PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 1

PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER

WELCOME! Welcome to the twelfth edition of the Pri- mus Plus Newsletter, written by members, staff, and volunteers for the members. Contributions for the Summer 2012 news- letter need to be in by Friday June 29th Free places are available on Saturdays from 2012 please. 9:30 –3:00 for people with disabilities, who Pages 1,2 Saturday Plus, Sewing. have unpaid or informal carers. Page 3 Drama. Lunch and transport is provided. Page 4 Drama, The allotment, ‘Out and About’, Rudyard Carvery. To find out more telephone 0161 474 8288 Page 5 Shopping Market, Puss in Boots, Carers’ Lunches. Page 6 Wetherspoons, Woodford Park At Saturday Plus there is an Garden Centre. exciting mix of crafts and other Page 7 Etherow Park, the White Hart, activities. Page8 Theatres, Portland Basin, Cheadle Mosque. In the morning there is usually a Pages 9,10 Cooking. cookery class on offer in the fully Page 11 Craft days, Music. adapted kitchen where members Page 12 Creative Art Workshop, Yoga. Page 13 Volunteers and Students. can make all sorts of delicious A puff pastry pie Pages 14, 15, 16, Life in Japan, Sushi food to take home. Page 17 Upstairs Downstairs, My Week. Colin enjoyed making Page 18 Family News, Travel to Primus. scones and Easter buns Page 19 Easy Go, Easter Bonnets, and Vivienne loved the Graham retires. salmon and potato tartlets Page 20 St George’s Day, Writers’ Corner which we made for Na- Page 21 Kieran’s blog. tional Pie week. Page 22 Writer's Corner continues. Page 23 Poetry anthology, Mark Jones A long and ambitious Reps.’ Committee. project was the construc- Page 24 ShelterBox. Page 25 Book review, Jokes tion of a blue dragon to Page 26 Birthdays, Diary dates. celebrate the Chinese Year Work in progress on the dragon of the Dragon which is to be entered in the Stock- port Carnival.

The head was con- structed from 2 large milk cartons and a bal- loon. The members then covered it with papier mâché and the eyes, and The jaws eyebrows were sculpted open and out of this. close and a The whole head was then covered in thick PVA glue to make it scaly effect smooth. Some members then had a go at airbrushing it with was created paint. using fish net Janice and some Primus members helped decorate it with a stockings! long strip of cloth for the body. PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 2

Some Saturday Plus members enjoy making hand February 15th crafted cards and others have done some sewing Deborah has been making a hot-water bottle cover or altered garments. today. She says, “I am sewing a teddy bear’s face for the cover. It is brown with yellow eyes.” Members are currently busy painting bunting for the Jubilee celebrations. Members also have the Jamie has already knitted a baby's pink dress. He opportunity to be accompanied to the nearby says, “With the help of Janice I made a pink and yel- market or to attend events at the Town Hall or low flower and a purple and white one and sewed Plaza. Learning support is available for those who them on the dress.” want to improve their literacy skills. Jennifer is making a dragon hand puppet, “I am sewing it together. The colours are green, yellow and Either Sonya or Ann cook a lovely lunch. In the orange. It is all going to be sewn by hand. It has got afternoons some like to play board games or bright eyes. It's nice to Bingo. make something good to take home.” Jester the parrot occasionally visits. “He’s a real charmer” says John. Heidi is also making a pup- pet, She says "It is green Volunteers make an enormous contribution and with yellow and orange and support members in a range of activities as well beautiful blue eyes with se- as helping the staff. quins down its back.”

Dragon hand puppet Paul appreciates the help he gets from volun- February 29th teers and staff Jennifer, “Today I am finishing my dragon puppet.”

Adele and Lucy are currently on placement. Heidi is continuing with hers...”I will think of a name for it when it is finished.” Anupa says “The volunteers are brilliant friends.”

Mary T thinks, “The Saturday sessions are su- Deborah “My hot-water bottle per. The staff are excellent– always.” cover is nearly finished. I am looking forward to using it.” Carol A says, “I like doing different things. Ann does some quite exotic dishes with us (in cook- March 14th ing) that you couldn’t buy in the shops.” Susan W ‘”I finished my hot- water bottle cover. I am giving it to Peggy.” Sewing with Janice February 8th-April 18th 2012 Anupa “I finished my jewel- lery roll today. It was my idea Janice is a volunteer who runs a sewing group to do it and Janice helped. It has red hearts and blue for Primus members on Wednesdays. stars on it with a green base. It is patterned on the outside.” Here is a diary of these activities. Jennifer, “I am now making a tea-cosy. It is pink.” February 8th Today Sue began tacking the waistcoat which March 28th she is making. She started sewing it on the ma- Janice says, that today, “They all worked very hard chine. She is enjoying the sessions and says, “I and they’ve learnt a lot. They all do neat stitching.” can wear it when it is finished. It’s also reversible. Heidi, Jennifer and Susan are making tea-cosies. One side has flowers and the other is burgundy.” th PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12 . EDITION May 2012 3

Anupa is making a bag Heidi says” My mat is holder for her walking now a Spring mat. frame. Sue C. says. “I Karen-Louise likes the am making a Marilyn bunny’s tail. Janice Monroe costume for cut a circle out of felt Drama. I can’t wait to and cut slits all finish it and put it on. around it. But I got it The drama is called ‘A tangled. Janice says Night at the Movies.’ I that it actually looks started with a long piece better because of the of cloth and cut it into 4. tangles. I like doing We gathered it at the things to make my shoulders and under the flat nice.” bust. It’s going to look very glamorous.“ Jennifer says, ”I’m mak- April 4th, ing a blue beach bag Jennifer “Today I’m sewing ‘tea-time’ onto my tea with decorations on it. -cosy. I am enjoying this activity.” I’ve got a green fish, an Heidi “I am making an Easter mat. I am working orange sea-horse and a hard at putting on the Easter bunny.” yellow starfish. On the Susan “I am sewing a tea-pot by hand onto my other side it will say tea-cosy. I like sewing with Janice.” ‘Holiday’. I enjoy sewing Anupa “I am sewing the letter ‘A’ on to the bag. and I like the company.” This is to hang from my walking frame.” Jamie is now making a bed cover for a friend’s birthday. It’s going to be Jamie ”I am doing knit- blue with an orange teddy on it. Jamie is knitting ting . I have lots of the teddy to sew on later. wool. I’m knitting socks for my footballer.” DID YOU KNOW? Janice, our sewing Deborah “I have nearly fin- teacher was asked to do ished my hot-water bottle the embroidery on the cover. I am sewing the face curtains for the four- onto the cat. The ears are al- poster bed at Staircase ready sewn on.” House in the Jacobean style and design. Be Anupa is repairing her hand- sure, if you visit to have bag today. She says, “ The lin- a good look at her work. ing came undone and it ripped. I had trouble Drama finding my mobile phone. I by Hilary was going to get a new bag from Matalan and then Hilary accompanies Paula, Wendy and I thought, why don’t I re- Delores to drama every week. Alison and pair it? I brought it to Mark from Primus also go to the class which is Janice and she said this run by ’The Big Umbrella Theatre Company’ in was something I could do Romiley. Here are the reports on three sessions. myself. I have pinned it to- February 7th gether and am sewing it We carried on with the play ‘Lilian’ which will be with small stitches.” performed at the Romiley Forum in the summer.

