West Somerset
Disability Association

Hello everyone!  It is Spring at last and Easter is here again.  Here is the March newsletter. The next meeting is here on the last Monday of the month, that is Monday 30th April, 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
   
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.uk

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. 

President’s Report
First of all many, many thanks for all the indoor plants, flowers, and cards I have received whilst I have been ill, am still not 100% but am off to Jersey for a few days so hopefully I shall be fighting fit when I come back.
We have got POPPS coming next month to give us a talk.  Her name is Alison Tanton, and I met her at the West Somerset Voluntary Sector Forum (WSVSF) which we both attend.  She is great and runs a very successful group in Alcombe.
Anybody who is going on any of our outings on the AT West coaches and has a wheelchair must have it checked with Brian before they can go on board.  Telephone number: 01643 709701.  The driver will refuse to let you on if this task has not been completed.  You have been warned.  So please do it!!
I have booked a coach to go Yeovil on June 22nd, which is a Friday for Sight and Sound Exhibition.  This is primarily for blind and partially sighted but I have found these exhibitions to be extremely worthwhile.  It is FREE.  Please may I have names soon as I have got quite a few already and we will be picking up in Taunton from Somerset Association for the Blind (SAB) if our coach is not full.
I am off to a meeting of the West Somerset Voluntary Sector Forum (WSVSF) and it looks as if their name will be changed.  Do enjoy these meetings, as there are about 30 of us from all the voluntary sectors getting to know what is going on and where money might be available from for grants.
Jean

Chairman’s Report
Hello everyone,
That was an interesting meeting.
Mary reminded us all about the At-West transport possibilities and we were also reminded that our subs are now due: £6 for the year. Please remember next time.
Then we were enlivened (?) with a fire drill. The weather was kind to us and it was quite pleasant to go outside for a while.
Claire Packwood and Sue were here from the Somerset Association for the Blind and Claire judged the Easter bonnets.
I did say that we had found a camera bag after the coffee morning and I have been told that it was meant to be sold. So, if any of you would like one, come to the next coffee morning.
Talking of coffee mornings, the one in May has been postponed as some of us will be in Ireland on that date.
Also, the coffee morning raised £106. Quite good, my thanks to all concerned.
See you at the next meeting on the 30th April, preferably with £6 subs.
Steven.

Vice Chairman’s Notes
Well, there are just a few things to tell you about.  The Easter Bonnet competition was judged by Claire Packwood and Eunice Newland won the first prize.
Please remember to use the AT West community transport service.  When someone forgot about it, they had to pay £15 for a normal taxi instead of having the use of a free service.  (AT West Community Transport: 01643 709701)
Some people say that they cannot hear what is being said at the meetings.  This is partly because so many of you keep talking when a speaker is trying to address the meeting.  Please keep quiet so that everyone can hear, until it is time for refreshments and chat.  Thank you.

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle raised £21.00 and we collected £4.88 for the Almoner’s fund although not many people were at the meeting.  At the recent coffee morning, we managed to raise £106 and a few pence.  That was a good effort.  Thanks to all concerned.

Events’ Committee Report
Sandra and Shirley would like to thank everyone who helped with the first coffee morning. It was a great success; we made £106.54. Also many thanks to Pat Graddon for taking the time and trouble to drop the things in for us to sell on the stall.
Thank you all.

Proposed Outings
17.04.2007 Lynmouth Corner House Restaurant for Lunch
05.05.2007 Coffee morning has been postponed
22.05.2007 Lynmouth for fish and chips.
31.05.2007 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
17.07.2007 Allerford Museum and Cream Tea at the Post Office.
04.08.2007  BBQ at The Seahorse Centre   Cost £6.00

Poets’ Corner
THE CYCLE OF LIFE

   I see the flowers, I see the trees;
   The growing days, then falling leaves.
   The cycle of life, much pleasure gives,
   But it’s all too short, for that which lives.

   Man born to life, from love and pleasure;
   Steered through its storms to rest at leisure.
   Childhood dreams, love and much attention,
   Blissful years, without restriction.

   Child to youth and through the teens,
   Growing up and planning schemes,
   Infatuations, playful games,
   Concern of parents, warnings said.

   Then it’s here, like a shining light:
   Penetrates the heart, and there, sits tight.
   It aches by day, it aches by night;
   For this is love, so treat it right.

   It’s yours to give, it’s yours to take;
   It’s yours to share with a chosen mate;
   The greatest gift that God can give,
   Nurture it and it will live.

