Newsletter Spring/Summer 2011 in This Issue

Newsletter Spring/Summer 2011 In this issue

Society News ROAR Update Gateway Update Dates for your Diary Useful information And lots more

As always the Hemel Hempstead Gateway have been having a lot of fun and are keen to share what they have been doing with us. You can read about what they have been up to on page 21 and find out why Stephen looks so happy

From the editor

Hello to everyone

Here is another packed newsletter for you to read about all the exciting things we have been doing, are going to do and information that I hope you will find useful.

Don‘t forget to put the date in your diary for our AGM in October and American Square Dance in November.

Anne Skidmore came into the office to tell me about how she enjoyed her holiday with ROAR in Blackpool (see page 27). It is much nicer to read about your experiences told by you. If anyone else would like share what they have been doing make an appointment to come and chat with me in the office or over at the drop in or write a piece yourself and I will include it in the next newsletter.

Tracy Catt Administrator Dacorum Mencap Email: [email protected]

Has the summer come and gone with all the wonderfully warm weather and long bank holiday weekends we have had recently ? I hope not because as you will see we have our Country Dance to look forward to – all details in this issue of the Newsletter. However, if you are planning a holiday or a day out I hope you have a good time.

No holidays for the staff team, however, who are all working hard to produce a lot more facts and figures for the funding we receive from Herts County Council for running the Friendship and ROAR schemes. However, looking at the recent ROAR programmes I can see that good fun has been planned with some exciting new ideas like sailing!

I shall look forward to hearing all about your experiences and holidays when I see you next.

Sue Bolton Chairman

A MIDSUMMER GARDEN PARTY The Ronald family invite you and your friends to AN EVENING OF COUNTRY DANCE with the ALL HANDS AROUND BAND on SATURDAY 16th July 2011 from 7.30pm to 11.00pm at Old Fishery House, Old Fishery Lane, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2BN Tel: 01442 267674. in support of DACORUM MENCAP Tickets available at the gate. £6 Adults, £4 Unwaged, Children under 12 free Please bring your own picnic, drink, warm clothing and something to sit on.

Parking for the country dance Park at the far end of Chaulden Rugby Club car park, (which is just beyond Old Fisheries Lane) Walk out of lower end and turn right into Old Fisheries Lane. Old Fishery House is on the left before the canal.

It has to be seriously wet before we cancel, but if the weather is bad on the day and you want confirmation that the party is still going ahead please call Dougal on 01442 267674 or Sue Bolton on 01442 242917

Our AGM is being held on Wednesday 5th October 2011 at Hemel Social Centre for the Blind 6 Alston Road Boxmoor Hemel Hempstead HP1 1QU 7.30pm We have invited a speaker from the Sunnyside Rural Trust to give a short talk on the work they do in the community with people with learning disabilities and the services they offer the general public.

Come and meet our committee members and staff

Everyone welcome but it would be helpful if you would let us know if you are coming by ringing Tracy on 01442 247675

American Square Dance 12th November 2011 — 7:30pm John F Kennedy School Hollybush Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP1 2PH Caller—Pete Skiffins Tickets cost £12 per person, this includes a fish and chip supper Please bring your own drinks To book your place please call: 01442 247675 Tickets can be purchased from the Dacorum Mencap office from early October 2011 LAST YEAR WAS A SELL OUT!

Courses and Workshops Carers Development and Learning Opportunities

Carers in Hertfordshire run a programme of workshops and courses detailed below is one that you may be interested in.

Wills and Trusts Workshop Hemel Hempstead Venue TBC Tuesday 2nd August 10am–12.30pm

Contact Alex on 01992 586969 for further information on this course and others that they are running

or visit the Carers Development and Learning pages at

http://www.carersinherts.org.uk/taking-care-of-you.

All Carers Development and Learning Events are free to attend and they are happy to discuss travel arrangements and the costs of alternative care with carers who need it.

DACORUM HORIZON want any second hand books, CD‘s and DVD‘s to sell in their new retail area set up in their premises at 137/137 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead.

Any donations can be taken to the Dacorum Horizons premises or to the Community Action Dacorum office at 48 High Street, Hemel Hempstead or you may be able to arrange for them to collect from you by calling Joan at 01442 268600.

Sunnyside Rural Trust provide employment and training for over 70 adults with learning disabilities each week. They specialise in engaging people in employment through a range of land-based activities with particular emphasis on organic gardening, horticulture, conservation, and animal care. The services are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, and training is provided by supportive and creative staff in a secure and safe environment. They encourage independence and create employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

One of their sites is in Northchurch where they focus on fruit and vegetable production and managing their large flock of free range hens.

