
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
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.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 25th January 2010 at 2.00.  See you all there.

The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464
Forthcoming Trips and Events:
Tuesday November 10th: Cribbs Causeway shopping centre, Bristol, leaving Porlock at 9.00am and picking up on the main road to Williton.  Anyone needing scooters and wishing to book, please contact Margaret Bruford.
Friday December 4th: Christmas Lunch at the Wyndham Arms, Williton at 12.00 noon.  £10.00 per person.

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees:
Martin Greenwood; Peter Hughes; Peter and Heidi Morse; 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:  Vacant
Chairman:  David Kendall  01643 863505
Vice Chairman: Vacant
Secretary:  Vacant
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  Mob 07955 486105
Seahorse Centre : IT room   01643 702021 or 07955 486105
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  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.  For the computer literate among you, our Facebook group now has ten members.  If you want to see the group page log into Facebook (www.facebook.com), type WSDA into the search box and there it is.  If you are not a member of Facebook, then you will have to register first.  If you want to join but are not sure how then ask Chris or Mary for details.  Phone numbers are given above.
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 £10.00 per month, payable in advance and non-refundable.  There are regular classes on Wednesday mornings, Thursday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
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. 

Changes at the WSDA
Following a committee meeting held in the middle of September Jean Gilbert, our President for the last few years, resigned with immediate effect.  Mary Court, the Vice-Chairman, carried on until the meeting at the end of September and then resigned.  As far as I know, two other officers are considering their positions at the moment.
At the committee meeting, the decision was taken to discontinue the computer classes after the end of March next year, on the grounds of cost.  One grant for £2,000 was turned down and an application for a grant of up to £7,000 was not proceeded with.  It seems that there may be more than just money involved here.
A new computer class was organised for more advanced learners (last May) and the learners use the computer room here in the Seahorse Centre, paying an Adult Skills and Learning tutor directly.  The WSDA derives no benefit from these classes, though they use our computers, ink and paper.  The students whom I teach contribute to running costs.  WSDA members pay £2.00 per hour, which raised over £1,000 last year and has raised over £750 so far this year.  The Seahorse Centre contributes paper and ink as needed, for the Seahorse learners.
So, as things stand at the moment, half of the committee have resigned and there are not enough committee members left to make a quorum and hold another meeting.  The WSDA computer classes will stop next year and the Adult Skills and Learning class on Friday may or may not continue….
Watch this space.
Chris Brinkman, IT tutor and (unofficial) editor of the newsletter. 

President’s Report
Dear Friends
It is time for me to retire.  Everyone including all the Trustees and agencies have been a real pleasure to work with and I thank them for all their support.  Good luck to the group.
Jean Gilbert

Chairman’s Report
Hello all.
Sorry that I was not at the last meeting, but we were away on Holiday, Well what a time to be away. As most of you will by now know that our President Jean Gilbert has retired due to the pressure, as many of you know she has been poorly for some time and now feels that she should start to take things easy, so I am sure that I say this on behalf of every body in our association we wish you well and thanks for all that you have done for us. Also Mary Court and Marlene Saunders have also resigned from the committee but not from the association so hopefully we will still see them at our meetings. This will not mean the end of the association and when you get to the events you will see that we will be going to Cribbs Causeway and are still taking names for that and the Christmas dinner so please put your name down. I look forward in seeing you at the next meeting.

David Kendall
davidalbertkendall@yahoo.co.uk

Vice Chairman’s Report
To the members
I have resigned as you know from the committee but I am at present staying on as a member.
Mary

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle.  I have no information about how much was collected at the raffle at the September meeting.  Sorry.

Events’ Committee Report

The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464
Forthcoming Trips and Events:
Tuesday November 10th: Cribbs Causeway shopping centre, Bristol, leaving Porlock at 9.00am and picking up on the main road to Williton.  Anyone needing scooters and wishing to book, please contact Margaret Bruford.
Friday December 4th: Christmas Lunch at the Wyndham Arms, Williton at 12.00 noon.  £10.00 per person.

