flu Iwmmgu f“l RKCH Loco (>4 BRIDGE FISH SCHEME "FISH NEWS" FROM "ON THE NAIL" 1980 - 1993 To the rescue ;;.«;.~.....» /kily .950 Surveys of handicapped and elderly people have shown that many of them could be helped by volunteers. The recent public expenditure cuts have highlighted this need for voluntary help. The Canterbury Survey of Handicapped People found that many people in need did not know how to get help or even that it was available. At that time, many people came forward with offers of help but no organisation existed to put them in contact with those needing it. At a public meeting following the survey, it was decided that a Volunteer Bureau should be set up- to put volunteers into touch with the needy. The City and County Councils supported this financially. The office, which opened in 1973, is manned by volunteers and the Council's grant is supplemented by fund- raising activities. Volunteer Bureaux have been set up in Whitstable and Herne Bay and ‘Good Neighbour’ and similar schemes in Sturry, Blean, Littlebourne and Chartham. Some time ago the Canterbury Organiser, Mrs. Jill Munday, approached the Parish Council about the possibility of setting up a similar scheme in Bridge as she was getting requests from social workers, health visitors and voluntary organisations for help in the village. A lot of voluntary work is already done in Bridge, but preliminary enquiries found that there is a need for even more. A recent Parish Meeting decided to ask Mrs. Munday to extend the work in Bridge and to appeal for more local volunteers. It was proposed that information about the work of the Bureau and the help available should go to every household in the parish, and that this should be coupled with a search for unmet needs and an appeal for local volunteers. It is hoped that ‘ letters concerning this will go out in January and that people will help housebound neighbours living alone to return their completed forms. There are many ways of helping people and all age groups can play a part. Offers of occasional help are just as valuable as those of a more regular nature. Since it opened the Canterbury Bureau has answered over a thousand requests for help each year. It has set up self-help groups and clubs, found individuals to do work not covered by existing volunteer groups, acted as a liaison centre for established voluntary organisations and set up a pool of volunteer drivers (to whom expenses are paid) which can be called upon by people who are unable to use public transport and by the social services and hospitals. Over thirty different types of voluntary help can be offered. Tasks undertaken range from helping in emergency to regular visiting, escorting the blind, helping with Meals on Wheels, gardening, providing ‘granny-sitters’, fetching prescriptions and organising Christmas shopping trips for the elderly and handicapped. The Canterbury Volunteer Bureau is at 7a Dane John (Tel: 5227 8) and is open Mondays to Fridays from l0.00arn to 12.00 noon. If you are in urgent need of help now, please contact the Bureau. I i ' i Step forward the volunteers. There s a Job for you. Joan Warren M/Mac H ‘ta,’-36» GOOD NEIGHBOURS ’ Following the recent distribution of forms regarding offers and needs for neighbourhood help in Bridge, a meeting has been arranged for. those interested at The Close in Bridge. People who replied will receive an invitation to this, but everyone interested is warmly invited to attend_. The meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th March at 8pm. We hope to discuss one or two problems which have emerged and see what action may be needed in future. Jill Munday Canterbury Volunteer Bureau % III EIIIERGEIIW DH |'|EEIl- Illlltlllt smiuse P051 arms aauzni llnv oi night The Fish Scheme LOCAL VOLUNTEERS have offered to give neighbourly assistance in time of need or emergency [N EMERGENCY they will fetch prescrip- tions, shop, provide transport etc. OVER LONGER PERIODS they will give practical help to the elderly, to anyone who is housebound or handicapped and to mothers of young children. TRANSPORT can be aminged for the house bound to visit the shops, club, hairdresser, chiropodist etc. INFORMATION is available about help offered by local services and voluntary organisations. INFORMA T/ON YOU GIVE WILL BE S TR/C TL Y CONFIDENTIAL This is a mutual help scheme: if you can help or need information please ring BRIDGE 2 :50 9.33 Please keep this card in a prominent p/aca < TAN‘ 2.3 . “FISH NEWS” At the informal meeting of volunteers on 25th November in the dual purpose room of The Close, Joan Warren gave a report on the running of the scheme, which had made rapid progress since it was first suggested back in March 1980. The contact point at Bridge Post Office seemed to be working well, and there had been close co-operation with the Health and Social Services. Many volunteers had come forward