They also have an Activity Centre site off Ivy House Lane which has two sites Sunnyside old which is made up of a soft fruit orchard, allotments, herb gardens, propagation area and their main building. Sunnyside New hosts their heritage orchard, mixed native hedgerows, hazel, ash and birch coppice, a mixed willow species coppice and a sensitively managed conservation site.

They have recently won a tender to supply Dacorum Borough Council‘s bedding plants for the next 5 years from the Central Nursery site in Two Waters Way, Hemel Hempstead. They intend to develop the site as a community

8 food growing hub offering courses as well as selling produce.

Social Enterprise - Their range of produce include fruit & vegetables, eggs, willow, organic jams and chutneys, hanging baskets, bedding plants and seasonal gifts. They use the fruit, vegetables, salad and herbs they grow to create healthy, wholesome meals with service users. Surplus produce is sold via their farm shop; open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and their market stall; run every Thursday in Berkhamsted High street.

They also offer a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) enterprise, operate an allotment makeover service and a gardening/ landscaping service. This includes planting out and maintaining flower beds, troughs and hanging baskets.

Contact details for further information

Website: www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk Email: [email protected] Telephone (01442) 863364

Or come along to our AGM (see page 5 for details) where there will be a speaker from Sunnyside telling you all about the work they do in the community and you will have the chance to ask them any questions that you may have.

John Wheatcroft 9/9/1931 to 14/3/2011

John gave a tremendous amount of his time in many ways to Dacorum Mencap from supporting Priscilla during the many years she was chairman of the society to building us made-to-measure shelves for the office and fitting security grills to the windows.

The Dacorum Mencap staff and Committee Members past and present joined Priscilla and her family and friends at a service at Chilterns Crematorium to celebrate John‘s life.

It was a beautiful service opening with John and Priscilla‘s grandchildren singing and playing the piano. I'm sure John would have been very proud of them.

Your Life First

This is a unique self support programme designed specifically for carers. It will enable you to take care of yourself more effectively and subsequently improve the quality of your life and the lives of those you care for.

The programme is essential for your wellbeing as dedication and passion alone are insufficient when caring for others, it is important to also have your needs met to sustain your tireless efforts.

Call Suzy on 01462 45660 for more details.

Carers Bereavement Service If the person you cared for has died the Carers Bereavement Service may be able to help you through this difficult time.

Starting again in September 2011, the service runs as a series of sessions where you can; share your experience with carers in a similar situation, get information about other help and services available and find your own way to cope and move forward.

For more information please call 01462 456660 and ask for a bereavement volunteer to contact you.

Running from Welwyn Garden City the service is open to all bereaved carers in Hertfordshire. They are unable to offer transport to attend the sessions. However, they do also offer telephone support.

Digital Photography Course 11th, 12th, 13th, July 10.30 to 12.30 Watford Campus, Hempstead Road, Watford WD17 3EZ

Understand how your digital camera works Take photos that make people take a second look Print your photos instead of leaving them on the camera

You do not need to own a camera to attend the course as some will be available at the college

Carers in herts can pay travel expenses and are happy to discuss travel arrangements with carers that do not have their own car. They can also cover the costs of alternative care. For further information call Tel: 01992 586 969 or email: contact:carersinherts.org.uk

11 Many of you know my son Sam who is 20 and now lives independently from me in a residential care home in Bushey (which is working out great!) Sam is non verbal, but makes it clear when Disneyland is advertised on the TV that he would love to go there.

So, on one of the many bank holidays recently he had an amazing trip to Disneyland Paris with his big sister Hannah and little sister Emily, two better carers he could not have had. They travelled on the Eurostar which seemed to be the easiest option and stayed in one of the Disney hotels (though not on the park itself).

From the moment they arrived they received VIP treatment, they had their own transport due to Sam‘s disability, though this had not been arranged in advance, both to the hotel when they arrived and between the hotel and the park each day. Sam loved the vibrancy of the place and although he won‘t go on the scary rides, he went on some of the less adventurous ones and enjoyed the parade (from the best vantage point where only disabled people are allowed to go). He loved meeting the

12 characters and they managed to find food for him to eat (Sam does not chew so it has to be of a certain consistency and fast food is out!).

I can thoroughly recommend Disneyland for the way Sam was treated throughout; this made it so much easier for his sisters which meant that they could enjoy the trip too. It was a wonderful experience for all of them which they will always remember.

Elaine

To Catherine, Niall and Oliver Tallis on the birth of Daniel, born at 12.20am on 20/05/11 weighing 8lbs 7oz.

Oliver is a great big brother, as you can see from the photo.