   In good time, new life will grow,
   From the seeds that you both will sow
   And then, once more, the cycle starts,
   To replace the ones, who then depart.
               ………………………..

        Len Cross.

Articles, letters and e-mails
David Kendall wrote to us:
As most of you already know our grandson Greg is in the Army and is attached to The Welsh Regiment, so on the 1st March (St David’s Day) he invited San, Molly and me down to the barracks to watch The Queen present leeks to the regiment. On arrival at the main gates to the barracks we were stopped by the army guards (one of them was our grandson) and asked to get out of the car while they checked the car over and then had to be body searched. I think that both San and Molly enjoyed being searched by the young men. Then as we had a Disabled label we were parked not too far from the parade ground right in front of two big doors one marked Mortars stores the other marked Javelin stores.
The Queen arrived by helicopter, took the salute and gave out the leeks to the men. After the parade we were invited into a hall and had tea or Coffee with some of the men and their family’s. The Queen came into the hall and started to walk round and have a chat to most of the men and their families; then the R S M (Regimental Sergeant Major) told Greg that he would bring The Queen over to us. When she arrived both Greg and I stood to attention. She asked if I had enjoyed The Parade, to which I replied very much so, and how lucky we were with the weather. She replied yes, I do not know what would have happened if it had been yesterday. (It rained all day on that day.) Then she went on to speak to San, who for once was lost for words and could only say Hello this is my friend Molly.
David Kendall

Twelve myths about blindness
By Rob & Catherine Davies
1. Blind people have no sight at all
2. Blind people have improved hearing or touch
3. Braille is used by most blind people
4. Blind people cannot use computers
5. Guide dogs are used by all blind people
6. Guide dogs can take blind people anywhere
7. A blind person will recognise your voice
8. People with limited vision can use large-print books
9. Blind people lead difficult & dangerous lives
10. Blind people cannot live on their own
11. Blind people do not enjoy TV or theatre
12. All blind people are super-saints

1. Blind people have no sight at all
In the United Kingdom, about one million people are either registered blind or partially sighted. Out of these, 4% have no light perception, 10% can only see hand movements and 86% have degrees of useful vision in ideal conditions. There are about 200,000 people on blind registers and there are around 800,000 registered as partially sighted.
There are less than 40,000 people who are regarded as totally blind in the UK. The majority of the 200,000 on the blind registers have retained very small degrees of remaining sight. Among these are those who can only see the difference between night and day. There are others who see a vague blur; as if they are looking through frosted glass. Another group has no central vision and there are some who have lost their side vision. It is possible for some registered blind people to have enough sight to read an adapted computer screen but not enough to safely cross a road.

2. Blind people have improved hearing or touch
There is no truth in the widely held belief, that blind or partially sighted people are somehow endowed with a better sense of hearing, touch or scent. They have similar senses to everyone else, except that they have serious sight loss. Many face further difficulties due to hearing loss, poor touch, or inadequate scent or taste; especially if they are older in years.
Sadly, there is no acquired sixth sense which helps visually impaired people overcome their sight loss. However, many of them have been able to improve their circumstances by learning to become sensitive listeners or by making the best of limited training and resources.

3. Braille is used by most blind people
Out of the two million known visually impaired people in the United Kingdom, there are about 20,000 fluent Braille readers. Many others use Braille in a limited way, to label items or to make simple notes. To be able to read Braille, it is necessary to have good touch sensitivity. Many blind or partially sighted people lack the sensitivity needed. This is especially true of older people who often use large print or recorded tapes as an alternative. Braille is vital to those who are both blind and deaf. A small number of older people use Moon instead of Braille. Moon is simpler to learn, because its tactile curves and lines are easier to feel than Braille dots.

4. Blind people cannot use computers
An increasing number of visually impaired people use computers, either at work, educational establishments or in the home. Some use large text or modified colour displays. Others use audio screen readers and a further group have electronic Braille displays. Many blind and partially sighted people have access to specialist software which enables them to use standard office programs, browse the Internet and communicate by email. This web page is written by someone who is registered blind and the visually impaired Echurch-UK members communicate with each other by email.

5. Guide dogs are used by all blind people
There are slightly less than 5,000 guide dog users in the United Kingdom and there are up to 200.000 people who are registered blind. Whilst these valuable dogs are able to considerably improve the independence of their owners, they are not always the right solution for everyone. Looking after a trained guide dog takes extra time and effort and not everyone likes dogs.