to give help when needed and the scheme had been extended to take in the three neighbouring villages of Patrixbourne, Bekesbourne and Bishopsbourne. The encouragement of the Parish Councils, generous financial support from local people and enthusiastic help from the matron and staff of The Close had enabled the Luncheon Club to start in early October. The Club, which has been affiliated with ACE CONCERN, is proving a great success. Although the Social Services had put up the cost of meals, contributions by members and the proceeds of a small weekly raffle enabled the Club to be self-supporting. A fortnightly Health Service chiropody clinic had been started with volunteers providing clerical help and transport when needed. The Director of Social Services had applied for a small grant to cover administrative costs, but this had been turned down. It was decided to hold one coffee morning every May to cover expenses of the scheme. Mr. W. Johnson agreed to act as treasurer. Mrs. Warren proposed that a committee be set up to run the scheme, but after discussion this was not felt to be necessary and she was asked to continue her work as organiser. She suggested that there should be an annual meeting each November when volunteers could get together to discuss the working of the scheme, and make plans for the future. Warm appreciation of Joan .Warren’s work for the Fish Scheme was voiced at the meeting. Without her undoubted ability and drive this most valuable contribution to our community life would never have got off the ground. HFISH99 FEB. lqgi NEWS We are very grateful to the catering staff of The Close for the deliciofis Christmas Dinner they prepared for the Luncheon Club. We should 3.13% lihe to thank the people who gave gifts and dpnationsto enable us to a t e extras to make it a really memorable, festive occasion. It was a very happy affair, and gave much enjoyment both to members and helpers. Vze Xere particularly pleased to welcome the Vicar and Councillor Shirley, w o ave given us so much help and encouragement during the year. We were very relieved to hear that the closing of The Close has been postponed and that the starting date of the new home has been brought forward. The Chiropody clinic is being well used — we already have twenty people registered for treatment. ' We are hoping to extend our visiting scheme this year, and would lilke to hear of housebound or elderly people who would welcome either reg;/ar or occasional visits from one of our volunteers. J00" 0”?" FISH < Y‘-’i»\.?.c.H Iqei NEWS We were very grateful to receive a donation of £20 from the collections made at the United Service in St. Peter’s, Bridge in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This will be put towards running costs of the scheme which serves the whole community. The Chiropody Clinic is getting so much work that we have been given a second fortnightly session. We are making plans to take members of the Luncheon Club on a blossom tour, with a stop for tea at Chilham, on the afternoon of Wednesday, 6th May. We should also like to include other senior citizens who live alone or who have mobility problems. Please let us know by 20th March is you would like to come with us. The AGE CONCERN minibus has been booked. This has a tail-lift and can therefore take wheelchairs. There will be a coach for the rest of the party. More details will be given next month. Tel: 830233. Joan Warren <>< T~-r ea NEWS May we thank all the people who helped to make our coffee morning such a success—-the members of the Women’s lnstitute who ran the stalls, Mrs. P. Kirk who made the coffee, Mrs. J. Monk who ran the raffle and all the members of the community who gave so generously. It was a most enjoyable morning and we hope that it will be an annual event. Mrs. Anne Hobson, our local social worker for the deaf, visited the Luncheon Club on 15th June. In the afternoon she gave an interesting talk on the problems of hearing loss and how they can be overcome. She answered many questions and was able to help people to get better reception from their hearing aids. Several members of the audience asked for help either for themselves or for elderly relatives—Mrs. Hobson plans to visit them all at home in the near future. Anyone with a hearing problem can get help from the hearing advice bureau at the Age Concern Centre, Castle Street, Canterbury on the first Thursday of the month from l0am—l lam; transport can be arranged, if needed. ./mm Warren FISH NEWS Holiday Arrangements A U "7'vu5‘T 257-2: The Voluntary Help Scheme will continue to run as usual. The Luncheon Club will be closed for the whole of August. Meetings will start again on 7th September. The Chiropody Clinic is also closed for August as the chiropodist will be on holiday. Aids and Nursing Equipment The British Red Cross Society holds stocks of aids and nursing equipment on behalf of the