Catherine was one of our Friendship Scheme volunteers she no longer volunteers with us but has carried on the lasting friendship she made with Joanne Hobbs

R.O.A.R Recreational Opportunities Allowing Respite

We have had a lot of fun at ROAR over the past few months. Apart from our usual social evenings at the Swan and Berkhamsted Football Club, and our weekly drop ins at St Marys we have tried to learn new skills and visit new places.

We have been to both the Science Museum in London and the Natural History Museum in Tring to soak up some knowledge. We went for a rowdy afternoon at Watford Football Club to watch them thrash Milwall, and did a lot of art in April – card making, pottery painting and creative art. More recently we have done African Drumming and dancing. We have been working in conjunction with Worldshapers to offer some of our activities and also with the WEA who are helping us run courses. We had a very successful course on ―everyday numbers‖ to help people understand money primarily and are about to start our confidence building course.

As the weather improves, our thoughts have turned to water and we are currently doing weekly sailing sessions with the Colne Valley Special Sailors which will be followed by rafting and scuba diving!

Our members continue to give us plenty of ideas; plans for the coming months include camping, day trips and as always food!

If you wish to join us either as a member or volunteer please contact Elaine or Liz at the office.

Colne Valley Special Sailors (CVSS)

(CVSS) is an organisation entirely run by volunteers who are all keen to encourage people with disabilities to sail. Many are able, with support, to sail on their own from their first visit.

CVSS operates under the umbrella of Bury Lake Young Mariners and sail their boats from their sailing club at Rickmansworth Aquadrome.

Boats: They use Access dinghies. These are purpose-built boats with a high level of buoyancy for safety. They can be sailed easily using a simple joystick type control. There are single and double seat boats this means less confident sailors can sail with a helper until they feel able to sail alone. One boat is electrically assisted and can be sailed by a disabled person operating a small joystick with finger or chin. They can transfer less mobile sailors into boats using their hoist. For further information have a look at their website: www.cvssailors.org.uk They are also looking for new volunteers so if you are interested and want more information contact: Melanie Winward on: 01923239250 or 07752515683 email: [email protected]

In March 42 of us descended on Blackpool for a weekend of fun. Elaine and Kiran lead the group which included 32 members and 8 volunteers. The expenses for volunteers were paid for by money raised by Suzie Banerji and her friends at an auction of promises in late 2010, for which we are eternally grateful.

Due to some difficulties we have had in the past with inaccessible bathrooms and toilets for some of our more physically disabled members, Elaine decided to go for a specially adapted hotel this time which is why we went to Blackpool. The hotel did not reach expectations in terms of service etc, but showering and toileting was a bit easier. However in true ROAR style we had a great weekend away, wherever ROAR goes there is a party!

The weekend we chose was a special Emmerdale Weekend, this meant that on the Saturday night we had a visit from a star from the popular soap, his identity was kept a secret until he eventually arrived. Everyone was excited to see that it was Jackson (actor Marc Silcock) who was brilliant. He took questions from the floor and then went round and spoke to everyone in the room; posed for photos with everyone, signed autographs and ended up singing and dancing with the group. All the girls fell in love with him straight away! We stayed Friday ‗til Monday and had entertainment in the hotel each night. On Saturday the thrill seekers went to the Pleasurebeach which they all thought was great, whilst the

17 rest went to the Aquarium, also a good place to visit. On Sunday we all went on a coach trip to Liverpool and spent a few hours in Albert Dock, some people went into the Beatles museum; others spent time in those bubbles that float on water, shopping and of course eating. We were lucky enough to have a brilliant coach driver who was always full of fun; it makes such a difference to our trips when the driver is obviously enjoying the trip as well! The coach was wheelchair accessible which meant that Jean didn‘t have to struggle on and off the coach. On Monday we returned home exhausted and hoarse from laughing, but it was certainly a trip to remember. Thanks to all the members who went who made the trip so much fun and to volunteers Adam, Lynne, Mary, Jodie, Lucille, Rory, Jamie and Sara who gave us their time and energy for free and made it all possible. Where shall we go in 2012?......

InterArts is an inclusive initiative for children and young people aged 8-13 with and without disabilities. The sessions run monthly from the Old Town Hall Theatre and are a great way to make new friends, learn new skill and get creative.

You can book for InterArts through the Old Town Hall box office 01442 228091 and the remaining session dates for this year and the start of 2012 are:

2011 2012 July 21st January 19th September 15th February 23rd October 27th March 22nd November 17th

Session 1: Age 8-10 4.15pm to 5.45pm Session 2: Age 11-13 6.00pm to 7.30pm £5.00 per session for £12 per 3 sessions.

NEW SESSIONS—OLDER AGE GROUP Starting in September they are opening an older InterArts group (14+) running monthly 6.00pm to 7.30pm on an alternate Thursday evening to the other Interarts Sessions.