Articles, letters and e-mails

Stoke Advice
Suspect a stroke?  Act FAST!!  Call 999
A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.  Strokes are the third most common cause of death in the UK and leave many with a long-term disability.
When dealing with a stroke, speed is of the essence.  The earlier the casualty receives treatment, the better.
If you suspected someone was suffering from a stroke, what would you do?
Stroke symptoms
• Facial weakness; drooping eyes/mouth
• Weakness in one arm
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness, blurred vision
• Sudden confusion
If you suspect a person has had a stroke, use the FAST (Face-Arm-Speech-Test) guide:
F – Facial weakness: the person is unable to smile and their eye and/or mouth is droopy
A – Arm weakness: the person is only able to raise one arm
S – Speech problems: the person is unable to speak clearly or can’t understand the spoken word
T – Test the signs and call 999 for emergency help if you suspect the person has had a stroke
Treatment for a stroke
Keep comfortable
Reassure and monitor and record vital signs – level of response
Check breathing and pulse until help arrives
Do not give anything to eat or drink
If casualty loses consciousness: open airway, check breathing
Be prepared to give CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)

(Red Cross leaflet, left by the speaker at our September meeting)

Judith O’Brien sent us pictures of her cat:
To all cat lovers everywhere – an autumn smile!

For Sale
Self-propelling wheelchair for sale.  Immaculate condition.  £100.00 o.n.o.  Contact Judith on 01643 862185

BigKeys computer keyboard, (black letters on a white background.  Ring WSDA on 01643 702021.

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
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
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
Engage CVS (CVS and Volunteer Centre) 01643 707123 www.engagews.org.uk
Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
Hospital Transport 01278 727444
Independent Living (Disability and Mobility Aids) 01643 709000
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
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.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 October 2009 at 2.00.  See you all there.

Hello everyone!  The next meeting is in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 28th September 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 Hughes; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; 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  Mob 07955 486105 or 07971 285878
Seahorse Centre : IT room   01643 702021 or 07971 285878
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  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.  For the computer literate among you, our Facebook group now has ten members.  If you want to see the group page log into Facebook (www.facebook.com), type WSDA into the search box and there it is.  If you are not a member of Facebook, then you will have to register first.  If you want to join but are not sure how then ask Chris or Mary for details.  Phone numbers are given above.
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 £10.00 per month, payable in advance and non-refundable.  There are regular classes on Wednesday mornings, Thursday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
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
Hello everybody
First many thanks to our Patron and all the businesses, who have supported our new leaflet and to Mary who has spent many, many hours preparing it.  Hopefully it will be off to the printer soon.
On August 7th there is an all-ladies cycle race through the centre of Minehead and we have been asked to have a scooter, electric wheelchair or buggy parade before the race.  If you want to join in, you will have to let me know.  The more the merrier.  We will be starting from the station at 5.30 pm.  Participation is not limited to members of our group but is open to anybody with a scooter buggy or powered wheelchair.
Thanks to Wendy Hilling and her dog Ted from Canine Partners, who came up from Barnstaple to give her talk at the monthly meeting.  Our advertised speaker, who is one of our members, was unable to come at the last minute.
Thanks to Sandra for cooking a delicious lunch when we went to Healeys.
Remember last month I told you that Sarah, our volunteer administration worker, won an award.  Here is a picture of Sarah, being presented with her award (Volunteer of the Year, under 25 years old) by Councillor Ian Galloway.
Do hope you all have a good break and keep free from the flu bug.
Jean.

Chairman’s Report

Hi everybody.
Sorry that I was not at the last meeting but we were away. I hope it was a good one. Don’t forget that there won’t be a meeting next month (August) and that the newsletter will also not be sent as we are only doing a print every other month now.
Well July is almost over, not a brilliant one as far as the weather was concerned was it, but let’s hope that August will be better. I look forward in seeing you all at the next meeting (end of September).
David Kendall

Hi Everyone
Well here we are again another month has gone doesn’t time fly, it will soon be Christmas, Ha-Ha!
Well I have been busy for the past two months designing a new leaflet to advertise the group hoping to attract some new members. It has been a very trying two months as I had to fit all the information and this time we were told by the trustees to put in some adverts into the leaflet as it would make it more interesting . Jean got nearly all of the adverts and they paid £10 each which will help with the cost of the printing.  It took lots of patience and many copies to see if it looks right  as the adverts were all different sizes and some looked better next to one advert more than another. I must say I was glad to have come to the end of this project as it was quite frustrating at times, though it was a real challenge.  It will soon be printed and you will all be able to see it for yourselves.