6. Guide dogs can take blind people anywhere
Guide dogs work within simple limitations. Generally speaking, they are only useful if their visually impaired users have a good mental map of each journey being undertaken. Established routes are worked out in advance with the help of guide dog professionals. A guide dog has been trained to safely lead someone along a length of pavement and to sit down at the next kerb. It will also stop if there is a hole in the pavement or if there is an obstacle on the path. In each case, it will await further instructions from its handler. The handler must know the route well enough to instruct the animal on where to go next. A guide dog is not able to take a blind person across a busy road. A dog does not have the ability to make such complicated decisions.

7. A blind person will recognise your voice
Some people have very distinctive voices, but most do not. You will have noticed this when using a telephone. It is more difficult to recognise people by voice when walking outside or in a busy room. Blind people are no different from everyone else; except that they are unable to see that someone is speaking to them.
When you meet a visually impaired person, introduce yourself by name. If you know their name use it, then they will know that you are speaking to them and not someone else. This is particularly important if there are other people within the vicinity. To further attract their attention, gently touch their upper arm with your hand. When you are leaving, say you are going away. Nobody likes to find that they have been speaking to an empty space!

8. People with limited vision can use large-print books
Large print is a great help to many of those who have limited sight. But some visually impaired people may be able to find their way around a room quite well, but not be able to read large print. They may have lost a major part of their central vision or find difficulty in dealing with the glare of white paper. If this is the case, they may appreciate having important items read to them by someone who can see, or to be given a recorded tape message, or a Braille or email version of an item of news or literature.

9. Blind people lead difficult & dangerous lives
This is only partly true. The biggest danger is from the unconsidered actions of sighted people. These include obstacles being left on pathways, like bicycles. It is common to find vehicles parked on footpaths and even on pedestrian crossings. Most visually impaired people use a mixture of common sense and mobility training to improve their independence in the community and at home. Blind and partially sighted people now participate in a wider range of sport and recreation, and have a good record of safety.

10. Blind people cannot live on their own
Many visually impaired people live on their own, either by choice or circumstances. Some of them have full time jobs or have children of their own. They may receive some sighted help, but will do most things by themselves. There are a range of items to assist them in safely preparing food and doing their household chores or gardens. Most major supermarkets have trained staff who are able to assist blind and partially sighted people with their shopping.

11. Blind people do not enjoy TV or theatre
Not true. Some blind and partially sighted people can see quite a bit of a television picture. It depends on the usefulness of any remaining sight. Even if they have none, many programmes provide enough information, through the spoken word, to make sense of what is happening. Some stations offer audio description with an increasing number of programs. Deaf blind people are now able to access Teletext using an electronic Braille pad.
Theatre is a social experience as well as a show. Looking forward to going out with friends is often part of the enjoyment. As with television, the spoken and sung words often contain enough information to support the story. Many theatres and cinemas provide audio description facilities for blind people. This gives a descriptive narrative of scenery and costume.
Museums, art galleries and stately homes increasingly provide audio commentaries, Braille booklets or tactile displays to make a visit to their premises of equal interest to visually impaired people.

12. All blind people are super-saints
Visually impaired people do not have a special gift of patience and tolerance. Nor are they exceptionally religious. Like anyone else, there are times when they feel depressed, frightened, get angry or frustrated with their circumstances. Some struggle with deep spiritual questions, relating to their blindness or their self-worth. Quite a few trust in God and derive much comfort from their faith. Even so, they would not claim to be super-saints, but just ordinary people trying to get the best out of life.

Blessings
Catherine Davies
http://www.echurch-uk.org/access.php
We walk by faith not by sight
http://www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door/index.htm

Other items of interest to report
1 There is a new newsletter of interest to disabled people.  It is called Positive Aspects and you can find the latest issue at the following website: www.pinonline.org.uk/resources/$23PA+Issue+7.doc or you can subscribe to it online by sending an e-mail to trudy.1@ntlworld.com and write subscribe and Somerset in the subject or in the e-mail itself.
2 Mrs Sandford is offering a six-berth static caravan for holiday hire to our members.  It is at Burnham-on-Sea.  For more details phone her at 01278 793882 or e-mail at jim@jim-bass.freeserve.co.uk

Computer Equipment
We still 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’ (Windows 98): Readers’ Digest.
• Volumes 1 to 4 of ‘PC KnowHow’ for Windows 95, in four ring binders.

Rise and Recline Chairs
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“QUALITY FURNITURE FOR QUALITY LIFE”

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
Our next meeting will be on Monday 30th April at 2.00 pm at The Seahorse Centre. I hope to see you there.

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    £ 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 Pudding 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

  
 
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.