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Wendy says, “The group I was in described the The allotment different sounds Lilian would have heard.” April 20th, 2012 Delores says, “Today we decided who would be in by Philip and Hilary Lilian’s family and also their names. In one of the Primus members go to work on the allotment in scenes I am going to be best friends with Susan Woodbank Park on Friday mornings. Today and in another scene I am going to be someone's Hilary , Carla (a student) Philip, Colin and wife”. Janice went to Hilary writes, ‘Today we made very good progress do some gardening with our play ‘Lilian’. The different members of the up there. group are putting their names forward for various Philip says,“ We parts. We have now decided the names and ages had a tidying up of Lilian’s family and friends. Each scene requires session, putting all different music sounds and props so Sarah will the plant pots in write down all the things we need. Today’s session size order (a few was more of a discussion but it was fun thinking spiders came out about how Lilian lived in her earlier life.’ The greenhouse of those!). I wa- tered the indoor flowers and planted marigold February 28th, seeds in separate pots. We were inside the huge The group are also presenting a version of ‘Strictly greenhouse which is covered in plastic sheeting. Come Dancing’ at their show in the summer. It rained very hard while we were inside and we Delores says,” I am in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. I had to dodge the drips as there were holes in the dance with Margaret and my name is going to be plastic.” Dolly Daydream.” Wendy says, “I danced with Louise. My name is Carla says, “It was Annette Curtain! I enjoy dancing.” great fun and it was Paula says, “I am dancing with Hilary. My name is the first time I had Rose Garden and Hilary is Arthur Sleep. We aren’t planted seeds. I en- going to tell you joyed talking to the the results as that members.” would spoil the surprise.” Hilary says, “It was Alison says, “I nice to go to the allotment again now that the am one of the weather has improved. We planted the seeds and nasty judges. The watered the beds.” dancers will have to work very hard Primus Members ‘Out and About’ to get a good Paula, Alison, Mark and Delores mark off me! rehearsing for the drama. (Paula is As usual Primus members have been out on vari- I ‘m not saying rocking the baby). ous trips including lunches, local shops and a what my name garden centre. There are plans to go further is. You will have afield as the weather improves. to come to the The Rudyard Carvery show to find January 30th, 2012 out!” On January 30th a group went to the Rudyard by

Ring and Ride. John D, Emma, Natalie, Edith, April 24th, John S, Helen and Paul were accompanied by Delores says, Sonya and Melissa. ”Today at drama Helen thought the carvery was ‘fantastic’ and we rehearsed our play ‘Lilian’. We did the scene at John D enjoyed ‘ a good chat with friends’. the railway station. I am on my way to my office Natalie had a lovely meal of gammon with pota- job and waiting patiently for the train.” toes and carrots. She ‘loved the surroundings and

chatting with my friends.’ PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 5

Shopping I had a coke. The by Julie McG food was a carvery February 1st, 2012 meal and I had chicken and gam- Julie McG, Emma, and Karen-Louise went mon. We had a shopping in Stockport for the afternoon. lovely time. The Julie writes, ‘I have been out today with Karen meal was delicious and Emma. I went to the Pound Shop and stroked and the lady at this pub was very a dog outside. Both Emma and me bought choco- Nicky having fun late. We went down Princes Street and saw some helpful. budgie cages which were enormous! At the charity shop I bought some of my favourite books by Mills and Boon. I had a cup of coffee at Coffee Island. I Relatives and Carers’ Lunches enjoyed my afternoon out.’ March 12th-16th 2012

A visit to Stockport Market During the week before Mothers’ Day Primus March 2nd ,2012 members had the opportunity to invite a relative, friend or carer to a special lunch. The therapy On Friday March 2nd, Janice, Shona, Susan W, room was beautifully decorated beforehand. Julie Mc.G, Maura, Colin, Chris and Carol B went to Stockport Market with Karen-Louise, Pat, Jane, Liz and Sonia (the cook) organised and Yuta (a Japanese student). They looked the event which took place on each day from around the outside first and Julie was lucky March 12th -16th. Jane made a lovely job of enough to find several medical drama books. After decorating the tables looking round the inside market, everyone went to with yellow and gold Castle Yard café for a drink. Yuta was told that paper and Liz went there used to be a castle here and he was encour- out to buy plants aged to visit the ‘Air Raid Shelters’ before returning and flowers. The to Tokyo. therapy room was All the members enjoyed this trip. Janice says, “It dressed up to give a was nice to get out with friends.” Spring feel with Getting the meals ready and she especially liked looking at the books. Spring bunting made Carol B spent a long time looking for a model of by some of the Lewis Hamilton. She also bought a nice top. members. Susan got a few things from a charity shop and The Menu when she got back to the centre Pat borrowed a top which she had bought . Yuta enjoyed chatting Chicken and bacon portim in the café and comparing things in Tokyo. Shona Roast potatoes bought some colouring books. Carrots and sprouts Mushroom and onion sauce or rich gravy Puss in Boots by Julie B Hot chocolate fudge cake and cream February 1st, 2012 Coffee and mints I went with Nicky, David and Robert to the ‘Puss in Sonia cooked the vegetables as well as lunch for Boots’. Jane and Melissa the other members who were in Primus that day. came with us. The trans- Pat made the chicken and bacon sauce. After lunch all the relatives and carers were presented port was a Ring and Ride bus. We went to the bar with a potted plant or a bunch of flowers. All the first to get a drink. guests thought it is was a wonderful idea and Robert at the Puss in Boots hoped it could happen on a more regular basis. th PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12 . EDITION May 2012 6 The members who invited a guest were:- “Each time I blew it out it kept reigniting itself. Natalie, Janice, Wendy, Philip, Chris, Alison, We all had a laugh and had lots of photos taken.” Emma, Susan, John, Angela, Steve, Carol B, Carol A, Colin, Anupa, Shamin and Julie B.

On March 6th Angela, Rose, Gladys and Mau- rice, went to Wetherspoons with Ann and Pe- ter. Rose says, “ I enjoyed my fish, chips and peas. It was a bit much as I don’t have a big ap- petite”. Angela thought it was “nice and the Steve with his wife and daughter Lisa staff were friendly. Gladys had us all in stitches!” Maurice thought the best bit of the whole trip was the company. And on March 15th Harry, Emma, Rose, Peter and Ann also went for a meal and a drink. Gladys says, “I liked being sociable” Rose wasn’t keen on the ham—”Next time I’ll have the fish. I liked getting together with every- one.” Carol A took a group of friends round to Weth- erspoons with Norma, and Pat, on April 12th. There was Gillian, Gladys, Mary S, Ron and Peggy and Sue enjoy dessert Carol B. Everyone had a great meal. Several of us enjoyed the Curry Club Deal which was on that day and proved to be great value for money.

