Telford and Wrekin Senior Citizens' Forum
Newsletter June 2010
Physical Activities
If you're at the age where your physical stamina is just not what it used to be, take heart. Despite misconceptions, older people can make changes in their activities that will improve physical strength and coordination.
Unfortunately, as our bodies age it is natural for us to lose some muscle mass and strength. However, you can have more control over the rate that your muscles age than you think. Loss of strength in older people probably results from lack of use as much as the aging process itself. Research in this area has led to the conclusion that most older people could receive considerable benefit from taking part in physical activities. And the best news is that now is a perfect time to start.
The Next Public Forum Meeting will be on Monday 19th July
We will meet at Oakengates Theatre (The Place) at 10am for 10.30am the theme will be “ Activities for You” . We have invited many local organisations to let you have a go at tai chi, line dancing, painting, wii, seated exercise, computing and community education courses. We will be using the library computer suite so that members who have no knowledge of computing can get to use a computer with someone to help them. We hope you will come along and find a new interest or a project for the winter months.
Before the meeting there will be tea or coffee and light refreshments will be provided afterwards. If you are over 55 and live in the Telford area you will be very welcome.
Computers for the Housebound Older Person
This project is now going ahead since we have been offered 10 second-hand laptops to allow the scheme to start. We expect to have these computers by the time that you read this newsletter.
We are now able to accept applications from older people who find it difficult to leave the house, who would like to investigate how a computer could help them. We will be offering tuition on email, internet and word processing together with the use of online facilities to allow people to chat.
If you would like the opportunity to borrow a computer which you can use for a few weeks to acquire computer skills with the help of a mentor please phone Anne-Marie on 01952 211410.
We will support members who would like to offer their services as mentors and would be very pleased to hear, particularly, from any lady members. If you would like to discuss this opportunity please phone Anne-Marie on 01952 211410.
Young Carers - Volunteering Opportunities
Would you like to get actively involved in doing something you will enjoy and find rewarding, by playing a small part in helping young people to have a better present and future life.
Telford Young Carers would like your help taking part in our youth club, activities and outings, using your many life skills and experiences to encourage and motivate young people and their families to join in and have fun.
There will also be opportunities to befriend families and support them with their many issues which revolve around the young people caring for a relative with an illness or disability.
If you think you can help us please get in touch, as we are always looking for new talents and ways to involve volunteers.
Phone: 01952 211419.
Email:
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TELFORD & WREKIN SENIOR CITIZENS PUBLIC FORUM
‘‘Keeping Yourself Safe’
Delyth Humphreys, Shropshire Fire & Rescue told us that the 5 main causes of fire in the home are chip pans, cooking, cigarettes, electrical appliances and free standing heaters and open fires. She gave us some examples and advice on how to deal with the problems that could arise.
She said that smoke alarms are very important. They should be regularly tested and cleaned out a couple of times a year. The Fire Service does fit free ten year battery alarms and will do home fire safety checks.
Alex Rankin, Trading Standards, T&W Council gave illustrations of rogue traders from examples that the Trading Standards Dept has encountered. He strongly advised that if people needed work doing on their homes they should work out how much they wished to spend and ask family and friends if they can recommend someone to do the work. If that is not possible you can get reliable advice from the Council or Age Concern (AGE UK). A written quotation should be obtained including all the work to be done. Avoid paying deposits if possible and never pay the full amount up front.
Should people be worried by traders calling out of the blue they are advised to call Trading Standards to seek help. Trading Standards hold a Trading Register of reputable builders.
Steve Keay, Home Safe Coordinator, T&W Council described his work with the Home Improvement Agency. Using examples of cases and people that the Agency has dealt with he talked about the fact that case workers will visit people in their own homes and discuss possible adaptations that may be made to improve their quality of life as they get older. Working from the same office is the Homefix team who are employed through T&W Council. They do small jobs for people. You agree the work to be done and sign to say that you are having it done. You are invoiced when the job is completed.
Home Improvement Agency works closely with Crime Prevention and at the moment are promoting extra door locks, door chains and intercom door systems. Apart from the house security it is sensible to look at garden shed security. HIA will give help and advice with any of these concerns.
There were many questions asked of all our speakers and a full report can be read on the Forum website tandwseniors.org.uk - click on ‘Minutes of Meetings. If you cannot access the internet please phone the office on 01952 211410.
Race Online 2012
Race Online 2012 is an organisation set up to do everything possible to help as many people as possible to have the benefits of an internet connection by 2012. They estimate that there are 10 million people who have never been online and so are missing out on saving an estimated £560 per household per year by using online facilities.
It can save you money on bills and purchases. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and family and find out what’s going on. If you missed your favourite programme you can usually watch it online. It’s a great way to learn more about your favourite interests and hobbies. You can shop for almost anything online, from booking a cinema ticket to doing your weekly shop. You can speak to relatives and friends who live in other countries for free over the internet. There are lots of people like yourself out there so it’s a great way to make new friends.
By the middle of 2011 the Telford area will be receiving Digital TV. This means that every household will be able to get digital signals and this will lead the way to accessing the internet through the TV. Government departments can make substantial savings by communicating with their users through the internet and among it’s biggest users are pensioners and people on social benefits. It will become essential that you can use the internet - not necessarily from your own home. For example, you can renew your driving and television licences and fill in your tax return on line. How often are we told ‘For more information go to www.xxxxxx.co.uk’.
If you would like to try using the internet with the help of an experienced computer user come along to The Place, Oakengates at 10am on Monday 19th July where the Senior Citizens’ Forum will be using the library computer suite to let you explore how a computer could benefit you.