Health Service (wheelchairs, walking frames and sticks, backrests, commodes, toilet rails, etc.) Articles can be borrowed free of charge from the BRCS Depot, Lower Chantry Lane, Canterbury, which is open Mondays to Fridays l0.00arn to 12 noon, tel: Canterbury 6§l45. It is advisable to book wheelchairs in advance if you need them for a_ holiday. T1115. service can be very helpful for short-term illness or whilst waiting for aids to be supplied or for elderly visitors. Arrangements can be made for equipment to be collected if you have no transport. Joan Warren NCWS o<:foc’>E2 \9rs'i It is now over a year since we started our neighbourhood care scheme and it goes from strength to strength. (Ed: due to Joan Warren’s unflagging effort.) Sixty people have offered to help——about half help on a regular basis and the other half can be called on when needed. _ During the year we have answered many requests for help, advice and information. The Luncheon Club now has a waiting list and the Chiropody Clinic is working to capacity. We are building up a network of contacts with the elderly and handicapped members of our community. We are very grateful for the help and co-operation we have had from the Social Services—this has enabled us to get prompt help from official sources when we have needed it to supplement our voluntary help. We shall be having our annual meeting in November, when volunteers and other interested members of the community can discuss progress, problems and future plans. We would be grateful for your suggestions to improve our neighbourhood care scheme. Joan Warren Flsh News ©< F-1c>v‘cr’|{:5E;i2 -z. . The Luncheon Club celebrated its first birthday with a special luncheon on 5th October, and we were pleased to welcome Cllr. Mrs. Young, Cllr. John Hill and Mr. Derek Cartwright. Our members, who now number 38, join me in sending our thanks to all the people who have worked so hard in such a short time to make the idea a thriving reality. We are indebted to Matron for putting the amenities of The Close at our disposal and for her enthusiastic encouragement and help, and to her staff for all the extra work they have carried out with such good will. Our thanks are due to all our enthusiastic volunteers——to Mrs. Joy Monk and her helpers, who in our 44 meetings have served 1,257 meals; to Canon and Mrs. Packer and Mr. Grant for arranging the transport; to the drivers and to Miss Mason who acts as our cashier. Most of our members live alone or are housebound and ‘Monday lunch’ has now become a highlight in their week. The Fish Scheme Annual Meeting will be held at The Close on Wednesday llth November at 8pm. This will be an informal gathering to give volunteers and other interested members of the community an opportunity to discuss progress, problems and future plans for our neighbourhood care scheme. The Christmas Shopping Evening for the elderly and housebound will be on Wednesday, 25th November, when Marks & Spencer, W.H. Smith, Wool- worths and Barretts have kindly offered to open from 6pm to 7.45pm. Entry to the shops will be by invitation only. Applications for tickets should have been in by 23rd October, but unfortunately details arrived too late for last month's On the Nail. However, if you missed the date contact me at once (Tel: 830233) and I will do my best to get tickets. Joan Warren ‘Fish’ News ©< »“r‘~'»L- i<+;‘8'—’~- The Blossom Tour coach will leave Western Avenue (opposite Green Court) at 2.15pm on Wednesday, 5th May. Transport will be available to the pick-up point. ‘Arrangements have been made for disabled members to travel by car and jOll'1 the main party for a cream tea at Chilham. Our annual fund-raising Coffee Morning is on Saturday, 5th June. Please book the date now. Miss Tomlin has kindly offered to have the Luncheon Club at the School on 19th and 26th April. Our first meeting in the new home will be on 10th May. The Chiropody Clinic will be held at the new home on and after 29th April. Joan Warren ‘Fish’ NEWS ©< P‘./-‘-V l9€Z Our annual Coffee Morning will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday, 5th June from 10.30 am to 12 noon. We hope that as many people as possible will come to support our work in the community. There will be a raffle and Bring & Buy stalls for plants, cakes, gifts, etc. We are most grateful to the Patrixbourne Parish Meeting for their generous contribution towards our running costs. The move from The Close to the new home has had to be postponed and a new removal date has yet to be fixed. The Luncheon Club and Chiropody Clinic will continue at The Close for the time being and members and patients will be notified about changes as soon as possible. People who have offered help with the move will be contacted as soon as the new date has been arranged. * Joan Warren ‘Fish’ News <>< :u.