A visit to Woodford Park Garden Centre by Philip March 21st, 2012

On Wednesday March 21st a group from Primus went by Ring and Ride to Woodford Park Garden Centre. There was Gillian, Ann, Peter, Deb- orah, Emma, Angela, Alison, Anupa and my- Liz serves Janice and Beryl self. After lunch we went in groups to look around the Wetherspoons centre. Emma bought some sweets at the ‘Pick March 1st, 6th, 15th and April 12th. and Mix’ counter. Then we saw some tropical fish. We looked at the ducks. There were some On March 1st Helen and a group of her friends beautiful red, white and blue flowers in a tub and (Steve, Joan, Lisa, Andie, John P, Shamin, it looked really good. There were also cups and Mary S) went to Wetherspoons with Norma and mugs with a jubilee theme. We also saw pansies Pat to celebrate her birthday. Helen had a great and lilies. time. After the meal she was given a cup cake with There were lots of pets to buy like canaries, a candle on it which she could not blow out. budgies , rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. There was a good book and card selection. Gillian enjoyed shopping and she says, ”The PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 7

Deborah says,” I liked walking round all the Etherow Park plants and flowers.” by Pat Angela says, “It was a nice day out. The meals March 29th, 2012 were good and it was a nice place to shop and On Thursday March 29th, Emma, Janice, Jane, pick up bits. ” Alison Paula and Shona went to Etherow Park, accompa- liked the fish in the big nied by Melissa and Pat. The group went on the pond and says, ”I liked free shuttle bus into Stockport and then caught a everything!” service bus to the park. Pat writes, ‘When we got to Etherow Park we went for a drink in the cafe but de- A Trip Around the cided we would look for a bench to eat our lunch. block! Lunch was pretty much impossible to enjoy as the by Hilary Canada geese March 26th, 2012 wanted to join us!

It was a lovely day so we decided to have a ride After lunch we gave round on the free shuttle bus! We got on one out- the ducks, swans and side Primus. We passed the Town Hall, Railway geese the scraps. All Station, the Bus Station, the Centre of Stockport, too soon it was time , past the side of , into the bus station to get back to the and back up the hill. A lot of people used the bus centre, but everyone getting on and off at the various stops. enjoyed it and the Ducks at Etherow Park The members (who were accompanied by Norma sun shone all day.’ and Hilary) thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had this to say... Janice says, “ I really enjoyed looking at the ducks John D, “I sat next to Helen and she told me and feeding them. It was fun!” about the places as we went past.” Jane says, “I enjoyed my picnic and I liked the Helen, “I enjoyed the trip and sat next to John.” ducks. They made me laugh!” Emma “I enjoyed going out on the bus.” Alison, “I sat next to Hilary. We saw the fun–fair A visit to the White Hart in Woodley next to Tesco.” April 2nd, 2012 Wendy, “I enjoyed my ride out. Quite a lot of people got on.” Primus members have started to go further afield Susan, “It was a sunny day and I had a bus ride. using public transport. The members who went on We got on outside Primus.” this visit used the shuttle bus and a service bus from the bus station to the White Hart.

Paula, Susan W, Wendy, John D, were accompa- Do you remember?? nied by Hilary and Peter (who is a volunteer).

Susan enjoyed the ride on the bus and had Three years ago Primus members successfully lob- scampi, chips and peas. Paula says,” I had a good bied to get the Shuttle Bus re-routed so that it meal of steak and chips. I enjoyed talking to every- came past Primus. Members use the service a lot one.” to get out and about round Stockport. Wendy says,” For my dinner I had a chicken bur- ger and chips with orange juice. We caught the free bus across the road then a bus from the bus sta- tion.” John D enjoyed the ride out and had sausage and mash washed down with a half of lager shandy.

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A trip to the Palace Theatre A trip to the Portland Basin by Linda by Maura April 12th, 2012 April 19th, 2012

On Thursday April I went to the Palace Theatre th in to watch ‘The 19 a group from Phantom of the Opera’. I went Primus visited the with Andrea my support Portland Basin. worker. We went by taxi. John Myself, Gladys, Owen-Jones was the Phantom Angela, Harry and Shona were accom- and Katie Hall was Christine. Harry and Maura on the panied by Peter A, Victorian Street I really enjoyed the show. My favourite song was Jane and Karen - ‘Christine, Christine.’ The costumes were lovely. I Louise. tried to sing to all of the songs. If I didn’t know the words I sang ‘la, la, la.’ We travelled on a I was late getting home. It was 10:45 when I got Ring and Ride bus. into bed. We enjoyed looking A Trip to Blackpool round the museum. by Gladys There is a street set out with shops, April 11th, 2012 Dressing up houses, a school and a I went to Blackpool by car with my friends San- church as it was in Victorian times. dra and Tracey. I had a roast beef meal and enjoyed that very We could try on some Victorian much. I went on the pier costumes. There was a Victorian and into plenty of shops. school room and Karen-Louise pre- It was dry and sunny but tended to be a teacher. Primus windy. provided us with a buffet lunch I won £20 on the slot ma- which we ate in the café . chines. I had an enjoyable day and can’t wait to go Shona says”, I enjoyed trying the Gladys again! hats on.”

Angela says,” Thanks to Pat for organising the My days out with Hallfield Guest House. trip and the buffet.” by Carol B March 2012 A visit to Cheadle Mosque by Mary S and Ann Me, Dan and Joe went to Bruntwood Park by bus and had dinner outside. I had a cheese, ham April 19th, 2012 and pineapple toastie. We then had a walk around the park. On Thursday April 19th a group from Disability Stockport visited Cheadle Mosque and Community Then it was time to wait for the bus so we sat on Centre. From Primus there was myself and a bench. We saw an enormous aeroplane go Shamin with Ann. John and Maggie, two trus- over. Then we arrived back at the guest house. tees and Kieran and his wife Bev were also there.