Vice Chairman’s Report

The meeting this month was very small and I mean very small!  I think we had about 16 members in total so I hope that after the summer break we shall have a full house. 
We had a very interesting talk with our guests from Canine Partners. Wendy brought her dog Ted and we had a very interesting story of his responsibilities to Wendy, as she has moments where she stops breathing in the night and Ted has to make sure that her husband is woken up to attend to her he pulls the pillow from under his head and that wakes him up.
That’s all for now folks.  Have a nice summer and look forward to seeing you in September.
Mary

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle raised £23 at the last meeting and £4.08 was collected for the Almoner’s Fund.  Thank you to everybody who contributed.

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

Forthcoming Trips and Events:
Buses are booked for the following dates:
Saturday, 1st August: Sailing on Wimbleball Lake, organised by Open DAWS.  Max no. 5.  Bring warm, water-proof clothing, packed lunch and hot or cold drinks.  Cost £21.00.
Tuesday, 18th August: Torre Cider Farm, Washford, for lunch.  Transport is now fully booked for this outing.

Thursday 10th September: There will be a trip to Asda in Taunton and there are four seats available.  Contact a committee member if you are interested.
We will try to fit in other events if the weather is in our favour.  If you are interested in going on any of our outings or the Healeys’ ones, please contact one of the Events’ Committee members.

Articles, letters and e-mails

Birmingham Sight Village 2009
Sight Village had a new venue for 2009.  This year Sight Village was held in The New Bingley Hall, Hockley Circus, which was an improvement on passed years.  The hall is on one level, so there was no climbing stairs for a change.  It was nice to see all the usual stands in two halls altogether, but it did get a little crowded at times.  My only criticism this year was the cost of refreshments; £1.00 for a very small plastic cup of tea!  I did not dare to price the food.  The next day we had managed to get some tea and sugar and we made our own tea! Hot water was free!

There were the usual stands like Dolphin, RNIB, British Wireless for the Blind, British Computer Association of the Blind, to mention just a few exhibitors; all had very good accessible stands.   
If you have a sight problem and need the right technology then a visit to Sight Village is a must.
Esther & I were there because we were manning the Nystagmus Stand for the three days. 
Next year at Sight Village, the Network is hoping to hold one day when visitors will be able to try out our Internet Forum live.  There will be committee members all across the country answering your questions Live through out the day.  I will give you more information regarding this event as soon as I know more. 
Andy Machin.  The Nystagmus Network.

For Sale
Self-propelled shower chair, which doubles as a commode with pan provided.  Comfortable padded back and seat.  Foot rest and rising arm-rests.  Grey and white.  Excellent condition.  £450.00 new, will sell for £100.00. 
26” wide x 30” deep.
Can be delivered in west Somerset, if required.
Mr and Mrs Morse, 01984 639119

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
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
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
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
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.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 28th September 2009 at 2.00pm.  See you all there.

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

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees:
Martin Greenwood; Peter Hughes; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; 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  Mob 07955 486105 or 07971 285878
Seahorse Centre : IT room   01643 702021 or 07971 285878
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  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.  For the computer literate among you, (and those interested) Mary uses Facebook (www.facebook.com) and has started a group there for the West Somerset Disability Association.  It is very early days so far but we might get more members to join, who use this site.  So far we have just seven members.  If you want to join but are not sure how then ask Chris or Mary for details.  Phone numbers are given above.
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 £10.00 per month, payable in advance and non-refundable.  There is a new IT class started on Friday mornings for a small group to learn together as well as the regular classes on Wednesday morning and Thursday.
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
Hello everyone.
Great news!  Engage has been organizing their ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’, which comes in three categories.  I put Sarah (our deaf admin worker) forward, and lo and behold, she has won it!!  She has worked hard and thanks to Chris, our IT tutor for training her.  She is young and is a volunteer.  Thumbs up, Sarah!  (That is how I communicate with her.)
Canine Partners are coming to talk to us in July.  Jean, I hope you will be able to be there with Nellie.
Two new numbers for the Police if it is not an emergency: 0845 456 7000 or 0800 555 111 (Crimestoppers).
See you all soon.
Jean.