~a .722 The annual Blossom Tour struck lucky with the weather and the fifty—two participants greatly enjoyed seeing the orchards and countryside, and did justice to a delicious cream tea at Chilham. It was regrettable that the seating capacity of the restaurant meant we couldn't take all who wanted to come. Our volunteers have been very busy during the past month helping the staff at The Close to prepare for the move to the new home. A lot of people have put in many hours of hard work — I am very grateful to them all for their willing help. The Luncheon Club will be needing more drivers when we move to Conyngham Lane. A mileage allowance is paid by Age Concern and the club meets every Monday except for August and Bank Holidays. We have a core of regular drivers and others who give occasional help. All offers will be welcome! Dont’t forget the ‘Fish’ Coffee Morning on 5th June. Joan Warren ‘Fish’News ©< 3‘o.v_'~/1982. The ‘Fish’ Coffee Morning on 5th June raised the magnificent sum of £152 to cover running costs for the next year. I am most grateful to members of the community for their generous support and to Mrs. Monk and Mrs. Lawrence for making the coffee, Mrs. Jones for organising the raffle and Mrs. Hollands, Mrs. Packer, Mr. Pomroy: Miss Price, Mrs. Roe, Mrs. Rowland, ‘ "Mrs. Young and Miss Vince for running the stalls. We send thanks to Bishopsbourne Parish Council for their £10 donation to our funds. During the past month the Luncheon Club has been held at the school and our thanks go to Miss Tomlin and her staff for their hospitality. Joan Warren ‘Fish’ news ©< r*w~fri?ile<:tteilpfe<)(lpaeftIi1el(d1el3t between October and March, Unless It 15 Clear YOU can pay but in order to prevent mistakes, you must tell them at once that you are elderly and having difficulty in finding the money. Please _act promptly It: you receive a heating bill you cannot pay}-31f Y0“ I11_°?_<16h1§41g3;n fl¢;l3é1;T;8S;V;e this, contact me or the Citizen 5 Advice ureau ( e . . copies of this leaflet which I can lend to anyone who is interested Joan Warren ‘Fish’ News <>< 3'»-rr—’— l9‘¢’3 Our Annual Coffee Morning will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday, (4th June from 10am till noon. Do come and support this our only fund—raismg event of the year. _ A party of fifty-three enjoyed the Blossom Tour. on llth May, which included a cream tea and visit to the garden shop at Chilham. The Stroke Club mentioned in last month’s On The Nail go’. under way last month and further details will be given as they become available. Its aim is to support stroke patients and their families. Joan Warren (830233) ‘Fish’ News ©< TM-V I933 Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the generous support of the community, our annual coffee morning raised £1 10 to help finance our work for the year. We should like to thank Bishopsbourne Parish Council and Patrixbourne Parish Meeting for their recent valued donations to our fund. This year, by popular demand, the Luncheon Club will carry on through August. We are hoping to enlist the help of older teenagers during their holidays from school and college — please contact me if you are interested. Because of the alterations to the Village Hall our July Coffee Pop-in on 13th will be held at the Methodist Church, Patrixbourne Road. Transport can be provided if needed. Joan Warren (830233) ‘Fish’ News C>< /\wfi’~%“>'T ‘$33 Sadly Mrs. Joy Monk, our Luncheon Club Organiser, has had to retire due to poor health. Joy made a big contribution towards the successful establish- ment of the club and has attended virtually every meeting. She supervised the difficult task of serving and latterly took on the general running of the club. In wishing her a speedy return to health we send her our grateful thanks for all she has done for the Luncheon Club. Mrs. Marjorie Allman has nobly offered to take Joy’s place. Holiday Arrangements The Luncheon Club will be held on every Monday in August except the 29th, which is Bank Holiday Monday. The Chiropody Clinic will be closed on August 25th and September lst. The Emergency Scheme will carry on as usual. Transport and Welfare Calls, please try me in the first instance. If you cannot contact me please try Mrs. Packer (830364) or Miss Ford (830687). The Coffee Pop-in this month is on Wednesday, 10th in the Methodist Church Joan Warren (830233) ‘Fish’ News l< .5€P.’EM:S::'¢ 923 On 8th August Howard and Eva Crouch delighted their fellow Luncheon Club members by inviting them to share in their Diamond Wedding celebr- ations. Their generous gift of cake and wine, added to the delicious meal prepared by The New Close catering staff, made it a gala occasion long to be remembered. It was a happy celebration which enabled us all to offer our congratulations and best wishes for many more happy years together. This month’s Coffee Pop-in is on Wednesday,l4th in the Methodist Church Joan Warren Fish News <>< ocrosce :9-5.3 Luncheon Club members