On another day we went to the Rectory Pub. Me We took our shoes off as we entered the mosque and Sarah had our dinner ‘al fresco’ outside; Kath and went to wash our hands. The mosque used to and Wendy stayed in. Me and Sarah had scampi be a United Reformed Church. followed by profiteroles and I took some photos. At times up to 1,000 Moslems worship and pray there now! PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 9

Before prayers Cooking with Primus members we were told January 30th-April 18th, 2102 how the mosque and At Primus the members are fortunate to have a centre have fully adapted and accessible life-skills kitchen in grown over the which to cook. There is also range of adapted last 10 years. kitchen tools (including knives) and members re- Community links ceive as much support as they require to produce are very strong something delicious which they can then take and there are ongoing projects with Stockport home. schools. They have run courses for primary school head teachers. Week beginning 30th, January Some members made a double chocolate cake We were given a talk about Islam with reference while others made a beef stew with dumplings to culture, religious beliefs and tradition. Shamin with Liz. Hilary’s group made sweet and sour says, “ They explained everything to me about pork. Steve says,” I do enjoy baking and my fam- our past and the Koran. It was my first visit to ily enjoy eating it.” this mosque and I wish I could go again. They Gillian says, “ I enjoyed cooking. I did sweet were lovely people and made me feel comfort- and sour pork with mushrooms, peppers and able.” sweetcorn. I will eat this for my tea.” Emma says, “ I chopped the ingredients up my- The 5 pillars self.” (beliefs) of Islam were explained Week beginning February 6th, simply as well as During the week members had the chance to the importance of make pineapple drizzle cake, chunky vegetable ritual washing. and bacon soup, lasagne or lemon tart. They delayed the John P who made lasagne with Liz says,” We ‘call to prayer’ es- learnt as we went along but I’m looking forward pecially for us. We then quietly observed their to eating it.” prayer time. Moslems pray 5 times a day and Sue C made soup with Hilary and says,” I love face Mecca. cooking.”

I personally felt very included rather than just Week beginning 13th, February being a spectator. I was amazed at how much Members had the chance to cook corned beef the Cheadle Moslem Association did for the wider hash (with dumplings), cornflake tart, hot pot, community. sausage casserole and cottage pie. Jennifer says,” I’ve never made cornflake tart I was interested to know that they meet regularly and I'm taking it home to share around.” with councillors and other community leaders. Paul says, “I like joining in with everyone else.” They work with Manchester Police looking at a non-confrontational response to crime. I found Week beginning February 20th, out that the sermons are preached in English be- PANCAKES!! cause of the ‘melting pot’ of cultures in the area. It was pancake day on Tuesday 21st February. Pat and Liz set up the kitchen as the activity There are Moslems from Bangladesh, Pakistan, was offered to all members who were in and they Africa and . made pancakes in small groups. Liz describes the activity as ”Hilarious with pan- We were invited for refreshments and further dis- cakes flying through the air.” (Some landed on cussions after the time of prayer. Our hosts went the floor!). She says, ”It was a great sense of out of their way to be gracious to us. achievement when the pancakes landed back in the pan. Anupa’s never laughed so much!”

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role. I peeled and chopped all the veg. myself”. There was a choice of Liz’s Thursday class made cheese and onion toppings but lemon and pie. John P says, ”We were very industrious!” sugar was the most popu- lar. Lots of members ate Week beginning their pancake straight April 2nd away; others took them This week the mem- home. bers and staff made cakes for the cake stall at the Primus Coffee morning to raise funds for ShelterBox. April 12th Making buns Liz made a pork casserole with dumplings to- day. Gladys says," I enjoy cooking in the life skills kitchen with Liz.” Friday April 13th Today members cooked ‘pork and apple casse- role’ with stuffing with Liz. Shona says, ”I en- Great style Steve! Steady Natalie! joyed cooking and I liked drying the pots and Sonia the cook also served up pancakes with vari- helping clear up afterwards.” ous toppings for lunch. The other cooking activities this week were bacon chunky soup, chicken, leek and finally... and onion pie and fruit scones. Emma says” I made a chunky soup with lentils, Wednesday April 18th bacon, celery, carrots, peppers and onions. I will Alison, Gillian, Maurice and Sue C cooked have some bread with it.” ‘sweet and sour gammon’ with Hilary. Sue C says,” I put mushrooms, onions and gam- Week beginning February 27th mon into a sweet and sour sauce. I will have this This week members made shepherd’s pie, chilli, for my tea.” sausage casserole or cheese scones. Paul sums up the ‘cooking’ experience at Week beginning March 5th Primus...”I love cooking at Primus especially On offer this week was Bakewell tart, sweet and savoury dishes. I get excited just being in the sour pork, cheese scones and buns. members’ kitchen. It gets steamed up and I Angela who made scones says,” I will share these know something tasty is coming out at the end. I with my family and enjoy them with butter.” like a mixture of simple and complicated dishes.”

March 12th-16th was a week of special lunches put on Craft Days for relatives and carers by Primus (see pages 5 and 6)

Week beginning March 26th by Peter Jane helped members to make ’Ham, broccoli and cheese bake’ Emma says, "I enjoyed making this. Members have continued to enjoy some chal- I loved putting all the ingredients together myself.” lenging craft days with Peter. In this class mem- Tuesday’s group ,made a coconut loaf cake with bers have the opportunity to try out some more Liz. Jennifer says, "I have really enjoyed making advanced craft techniques. this cake and my mum and I will enjoy eating it!” Robert gave it the ’thumbs up!’ January Mary, Carol A, Gillian and Anupa practised On Wednesday Hilary made a beef casserole with making folded paper flowers ready for the desk members. calendars which we made in February. Susan W says, “I enjoyed making a beef casse- th PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12 . EDITION May 2012 11

February Craft day started with a Movement to Music quick re-cap on how to make the folded flowers Primus members enjoy their chair exercise class and we soon had enough with Mike on Tuesdays in the therapy room. The to create our desk calen- session is basically exercising to music and the ex- dars. Like most craft days ercises are beneficial especially to people who it was fiddly requiring lots Gillian’s desk calendar have any painful joints or whose co-ordination is of patience and some poor. Mike chooses music which members can sing dexterity. The calendars were made by folding and along to. gluing squares of paper to create the flowers and folding a piece of card to hold them and the date At the end the members play games which are de- calendar. Norma W was a great help to the mem- signed to improve balance as well as being great bers and Carol A donated the buttons we used. fun.

March Deborah says,” I did This session was used to exercises to music make beautiful bunting for today with Mike. I the ‘The Relatives and Car- really enjoy doing ers’ lunches’. We used this with my friends. pastel colours and a vari- I have a good time ety of embellishments. Beautiful Bunting and it keeps me fit.”

April Jennifer says,” It’s relaxing and the music isn’t too loud.” We made memory books on the theme of ‘Home’ David likes it when Mike does some Tai Chi with the members. He likes seeing his friends.