Chairman’s Report
Hi All.
 
Well what lovely weather we are having at the moment, and long may it stay. Well there was not a lot of you at the last meeting, maybe it was because we had it so early in the month because of the Bank Holiday week-end. Anyway hope to see more at the next meeting. The last speaker was Tom from the council so thanks to him. The next speaker will be talking about the TV change over and all about going digital so if any of you are uncertain about what you will have to do come along to the next meeting with all your questions and hopefully it will be explained to you.
 
Two important Notices
(1)  After this newsletter we will be sending out newsletters every other month so your next newsletter will be at the end of July then the end of September then November and so on.
 
(2) As of the 2nd June all those that go for computer lessons will be asked to pay four weeks in advance, so if you go for a one hour lesson once a week we would like you to pay £8.00 in advance or £16.00 if you have a two hour lesson. Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Both of these notices were discussed at the last committee meeting and have the full backing of the committee.
 
Thank you
 
David Kendall

Vice Chairman’s Report
Hi Everyone
This is just a quick note to tell you about a Red Cross car service to hospitals.  They need a week’s notice and it will cost 50p per mile.  (Eg about £9.00 to visit Williton hospital from Minehead.)  The phone number to book transport is 01872 267961.
See you at the next meeting
Mary

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle raised £ at the last meeting.  Thank you to everybody who contributed to it.

Events’ Committee Report
The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464
Forthcoming Trips and Events:
Buses are booked for the following dates:
Thursday, June 11th: Cricket St Thomas has had to be cancelled.
Thursday, June 18th: Longleat (organised by Healeys, Porlock.)  The coach will pick up at Porlock at 9.00am, Bastins (Minehead), Dunster and Williton
Tuesday, June 23rd: Selworthy for a cream tea.  We need more people to come to this, so book now if you would like to come.  Transport by AT West.
Thursday 25th: Cream Tea and Table-Top Sale at Healeys, Porlock at 4.00pm.  Entry:  £2.50  
Thursday, July 2nd: Weston-super-Mare.  Transport by AT West.
Friday 3rd July: BBQ at Healeys, Porlock at 1.00pm. Entry: £3.50
Tuesday, July 21st: Knightshayes Gardens, near Tiverton.  Pick up at 9.30 from the Seahorse Centre, and en-route in Dunster and Timberscombe.  Transport by Ridlers Coaches.
Thursday, August 6th: Bristol Zoo.  Pick up at 9.30 from the Seahorse Centre, and en-route in by arrangement.  Transport by Ridlers Coaches.
Tuesday, August 18th: Torre Cider Farm, Washford, for lunch.
We will try to fit in other events if the weather is in our favour.  If you are interested in going on any of our outings or the Healeys’ ones, please contact one of the Events’ Committee members.

Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:
June: Tanya will talk about the changeover to Digital TV.  She will be here to speak and answer our questions before the changeover date next year.
July: Canine Partners are coming to talk to us. 

Articles, letters and e-mails
From Sylvia Griffiths:
Website of the Month
Do you rely on Google for finding out everything?  Switch to www.hoongle.com instead – the search engine works in exactly the same way as Google but for every search you do, 20 grains of rice are donated to malnourished children around the world through the UN World Food Programme.  You’ll be making a difference to starving children with every click of the mouse.
If you have a BT LINE for your phone and have a fault on your line do not say you have a mobile as it does not say it is an emergency. I was waiting SIX days when I had a fault because I said I had a mobile so they did not treat it as a priority.
For Sale
Self-propelled shower chair, which doubles as a commode with pan provided.  Comfortable padded back and seat.  Foot rest and rising arm-rests.  Grey and white.  Excellent condition.  £450.00 new, will sell for £100.00. 
26” wide x 30” deep.
Can be delivered in west Somerset, if required.
Mr and Mrs Morse, 01984 639119

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
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
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
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.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 June 29th 2009 at 2.00.  See you all there.