For further information contact the Old Town Hall box office or email [email protected]

As you will see from the photographs, the members of the Hemel Hempstead Gateway Club have been actively and enthusiastically enjoying a varied programme of activities so far this year. One of the most popular activities involved members making their own Valentine‘s cards and then giving them to friends and family.

Caroline is holding up the beautiful card that she has just finished making.

Janine proudly displays her Personal Progress Qualification that involved developing independent living skills and being able to travel within the community with confidence. She was not alone in this admirable achievement.

21 One evening in April a feast of food and music with a French flavour was laid on at the Jarman Centre - so even Gateway Club is doing its bit to improve relations with our European neighbours.

Squeaky Productions ran a wonderful movement and dance workshop in May with the rays of the setting Sun streaming through the windows of the Jarman Centre creating a patchwork effect of light and dark on the dancers.

Ben and Ali had brought items of clothing to wear and some props. I fondly recall Anthony expertly twirling an umbrella whilst dancing to the classic song ―Singing in the Rain‖, and Terry threw himself into the workshop activities with such gusto as you can see.

The smile on Stephen‘s face nicely encapsulates how everyone felt about the evening.

23 Indoor games was another popular evening and probably generated the most excited voices from the participants, but jigsaw puzzles and table games such as dominoes are still perennial favourites. These group activities provide great opportunities to socialise with a little friendly competition and it is so refreshing to find individuals happy to win but also gracious in defeat.

I must give a special mention again to Anthony who always leads us in the singing of ―Happy birthday‖ after Sarah, Patsy or Lee has given out a card to each person with a birthday to celebrate.

The Club is going from strength to strength with new helpers making a big difference and allowing us to plan more trips away from the Jarman Centre such as Ashridge in July.

Regular helpers at present are Doreen, Lesley, Nikki, Richard, Lee, Julie, Lynne, Patsy, Steve and Sarah. Charlotte has recently left us to concentrate on her exams. I apologise if I have missed anyone out. We are also grateful for members‘ help with setting up, washing up, etc. Drivers and escorts for the mini bus are Fabian, Doreen, Lee, Nigel and Kay, and Colin and Theresa. Ben has also helped us out in our times of need too.

We really need another minibus driver (to drive once a month), so if you can help or know of someone who might be able to help, please get in touch.

25 We are also looking at raising money for another project with Squeaky Productions, so let us know if you have any fundraising suggestions.

Finally, I must say that we have missed Brenda at Gateway Club these past months and wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her at the Club very soon.

By Steve Jarvis

SNAP Herts Ltd (Special Needs Activities and Play)

SNAP will be running playschemes during the School Summer Holidays from

Tuesday 2nd August to Friday 26th August 2011

at the following venues from 10am to 3pm

Woodfield School, Malmes Croft, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8RL. Age group 5 to 10 years

Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School, Peascroft Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP3 8ER. Age group 11 to 19 years

For further information have a look at their website www.snapherts.org.uk or contact Dale Sloan Mobile (work) 07920 800304 Email: [email protected]

Anne Skidmore came into the office to tell me about her trip with ROAR to Blackpool.

Anne had a fantastic time in Blackpool she told me that the food was very good the hotel was nice and the journey there and back was enjoyable because Gerry the coach driver was a lot of fun.

Anne chose shopping as her trip out so she went with Kiran and some other ROAR members around the shops at Blackpool where she bought T Shirts and a Scooby Do. They then enjoyed a fish and chip lunch in a cafe along Blackpool seafront.

During the trip to Liverpool Anne went to the Beatles museum where she visited a replica of John Lennon's White Room, the recreation of the Cavern Club the most famous club in the world and lots more memorabilia about the Beatles. As usual Anne could not resist the gift shop and bought herself a T Shirt with I LOVE THE BEATLES on the front.

She told me that a special guest visited the Bond hotel one evening by the name of Jackson from Emmerdale and how exciting it was to meet him.

Thank you Anne for taking the time to come in and tell me about your holiday.

Tracy Catt

This newsletter is printed by Bespoke Print Services Ltd 44 High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP1 3AE Tel: 01442 239666, Fax: 01442 251333 E-mail: [email protected]

Dacorum Mencap Website Have you had a look at our website yet it is really worth a look www.dacorummencap.org.uk You can download our Adult and Children‘s directories Why not have a look today!!!!

Dacorum Mencap (tel 01442 247675) Registered Charity No 212549 44b High Street Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP1 3AE Email: [email protected] Website: dacorummencap.org.uk

Dacorum Mencap does not endorse and accepts no responsibility for the goods and services described in this Newsletter.