Neil says, “It’s brilliant. I always look forward to Tuesday and doing Movement to Music.” John Scully was introduced to jigsaw puzzles and amazed Julie B says, “I did gentle exercises with Mike. I himself by completing these enjoy doing this. He plays the song, ‘When ‘I’m three. Now for ones with more cleaning windows’ and we pretend to clean the pieces! Having not done jig- windows in time to the music.” saws before, this was a great start. Playing the Guitar John with his jigsaws by Alison February 28th, 2012

Music! I have borrowed Karen-Louise’s guitar and am en- by Sonya joying playing. Karen-Louise writes, ‘ Alison loves to sing along February 20th, 2012 to the ‘Ballad of Matty Groves’ so I asked her if On Monday afternoons we have started having a she wanted to learn to play it. She is learning the ‘Music half hour’ with Jane and myself. We play chords Am, C, G, D, and E. She is quite good and musical instruments and sing in a group. Wendy, her fingers make good chord shapes but she has Susan, Paula, John D and Shamin enjoy it. Us- to watch which fret she’s on!’ ing a CD we have sung and accompanied music from ‘Oliver!’ th PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12 . EDITION May 2012 12

saw ourselves. I found it very interesting and Creative Art Workshop cannot wait to see how the lessons evolve and by Jane what I will learn about myself’ Some of the pictures which members of the group have Friendships produced can be seen on our website: www.disabilitystockport.org.uk or on Facebook Happy If you happen

to pop your head into the craft room on a Thursday ...and a new Yoga class!

afternoon you'll find Art Therapist Yvonne Porter having enormous fun CHAIR YOGA with the members in her Creative Art The class is run by Jane a Yoga teacher and workshop. started on April 26th. It is every Thursday at 10:30 Yvonne is an inspiration to our members enabling them to produce some amazing , imaginative works of art. Yvonne works with colours as an expression of our feeling through art with some fantastic

results. I would strongly recommend all members

to join in Yvonne’s class where you will

find yourself, through your feelings and

maybe even your own inner Picasso!

Sad Yvonne says, “We all have our own favourite col- ours. Colours tell Jane says,” it is 45 minutes of gentle exercise people who you are and relaxation to promote well being in mind and all about your and body. It is suitable for both men and unique personality. women and you should wear loose comfortable And this is what clothing. It is suitable for most people, even we will be doing—a celebration of YOU. So with mobility problems although some upper- this will be a fun afternoon. Please join me. I body mobility is helpful.” look forward to meeting you.” Yoga by Carol B April 13th, 2012 Gillian writes, “Today I joined in the new creative Yoga is relaxing, Jane told us to imagine a art workshop at Primus. We began by putting beautiful place. I thought of a garden where you down the colours which we like on paper. We were could hear the birds sing. I could smell a lovely then told that each colour reflected the moods we fragrance and I saw different colours and shades were in and why we had chosen them . We were -lilac, purple and yellow. asked to draw and colour a face to show how we th PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12 . EDITION May 2012 13

Volunteers and Students on placement Barry Smith

Japanese Students on placement I was first introduced to the Primus Club in 2007. by Yogo Semmaru I originally volunteered at Pontin’s in Blackpool Japan Centre at the university of Manchester has (in the 70’s) as well as helping with the blind at been sending a number of Japanese work place- Hazel Grove, Cheadle Adult Centre, Newbridge ment students to Disability Stockport for several A.R.C.H.E.R.S. and the Javelin Club. years. Every Tuesday I attend Primus and take part in the exercise class (‘Movement to Music’). Mike is The students come to study English in the Univer- the professional and directs us in the correct way sity Language Centre and being able to communi- with the music, laughter and games. Time goes cate with people outside the classroom after the quickly. Chess course gives them the confidence and boosts their is one of my English skills. favourite pas- times. I They say the staff and the people they worked thoroughly en- with were very friendly, and the experience was joy playing the invaluable. They were involved in a wide range of game with tasks, such as helping in craft and cookery work- Neil, especially shops, serving tea and coffee to the members, when I take off his Queen — teaching origami (the traditional Japanese art of Barry and Neil enjoy a game of chess paper folding) and other Japanese cultural skills. followed by his repeated statement—”That’s a blow!” I have to Asumi Kobayashi from Seikei University ,Tokyo laugh! He’s a real good friend of mine. I enjoy who participated in the English with Work Place- every Tuesday and I can’t wait for the next one! ment programme in Spring 2011 says, “Disability Natalie Stockport was a warm and cheerful workplace, I’ve enjoyed my time here getting to know the where staff and members are very close. I enjoyed members. I especially enjoyed going to the allot- the communication there. The staff were very ment with Hilary. My self-confidence has grown caring and always talked to me. It gave me and I have many happy memories of being on confidence and also improved my English listening placement. I’d like to come back. and speaking skills. We hope to keep sending our Amana Shaheen students to Disability Stockport!” Jade Platt I’m studying at Xaverian College and came to Pri- mus on a work placement. I have been focussing My time at Primus Plus has helped me to under- on the specific needs of service users. While at stand disabilities better. I got to know the mem- Primus I’ve learned that I can communicate well bers well. I’ve enjoyed doing activities with them, especially with service users who have a commu- and having a laugh. I hope Melissa will let me nication problem. come back to visit everyone. It’s been an enjoyable experience. I hope to have Emma Jones a career related to caring such as becoming a nursery teacher. My name’s Emma Jones and I’m a volunteer at Pri- Susan Oliver mus Plus. I started last June after I left the Hu- man Resources department at Sainsbury’s , I am studying at Hull College on an apprentice- Cheadle Royal. ship. I chose to come to Primus as working with I spend time chatting to the members, playing disabled people is one of my career choices. I’ve board games (especially dominoes!), helping with been helping members to cook and to do art and craft activities and I also help with I.T. craft. I have tried to talk to most of the It’s been really good to meet up with old friends members. It’s been a great experience and it’s from Bethesda School. helped me to realise I want to work with disabled Its Gr8 to be part of Disability Stockport! people. th PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12 . EDITION May 2012 17

This month Angie Farrell features in our My Week by Robert Smith series I work in a café on Monday, Wednesday and Fri- Upstairs, Downstairs day with Jamie and Ashley. My name is Angie Farrell and I am the User-Led Or- ganisation (ULO) Development Co-ordinator with On Monday I washed and scrubbed 7 jacket po- Breakthrough UK Right to Control, Centre for Inde- tatoes, wrapped them in tin foil and put them on pendent Living (RtC CIL). a tray. Ashley made a tuna mayonnaise filling. I checked the tall fridge and wrote down the tem- My role is to work with User-Led Organisations to perature. I then checked the fridge which dis- support and develop their services and polices. To plays cakes and the store room fridge and chest encourage them to set up a Centre for Independent freezer. In the afternoon when the pots had been Living, in line with the Rights to Control Agenda I through the dishwasher we put the plates, bowls will be working as an Outreach Worker in the five and cutlery away, including the sharp knives. Local Authorities which are involved in the Right to Control pilots. On Wednesday I washed and scrubbed 10 jacket potatoes and wrapped them in foil but today Although based at Breakthrough’s Office in Ardwick Richard helped load the dishwasher and put I’ll be out and about meeting and supporting User- things away. I checked the fridges and freezer led Organisations throughout the 5 areas which are again. Manchester, , Stockport, and Bury. On Friday I only had 3 jacket potatoes to prepare One of my first tasks is to produce a database of all and Caroline helped with washing the pots and the ULOs currently up and running in these areas putting them away. and to make contact with them to offer any support I may be able to provide in developing their organi- On Saturday I changed my bed and went on my sations. laptop using Internet Explorer. I did a crossword in my exercise book. I had beans on toast, a I am based at Disability Stockport on Wednesdays. Muller light yoghurt and orange juice for lunch. A new lad Neil came to our bungalow to take me swimming from 1:45-4:45. We went to Grand The Gym Central by bus from Hazel Grove. I swam 16 lengths. We showered and changed afterwards Every Thursday afternoon a group of Primus mem- and walked to the Costa Coffee shop in Stockport bers head off in Alan’s taxi to go to the gym at the where I had a scone and hot chocolate. Then we Seashells Trust. Anupa, Ron, Shamin, Robert, got the bus back. Helen, Jamie and Mary S go regularly and all these members are making great progress. Later with Chris, Dave and Faye, I had a Chinese Melissa and Alan support the group and Heather take away— sweet and sour chicken with pepper is available to give advice and to increase our per- and pineapple with rice, prawn crackers and a sonal targets where necessary. diet coke, followed by sticky toffee pudding. I got into my pyjamas and watched some recorded TV Anupa says,” I go on the treadmill, exercise bike, programmes—East Enders, Coronation Street, the leg press and the rowing machine. I love going and Emmerdale. I had an Options Belgian hot to the gym, because it has made my legs a lot chocolate drink. stronger.” On Sunday Chris and I went to Poplar House in Helen has noticed a great improvement in her bal- Hazel Grove and to the resource centre in Offer- ance. She says,” Since going to the Gym I haven’t ton to get the rota-sheets. When we got back to hit the deck so often!” the bungalow we had hot beef Cornish pasties for lunch and a fat free yoghurt. I watched Wa- terloo Road and some other TV programmes I had recorded. th PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12 . EDITION May 2012 18