Computer classes are available at Telford College (01952 642237), Age Concern (01952 587821 ), WEA (01952 583886).
Internet access is available for free in local libraries and the library staff will help you to use the computer.
Keeping Your Skeleton Healthy
Bone Health is something we all need to be aware of, whether you 35, 55 or 105. Bones are alive and constantly changing, with new bone being made and old bone lost throughout our lives. In adults, the entire skeleton is completely replaced every seven to ten years. Bones continue to grow in strength until the age of about 35 years when old bone starts to be lost at a faster rate then new bone can be formed to replace it. Fortunately we can take measures enabling us to maintain strong bones through old age.
Eat a well-balanced diet including milk, cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products, tinned sardines and pilchards, beans, okra, broccoli, nuts and dried fruit such as figs, prunes, raisins and dates.
Take regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, aerobics and dancing.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
Seek advice from your family doctor.
Get vitamin D from the sun by taking short breaks outside during the spring and summer months.
God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.
Speak Out on Local Issues
Telford is currently undergoing a huge amount of change including regeneration of many areas, new houses being built and possible changes to the use of the hospital.
The Workers Educational Association (WEA) is running a series of meetings, day schools and courses from September to help people to develop the skills and confidence to make their opinions heard on local issues.
Subjects covered will include how to campaign effectively and legally, how to set up websites and blogs to support a cause, how to construct a campaign letter, using social networking to raise awareness and to contact others with similar views.
Activities will start in September and will be advertised nearer to the time. If you would like to express an interest now please ring 01952 583886 or email
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and WEA will contact you nearer the time.
Sausage Savoury Balls
1oz. cooking fat
12 oz. sausagemeat 2oz. breadcrumbs
1 medium onion (chopped) little milk or beaten egg
13oz wholemeal flour 1½oz. crisp breadcrumbs
1 small desert apple, peeled, cored and grated
1 to 2oz dripping for frying
Melt the fat in a pan, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, taking care it does not brown. Blend with all the other ingredients and form into 8 balls. Coat the balls with milk or beaten egg then roll them in crisp breadcrumbs.
Melt the dripping for frying in the pan until hot and fry the sausage balls quickly until brown on all sides. Lower the heat and cook for a further 10 minutes.
Incontinence Services
Many people would benefit from some advice on incontinence problems but are too embarrassed to approach their doctor. You can refer yourself direct to the Continence Service. Chris Mear is the Continence Nurse Advisor and you can phone her on 01952 580328 or you can write to her at Telford & Wrekin NHS, Continence Service, Halesfield 6, Halesfield, Telford, TF7 4BF.
A man was telling his neighbour, “I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost three thousand pounds, but it’s state of the art.”
“Really,” answered the neighbour. “What kind is it?”
“Twelve thirty.”
Telford Race, Equality and Diversity Partnership
The Telford Race, Equality and Diversity Partnership have carried out a survey into the needs of the minority ethnic communities in Telford. They will present the results of this survey at a meeting on Wednesday, 14th July in Hadley Learning Centre. The meeting will start at 2pm with a buffet lunch and Forum members are invited to attend. Numbers are limited so if you would like to attend please phone Anne-Marie on 01952 211410.
Picture Houses
The main source of entertainment,
Right throughout the war.
Those many picture houses,
With long queues outside the door.
The Empire and the Odeon,
The Ritz and Plaza too.
The Gaumont and Imperial,
I recall them all. Do you?
These entertainment empires,
Huge picture palaces of old.
So many now demolished,
Their sites bullbozed and sold.
Now as I sit and reminisce,
Their desecration to recall,
Few that remain, just to become
Another Bingo Hall.
These mighty picture palaces,
Once held in such esteem.
Outlived their day, a pity,
For now they’re just a dream.
Ian Trevor
Mobile Scooter Batteries
One of our members phoned to ask us to advise members to shop around for
mobile scooter batteries. He was able to obtain one, on the internet, at half the price he was quoted by the nearest supplier.
Articles Wanted
If you would like us to publish an article or poem you have written please send to Anne-Marie at the office.
Contact Us
Phone Anne-Marie or Chris
on 01952 211410.
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The Poplars,
Lightmoor,
Telford,
TF4 3QN.
A reporter interviewing a 104-year old woman. “And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?” the reporter asked.
She simply replied, “No peer pressure.”
Age Concern
At national level Age Concern and Help the Aged have now combined to form Age UK. Locally Age Concern Shropshire Telford & Wrekin will still trade under the Age Concern banner and continue to provide their services to older people as before.
Across
1. Stylish (5
3. Roman garments (5)
6. Egg-shaped (4)
7. Change into ice (6)
9. Anaesthetic (5)
10. Skirt worn by ballerinas (4)
11. Not in (3)
13. Baby powder (4)
15. Person sentenced to life in prison (5)
18. Scattered rubbish (6)
19. Woman's dress (4)
20. Grimy (5)
21. Queues (5)
Down.
1.Fall of rain (6) 8. Earthenware (8)
2. Embarrass (5) 12. Seventh planet (6)
3. Strangle (8) 14. Change (5)
4. Big (5) 16. Scowl (5)
5. Sledge (4) 17. Delighted (4)
Don’t forget to check out the website where you can keep up to date with the Forum news. http://tandwseniors.org.uk. Email address
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This Newsletter has been sponsored by Ableworld, Audley Avenue, Newport
This Newsletter is entirely independent and is not tied to any political party. Information is to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to press but no liability will accepted for any errors or omissions. The inclusion of an article in the Newsletter does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, policies or methods.
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