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
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  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.  For the computer literate among you, (and those interested) Mary uses Facebook (www.facebook.com) and has started a group there for the West Somerset Disability Association.  It is very early days so far but we might get more members to join, who use this site.  So far we have just six members.  If you want to join but are not sure how then ask Chris or Mary for details.  Phone numbers are given above.
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.  There is a new IT class started on Friday mornings for a small group to learn together as well as the regular classes on Wednesday morning and Thursday.
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
Hello everyone.
Here I am at long last getting with it!! The kitchen has been completed, it is white with black Formica and the cupboards are very high, so I can only put goods up there that I don’t use very much. I am back doing outside meetings and it is all change in lots of areas, even for the voluntary sector.
There are a lot of outings planned for you and this is due to Peter and his friend raising money, and also two good collections at Tesco and the Co-op. We had an excellent speaker this month: John Hall from Miles Tea and Coffee, talking about blending and he really was informative.
Now, don’t forget the next meeting is May 18th because of the Bank Holiday at the end of the month. We have Tom Bowen: WSC, and in June we have got Tanya coming to tell us about the change over to digital TV.
That’s all for now, my computer is old and I have to get someone else to get this on to a computer: shame isn’t it?
Jean.

Chairman’s Report
Hi everybody
I hope that you all are fit and well.
Well that is another month over, thank goodness, as far as San and myself are concerned. As some of you know we lost our daughter-in-law to cancer after a two year battle. Then on the finance side of things the washing machine broke down so we had to get a new one, then when I closed the oven door the glass door shattered into hundreds of pieces; so not a good month.
I hope that you enjoyed the speaker at the last meeting, sorry it was not the chemist as I said it would be at the last meeting, we now know a bit more about tea blending. The speaker at the next meeting will be from the council so bring your queries with you for him.
I have been told that the trip to Lynmouth has been cancelled because we cannot fill the bus, so sorry about that.
David Kendall

Treasurer’s Report
At the meeting this month we collected £6.77 for the Almoner’s Fund and £44.00 was raised by the raffle.  Any more subscriptions due: please send them to David Kendall, 5 Harepark, Allerford, Minehead, TA24 8HL or bring them to the next meeting.

Events’ Committee Report
The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464
Forthcoming Trips and Events:
Buses are booked for the following dates:
Tuesday, May 26th: Allerford Inn, near Norton Fitzwarren for lunch.
Thursday, June 11th: Cricket St Thomas.
Tuesday, June 23rd: Selworthy for a cream tea.
Thursday, July 2nd: Weston-super-Mare.
Tuesday, July 21st: Knightshayes Gardens, near Tiverton.
Thursday, August 6th: Bristol Zoo
Tuesday, August 18th: Torre Cider Farm, Washford, for lunch.
We will try to fit in other events if the weather is in our favour.  If you are interested in going on any of the outings, please contact one of the Events’ Committee members.
Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:
May: Tom Bowen from the West Somerset Council
June: Tanya will talk about the changeover to Digital TV.  She will be here to speak and answer our questions before the changeover date next year.