Family News... How we travel to Primus

Gladys. At the end of March we conducted a survey to I have now got 11 great grandchildren. There find out how members travelled to Primus. 36 has been a new addition! My grandson and his members were interviewed. Of those 36... wife had a baby daughter, Alexis Jade, born 3 weeks ago. I have seen her. She is beautiful. 7 came in Alan's taxi They have another daughter Fern who is 3. They 3 came privately will be coming to see me next week-end. 14 came on SK Solutions blue bus 7 came in cars, driven by a family member Hilary 1 came sometimes on her scooter My granddaughter Adiana, aged 6 knows what 1 came on a public service bus she would like to do when she leaves school. She 1 came on an Easy Go bus wants to be a tooth fairy and will make sure that 3 came on a Ring and Ride bus. all the children are given money. She would also like to be a mermaid. Members were also invited to make a comment if they wanted to . Anupa who comes in Alan’s Norma taxi says,” I am picked up on time. But if Alan is Caitlin (Norma’s granddaughter) now ‘rules the going to be late he will ring me up beforehand. roost.’ She has a new habit. If she doesn’t want He is brilliant.” to do something she stands with her arms folded John P confirmed this. “Alan is a great taxi- and pulls a face. driver. He comes on time and if he can’t be he Caitlin was a premature will inform you!” baby and the family were told that it would take time Alan wrote this for her to catch up and for the newsletter. she would be under the Hi My name is hospital until she was 7. Alan and I’m the She has been discharged already! She is so inde- taxi driver for Pri- pendent. She plays football, goes to the park. mus Plus. I have You can’t push her high enough on the swings been at Primus for and she loves the big slide. She loves ‘Fireman 13 years and find Sam’ . One day when we were coming down the the job very stairs and I was in front of her she suddenly rewarding, having made some good friends. I shouted out, “Don't worry Grandma. I rescue take members to the gym on Thursdays and to you.” She then went flying past me on her the allotment on Fridays. At the gym I mainly tummy shouting, “ I’m fireman, I saving you.” look after Shamin and Anupa, but I also keep an eye on Kev, Jamie and Robert. I take members Liz to drama on Tuesday. I take members on trips The puppies Kenzie, such as to Blackpool, and the Manchester Christ- Sophie and Honey Bee mas markets etc. are now 6 months old. Neil travels with SK Solutions. Ian is the They are cute and full of usual driver. Neil says,” Ian is very good with mischief. Kenzie (on the everyone. I enjoy my ride on the bus.” left) is the image of her Maura (who lives in Offerton) says, “Ian is really Mum and Honey Bee is helpful.” like her dad. They are dainty and eat loads. They Andie writes, ‘It’s a good service. If Ian is off run like whippets! I am really proud of them all. we sometimes have difficulties with the transport They are turning out to be well–balanced and not turning up on time but this hasn’t happened sociable dogs. I will bring them to the centre for a long time.’ again soon for lots of hugs and strokes. Helen sometimes comes on her scooter to Pri- mus, which gives her greater independence. PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 19

Ian wrote this for the newsletter... Easter Bonnets ‘Hello. I’m Ian. I drive the main minibus used by Pri- by Jane mus. It’s the busiest bus in the small fleet of 13. The passenger list changes every day and there are always Hats off to all the members who got creative 2 trips in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. in the craft room and produced a delightful My regular passengers are Kevin, Sue W, Heidi, John, Alison, April, Linda, Helen, Carol, Neil, Nicky, Jennifer, display of Easter bonnets on the tiled wall. Debbie, Andie, Paul, Maura, Sue and Gladys. I take Janice and Jennifer should be very proud some members to Hallfield when they are in respite runners up with their beautiful bonnets and a care. The Primus bus mainly covers Offerton, , huge WELL DONE to Joanne who wooed the Woodley and Romiley areas but on some days it also voters with the goes to , and Cheadle Hulme. winning bonnet It’s a friendly , happy bus and we all get on well to- adorned with gether. I enjoy driving the Primus bus and think Primus eggs, chicks Club is the best in Stockport.’ and feathers. All the mem- 3 members come by ‘Ring and Ride’. Harry says, “ I’s a bers used their good service and I know most of the drivers.” There own skills and have been some problems with the way journeys are imagination to produce some beautiful , scheduled however. colourful, CRACKIN’ Easter Bonnets.

Alison (From Easy Go ) wrote this for the newsletter...

We say goodbye to Graham Barlow who was Easy Go Travel has now existed for over thirty the deputy manager at Primus. He retired on years. It was first started due to the lack of acces- March 31st and originally came to Disability sible transport for people with mobility problems in Stockport as a volunteer. Stockport who experienced difficulty accessing ex- isting transport options.

This was long before Ring and Ride existed, and when buses still had big steps and most taxis couldn’t take people with wheel chairs.

Easy Go started off with just one small converted van and a coach. There was no health and safety or specialist Midas training back then. There were no safety straps either, just a simple seat belt; that’s all the regulations required. Thankfully we Goodbye to Graham now have health and safety rules and all our driv- ers are fully first aid and Midas trained. We also Congratulations to Melissa, who has just been now have extensive safety equipment in all our appointed the new deputy manager... buses. Times have certainly moved on!