Articles, letters and e-mails

From the local Press:
Teamwork is helping to improve accessibility for a raft of West Somerset people.
Wheelchair users, pram pushers and people pulling shopping trolleys should find life easier thanks to links between West Somerset Council, the West Somerset Disability Association and a £1,350 grant from the community budget of Somerset county councillor Anthony Trollope-Bellew.
One of the first improvements is the installation of dropped kerbs at the Half Acre junction with the A358 in Williton.
Cllr Kate Kravis, who has responsibility for local accessibility on the district authority, said discussions had taken place with the WSDA to get their views on making improvements so that areas were accessible for everyone.
“Dropping the kerb so that people can get to Half Acre or up Tower Hill in Williton without having to keep crossing the busy main road is one of the measures we are introducing to help make paths safer and more user-friendly,” she said.
Other measures in the pipeline include identifying overgrown or hard-to-use areas such as council-owned footpaths and cycle tracks and improving them, and asking other landowners to do the same. 
There are also plans to introduce a drop kerb outside WH Smiths in Minehead for easier access to the district council’s offices in Summerland Road and to install another in Summerland Avenue.
WSDA President Jean Gilbert said: “This kerb was particularly high and people with a range of mobility restrictions had trouble with it.
“We will continue to work with the council to identify improvements so that more areas are accessible to everyone in the community.”
Councillor Trollope-Bellew, who represents the Quantock division, said he was pleased to have been able to help.
“It makes a real difference to people’s lives to be able to come and go as they please,” he said.
“I am delighted that it makes journeys safer and easier for all members of the community.”
More information on the WSDA, which provides a range of activities, outings and social gatherings for disabled people and their carers is available on 01643 702021 or 019840641197.

For Sale
Self-propelled shower chair, which doubles as a commode with pan provided.  Comfortable padded back and seat.  Foot rest and rising arm-rests.  Grey and white.  Excellent condition.  £450.00 new, will sell for £100.00. 
26” wide x 30” deep.
Can be delivered in west Somerset, if required.
Mr and Mrs Morse, 01984 639119

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
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
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
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.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 May 18th 2009 at 2.00 pm earlier in the month than normal on because of the Bank Holiday at the end of the month.  See you all there.

Events’ Committee Report
The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464
Peter and Alan raised £1,000 for our funds with their sponsored head shave last month.  Well done and thank you very much.  We do appreciate your efforts, honestly.
We have just had our first outing of this year, to the Friendly Spirit at Cannington, for lunch – a carvery, which was very enjoyable.
Your Events Committee are now in the process of working out future outings.  We have to book the transport well in advance to be able to get a bus when needed, so we have to fit our outings around them.
Forthcoming Trips and Events:
Buses are booked for the following dates:
Tuesday, May 12th:  Lynmouth, do your own thing.
Tuesday, May 26th: Allerford Inn, near Norton Fitzwarren for lunch.
Thursday, June 11th: Cricket St Thomas.
Tuesday, June 23rd: Selworthy for a cream tea.
Thursday, July 2nd: Weston-super-Mare.
Tuesday, July 21st: Knightshayes Gardens, near Tiverton.
Thursday, August 6th: Bristol Zoo
Tuesday, August 18th: Torre Cider Farm, Washford, for lunch.
We will try to fit in other events if the weather is in our favour.  If you are interested in going on any of the outings, please contact one of the Events’ Committee members.
Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:
April: A pharmacist will speak about your medications and answer any queries you may have.
May: Tom Bowen from the West Somerset Council
We have arranged for a speaker to come and talk about the changeover to Digital TV.  The date is not fixed yet but they will be here to speak and answer our questions before the changeover date next year.

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees:
Martin Greenwood; Peter Hughes; Peter and Heidi Morse; Sue Horne; 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
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  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.  For the computer literate among you, (and those interested) Mary uses Facebook (www.facebook.com) and has started a group there for the West Somerset Disability Association.  It is very early days so far but we might get more members to join, who use this site.  So far we have just six members.  If you want to join but are not sure how then ask Chris or Mary for details.  Phone numbers are given above.
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
Jean has been up to her neck in muck and bullets this month, with a new kitchen being fitted.  It has been a month of chaos, so no contribution this month.  Sorry…
There was an Easter Bonnet competition and prizes were won by Eunice Newland, Sandra Kendall and Richard Charity.
There should have been a bookstall with books on sale to raise money for the WSDA but it didn’t happen this month.  With a bit of luck it will be running next meeting.

Chairman’s Report
Hello Everybody
Thank you to those who came to the last meeting; it was well attended. We had the chap from ATWEST down to speak to us, but unfortunately I had to go before he came on to speak.  I understand that it went well. Hopefully our next month’s speaker is a pharmacist and will be giving a talk about your medicines and answering any queries you have about them.
Many of you have paid your annual subs, but there are still some of you that have not, so if you are coming to the next meeting will you please remember that it is £10.00 for the year and for those of you who will not be at the meeting would you please send your cheque made out to W.S.D.A to me.  Thank you and look forward to see you at the next meeting
David Kendall

Treasurer’s Report

The raffle raised £32.16 this month.  (Someone must have put in some loose change as the tickets are £1.00 each.  Thank you.)  The Almoner’s Fund, which pays for birthday cards, get well cards, condolence cards etc, raised £4.39.  Thank you everyone.
We now have 24 paid up members for 2009, so if you haven’t paid your subscription yet, please bring it to the next meeting or post it to David Kendall, 5 Harepark, Allerford, Minehead, TA24 8HL.

Events’ Committee Report
The Events’ Committee:

Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265 and Peter Kilner 01643 821464
Peter and Alan raised £1,000 for our funds with their sponsored head shave last month.  Well done and thank you very much.  We do appreciate your efforts, honestly.
We have just had our first outing of this year, to the Friendly Spirit at Cannington, for lunch – a carvery, which was very enjoyable.
Your Events Committee are now in the process of working out future outings.  We have to book the transport well in advance to be able to get a bus when needed, so we have to fit our outings around them.

Forthcoming Trips and Events:

Buses are booked for the following dates:
Tuesday, May 12th:  Lynmouth, do your own thing.
Tuesday, May 26th: Allerford Inn, near Norton Fitzwarren for lunch.
Thursday, June 11th: Cricket St Thomas.
Tuesday, June 23rd: Selworthy for a cream tea.
Thursday, July 2nd: Weston-super-Mare.
Tuesday, July 21st: Knightshayes Gardens, near Tiverton.
Thursday, August 6th: Bristol Zoo
Tuesday, August 18th: Torre Cider Farm, Washford, for lunch.
We will try to fit in other events if the weather is in our favour.  If you are interested in going on any of the outings, please contact one of the Events’ Committee members.

Announcements
Speakers at our monthly meetings:

April: A pharmacist will speak about your medications and answer any queries you may have.
May: Tom Bowen from the West Somerset Council
We have arranged for a speaker to come and talk about the changeover to Digital TV.  The date is not fixed yet but they will be here to speak and answer our questions before the changeover date next year.

Articles, letters and e-mails

Judith O’Brien sent us a card with the following message:
Hello Everyone
Sorry to miss you all again today due to an appointment with the nurse I couldn’t change.  All leave had to be taken by April.
Many congratulations to the fund raisers.  I hope someone has knitted a hat for Peter!  £1.00 donation enclosed.
Hope to see you all at the April meeting.
Kind regards, Judith O’Brien

And there was a poem from Stephen Brinkman with his thoughts about it:
HEREDITY

How you become a poet’s a mystery!
Wherever did you get your talent from?
I say:  I had two uncles, Jack and Harry -
one was a stammerer, the other dumb.

From Tony Harrison Selected Poems. 
Penguin Poetry Page 111

Here is a poem for you all.  If that person can’t talk back to us they must be dumb, what will you do?  Disabled people may take some paper with them so they can communicate with a normal people.  Dumb people can hear but can’t talk to you.  I have the experience of working with them.   I have worked with deaf and dumb people. They talk with their fingers so you have to look down at their hands.  When you have a meeting again please made sure that everyone is quiet.  We all go deaf and dumb some time when we are old and grey. So we all have to learn A to Z with our hands now.  Wait until you have come across someone who is dumb and they are the nicest and most caring people in the world.  They will step in to help you if you are in trouble and save your neck in work or other places.  We don’t see many dumb people in Minehead, but in London there are a lot of them around.  There are workshops for them.          

From Stephen   

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
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
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
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.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 27th April 2009 at 2.00 pm and the one after that will be earlier than normal on May 18th because of the Bank Holiday at the end of the month.