Easy Go is a registered charity. Stockport Commu- nity Transport was also a registered charity and was used for transporting clubs and larger groups. In 2009 Easy Go CT (Stockport) was formed, as a result of a merger between Easy Go Travel and Stockport Community Transport, thus providing flexible transport for individuals AND groups in and around Stockport. Easy Go has contracts with the N H S and schools, and also transports individual members who need to go for appointments, clubs and shopping etc .

PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 20 St George’s Day Me Writers’ corner by Mark Bexley by Norma April 23rd, 2012 At special school It just wasn’t cool Primus celebrated St George’s day by But I wasn’t a fool. decorating the main room in red and white flags. Lunch that day was roast My friends didn’t see beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, What made me ME. carrots and swede followed by apple pie You don’t when you’re five and custard. It’s enough to survive I felt on my own Pat and Jane put a 5 minute play Lost and alone. together about St George. Peter made a sword and we used the dragon’s head which Saturday Plus members had made. I had such regret Heidi, the princess wore a crown. Peter And got upset. (the dragon) went round the room scaring I felt left behind everyone and Jane galloped down the And my parents would find room to fetch St George, played by That the older I grew Alison. After a short fight the dragon fell The answers were few to the ground and everyone clapped and From the doctors who knew. cheered.

It was such a battle With problems to tackle As day by day Our website’s up and running!! I fought my way www.disabilitystockport.org.uk A challenge, my quest We also have a page on Facebook too. So why To achieve the best, not join us? Overcome the rest.

It’s a fun and easy way to stay connected to friends and family. If you are a Primus member And today I see Melissa can help or you can contact That what makes me ME

Are the things I CAN DO Fiona on 0161 480 7248 If you’ll let me win through or by e mail I work in a shop [email protected] It’s almost nonstop!

I paint, act in plays, Love to read on most days, Write poems in books, Take photos and cook, I’m not different PLEASE LOOK! PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 21

They have been there a long, long time so I Kieran’s blog continues daresay they cope with it. The last of their BANWY RIVER DIARY Dec 21 2006. leaves have fallen and there are now new vistas and panoramas visible. I can now see The last month has been wet and windy. that there is a small waterfall under the Each morning railway bridge on the opposite bank where Khush and I a brook falls 5 or 6 feet before it meets set out for an the main river. It has also opened up the ever-shorter view across the hills and fields and where walk in the it is not misty all the detail seems to come pitch black alive. darkness (no Last Friday Bev and I attended the local street lights Christmas meal at Henllan club, just across here!). It is equally dark when I return in the road and atop the hill opposite. Frank the evening, but hey-that’s winter for you. I and Liz our neighbours and former owners did discover the story behind the Muscovy of Caethle, Beryl the elderly widow who duck however, which I will relate later. lives across the main road, Tom the local The only break in the weather before yes- farmer, his sister Anne and his mum Evelyn terday came last week when the morning were all seated at the end of a huge table walk was lit by moonlight and stars. Beneath ready to demolish an excellent home- my feet, a hard frost had the effect of cooked dinner. making the grass rustle like parcel paper. In conversation I happened to mention Khush leapt up and down sniffing the crisply that I had seen on a rock in mid-stream, reserved smells of whatever night creatures the odd sight of a big fat Muscovy duck had passed through. for two days running. Tom looked across Although it was so dark I could not see the the table and said, “that was my duck”. ground below me, all through the field, the It seems a year or two ago he had bought moonlight picked out tiny beads of frost and some Muscovies for breeding but a fox had dew which produced a sparkle of natural got in the run and killed all but one-this Christmas lights. It seemed as if all the was ‘the lady’ I had seen on the river. She stars were out to light our way and made me had gone walkabout (Tom said she often think of the enormous distance their light joined wild ducks for short periods) and had travelled and what I was really seeing they eventually had to chase her off the was the stars as they were long ago when river with stones to get her back. He has the Earth was still in its pre-human stage. now clipped her wings so that she can no The next day was cold but glorious, blue and longer escape and keeps her penned away crisp. The water was crystal clear on the from the fox. river and I could almost hear the riverbank Needless to say, Tom was quite pleased his trees sigh with relief that the flood had fi- duck had made itself the subject of con- nally receded from their roots allowing them versation and mystery for me. Around here to breathe once more. I hadn’t realized how that is the equivalent of celebrity. much of the time they spend underwater. PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 22

My dog Jack My Job by Alison by Shona Jack is an eight year old Fox Terrier. He was born I now work at Bramhall Park in the café. I help to on a farm in Wales. He had 2 sisters and 4 broth- clear the tables and wash up. I enjoy a cup of ers. The children called all the puppies after break- coffee there. I work with nice people called Claire fast cereal. He was called Baby Weetabix. That is and Caroline. A taxi takes me there and back. what the children called him. He likes to sit on the arm of the sofa and looks out My Hobby for cats to chase in the garden. When my nephews by Julie B come round he likes to play ball with them. My Dad Julie has been takes him for 2 walks every day and when it snows knitting for a long he likes to run in it and is very playful. time. Her mum Alison has learnt to read and write in the last 14 started her off. months and she has written these herself using her She remembers new laptop. knitting scarves using lots of dif- Queen Victoria ferent colours. by Alison She’s also made jumpers for Victoria was born at Kensington Palace on 24th friends. Julie with one of her blankets May 1819. She had her own servant and she liked to look at books. Julie also knits wonderful blankets for babies which In the night of 1837 King William died. Victoria’s she then gives away. She has made over 40! They Mother came to wake her up and said, “You are are absolutely beautiful! She can make one in a now the Queen.” week! When she has knitted a blanket her Mum When Prince Albert saw Victoria it was love at first Terry crotchets the edges. Each blanket takes 2 sight. He was her German cousin. They got mar- balls of wool. ried at Westminster Abbey in 1840. They had 9 children, 4 boys and 5 girls. Respite care — Mill View When she became Queen there was one man she by Chris didn’t like—William Gladstone. There was a bag named after him. In 1861 at Windsor Castle, in the blue room, Prince I have been there for a week. I had lovely food. I Albert died of typhoid. She mourned him for 10 went ten pin with a group of friends. I years and was called the Black Widow. spent the evenings in my bedroom watching telly. She was Queen for 64 years and died in 1901 at I like all the soaps. One day I went out shopping in Osbourne House. She got buried at Windsor Marple and bought some magazines. Castle with Albert.

Fleeing Uganda by Anupa In the swim! When I was young we lived in Uganda. My father was very rich. He owned tea, coffee and sugar Colin one of our plantations and had his own helicopter. When we members has had to flee the country from President Amin we recently achieved only had £50. The High Commissioner came to us his 25m swimming and said we could go to live in Britain. I was only award. Well done! seven years old. My first impression of Britain was that it was dark and raining. We lived in Kent, then Norwich and then finally in Stockport. It was lovely to see my relations that already lived in Britain. PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 23

Do you write poetry? The new Adult Peer Support Group (APS) ‘Unique, Driven, Determined’ are doing a fund – raising project which involves a poetry anthology Meets at Disability Stockport every 3rd Monday of the same name. The poetry will be about hu- 7—9 pm man differences and how people deal with these challenges. This is an informal group which meets socially and discusses issues affecting disabled people. Sometimes All poems accepted will appear in the anthology there is a visiting speaker. The next three meeting due to be printed at the end of Summer/Autumn are on:- 2012. Monday May 21st Angie from Breakthrough UK Please keep poetry to no more than 40 lines. The talking about personal deadline for submission is 31st May, 2012 budgets. Monday June 18th

Please send material to Monday July 16th

Andy N at:- [email protected] Top Mark For Half Marathon! by Jane Proceeds will be donated to The Park Café, Bailey

Hall at Hyde (which gives work-based training to That’s top Mark—Mark Jones who has just raised a people with learning disabilities) and Pennine Inde- pendent Voice which offers help for people en- fantastic £255.75 for Primus. countering mental health issues. Mark, a further education teacher has recently Other news completed the Liverpool Half Marathon and Primus was his chosen charity. The fire alarm has been modified so that it Some of the members were lucky enough to meet shouldn’t go off when someone burns the toast. Mark when he came to present us with the We will be carrying out fire drills every month now, cheque along with his nephew, George Jones and rather than toast drills! his niece Annabel Jones and of course his sister Emma, who herself does some valuable voluntary work here at Primus. This Primus is a user-led organisation and is run was Mark’s by the members in conjunction first half with Disability Stockport. marathon and I’m sure he will con- Congratulations! tinue...maybe the The new Reps committee Marathon one day! for 2012-13 is: Mark presents the cheque Whatever the Mark Bexley, Philip Burgoine, Maura Clarke, John future holds I’m sure he’ll do well and I would like, Dean, Harry Holt, Shamin Hussain, John Platt, on behalf of all the staff, members, and volunteers Andie Ridgeway, Gillian Singleton, Susan Whitney. to congratulate Mark and say a huge THANK YOU for the kindness and generosity of his donation.

The reserves are Jane Adams and Jamie Lee. We encourage you to continue with the fantastic work that you do and hope to support you in the future. PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 24

Primus Coffee day This will enable us at Primus to know the exact by Jane location of ‘our’ box . We will be able follow it to April 5th ,2012 the town or village where it ends up, sheltering and helping a family in distress, wherever that disaster is . It’s in the box! A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AND WELL What's in the box DONE!! changes with the dis- aster it's being sent to but the picture shows the basic contents. It has even been used as a baby’s crib!

That’s right, we’ve finally held our first fundraising event for ShelterBox, our chosen charity—and what a fantastic day we had. With the help of all the staff and the generosity of the members, and Julie and the ShelterBox display their friends, families and carers we can proudly announce a grand total of At the coffee day there were handcrafted cards and jewellery boxes for sale. Carol had knitted some amazing chickens which were stuffed with a £405. 24 Cadbury’s crème egg. We ran a tombola and a raffle and there was a fabulous cake stall. Visitors An amazing amount for a few hours of fun for such could buy a hot-pot lunch and other refreshments. a worthy cause I think you’ll agree.

If anyone is unfamiliar with ShelterBox, we have an information display in the Therapy Room where you can read all about the fantastic work As well as the terrific donation made by that ShelterBox do for people all over the world where natural disaster strikes, causing homeless- Mark Jones , Primus would also like to ness, food shortages and devastation thank the members of Mary Rigby’s family and Michael Cope’s family who So , now we’ve raised the money, where does it go? gave donations to Primus in memory of Mary and Mike. The money will go Once we have donated the money to ShelterBox , towards the creation of a herb garden on it will go towards the contents of a box, with life- saving and survival equipment. That box will have the terrace. an exclusive number which ShelterBox will send to us. It will then be possible to track ‘our’ box by going to the ShelterBox website and putting our number in the tracking box. PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 25

Book Review Going Solo Knock, Knock. by Roald Dahl Who’s there? reviewed by Mark Bexley Egbert Egbert who? The book is about Ronald who joined the Egbert no bacon! air force and learned to fly a Spitfire in World War 2. In the story he recalls a fight he had with a cobra snake in Delhi What do you call a man with a car on his when he was a child. He later meets a head? salesman called Matthew Peterson. I Jack would recommend this book to children and young adults because the story is good and the illustrations are excellent. “Doctor, Doctor, I’m feeling really ill.” “What have you been eating?”

Jokes “Snooker balls.” These jokes were sent in by Primus members. “Well what did you have for breakfast?” Brian sent this... “15 reds.” A man walks in to a cake shop and sees something flying past the window. He “What did you have for lunch?” says to the shopkeeper, “Was that a cake “A white, a blue and a brown.” or a meringue ? The shopkeeper answers,

“Yeah, you’re right! “And for your tea?”

“A yellow, a black and a pink.” Alison contributed these.

Did I read the sign right? “That's it then ! You've not had enough

greens!” In a London department store.

BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

Notice in a health food shop.

CLOSED DUE TO STAFF ILLNESS

Philip wrote these... “Doctor, Doctor, I feel like a goat! “Stop acting like a kid.”

PRIMUS PLUS NEWSLETTER 12th. EDITION May 2012 26

Birthdays We say ‘Happy Birthday to: Thanks to.... May 5th Julie McGuiness  All the Primus members, staff, and 7th Delores Newton volunteers and the staff of Disability 13th Deborah Connolly Stockport for contributions to this 19th Philip Burgoine newsletter. 24th Paula Watkinson  Peter Ablett and Karen-Louise for the 26th Wendy Lawrie photos.

 Disability Stockport for permission to June 14th Carol Boyd produce this newsletter. 24th Heidi Kinsler 25th Maurice Downey  Disability Stockport for reproducing this newsletter. July 1st Chris Brocklehurst  Primus staff for distribution. 6th Natalie Reeve 10th Michael Pettiner Contributions for the next issue should 11th Pat Newton be in by Friday June 29th, 2012 please. 12th Kevin Nortier 18th Anupa Tanna 21st John Platt 28th April Alton Do you want to find out more 29th Susan Whitney about Primus? 31st Joanne Mellor

Phone 0161 474 8288 Dates for your Diary Monday May 21st Adult Peer Support Group or [email protected] (APS) 7-9pm at or visit our website at Disability Stockport. www.disabilitystockport.org.uk Speaker, Angie from

Breakthrough talking about personal budgets. and arrange a visit or taster day. Thursday May 24th Primus trip to Blackpool. Friday May 25th Hilary retires. Monday June 18th (APS) 7-9 pm at Disability Stockport. Everyone welcome. Do you know that... Friday July 6th Primus visit to the ‘Food and the library service visits Primus once a drink festival’ at Tatton month? Park. You can order books Monday July 16th (APS) 7-9 pm at DVD’s Disability Stockport. And talking books

Everyone welcome. Friday July 20th Primus trip to the Haydock Have a word with Norma!

Races. Thursday August 7th Disability Awareness Day Primus Open Day.