found it helpful to meet during August. However, it was difficult to find volunteers for the rota during the peak holiday period. Fortunately, a small group of teenagers came to our help and their hard work was much appreciated by both members and staff. Age Concern runs a Day Centre in Canterbury which cares for elderly, frail and handicapped people. The extra support it gives, combined with help from the Social Services and our ‘Fish’ Scheme, enables many of our local residents to maintain their independence and continue to live in their own homes. Although the Centre gets a grant from the KCC, this only covers part of the cost and very heavy cuts have been made in next year’s grants. A house-to- house collection will be made in Canterbury from 16th to 22nd October and during this time collecting tins will be in some of our Bridge shops for our local contributions. Please give generously to help care for our own residents. In connection with Age Concern, may I draw to your attention the Chairman’s appeal for a new minibus, which follows in this edition of On The Nail. It is something that benefits us and not just Canterbury people. This month’s Coffee Pop-in will be on Wednesday, 12th in the Methodist Church. o \,/1' -5 - I ‘Fish’ News E< ‘ We‘-” 9 '* The ‘Fish’ Committee will be meeting on March 7th to prepare for our Annual General Meeting on April 5th. Please let me know if you have any ideas for improving our neighbourhood care scheme — we would welcome your suggestions. Members of the Luncheon Club were please to have a farewell visit from Bill Mockett. After several months in hospital following a major operation, Bill has now gone to stay near his daughter, grandchildren and great-grand- children on the Sussex coast. He would be delighted to have letters giving him local news (I have his new address). The next Coffee Pop-ln will be on Wednesday March 14th from 10.15am to 11.45am in the Village Hall. Key Community Programme —— Under this scheme the Manpower Services Commission offers work to unemployed young adults as an alternative to receiving unemployment benefit. They are employed on community projects including doing gardening, decorating and household repairs for elderly and handicapped people who cannot do it for themselves. No charge is made for this service except for materials. Last year several of our local residents benefited from this scheme. If you cannot manage your gardening, may I suggest that you let me know as soon as possible so that requests can go in before demands get heavy. I will pass on requests for other help whenever the need arises- Joan Warren (830233) ‘Fish’ News E< ’’‘‘’‘3'‘' '‘‘?i’‘* The Annual General Meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Thursday April 5th at 7.30pm. Everyone will be welcome at the meeting—it is an opportunity to discuss the working of the scheme and to plan improvements. The Blossom Tour will be held on Wednesday 2nd May. The coach leaves Bridge at 2.15pm for a trip through the country, stops at Chilham for a Cream Tea, and returns at about 5.00pm. Priority will be given to elderly people living alone or who have difficulty getting about. Transport by car to the pick—up point can be arranged. Please contact me by 20th April if you would like to come with us. The next Coffee Pop—in will be on Wednesday 11th April in the Village Hall fl'Ol'1'l 10.15 [0 11.458111. Joan Warren Fish News <>< MAY 9 3“ At the Third Annual General Meeting of the Fish Scheme Cllr. Mrs. M. A. Young thanked the organisers and volunteers for all their hard work during the year, the Parish Councils for their support, and those who had funded the scheme by their generous donations. Special mention was made of the staff and residents of The New Close for their help and hospitality to the Luncheon Club and Chiropody Clinic, and Cllr. L. Shirley and his staff at the Post Office for taking emergency calls. The Voluntary Organiser reported on the year's activities, after adding her thanks to those of the Chairman. Two new projects had been started during the year. The monthly Coffee Pop-ln for retired people had proved to be very popular. As well as providing a useful social contact, it gave the opportunity for people to seek information about help and services. Plans are now being made for a monthly afternoon meeting for Whist and Scrabble, to be organised by Mrs. Olive Knight. More recently a fortnightly library service for the housebound had been started in conjunction with Kent County Library. The Luncheon Club continues to thrive, having served 1,377 lunches at 46 sessions during the year. The volunteer drivers had covered almost a thousand miles bringing in the 31 members who had limited mobility. The Chiropody Clinic provided an excellent service for the villages. Seventy-six were now registered for treatment— almost half of these have to be brought in by car as the NHS domiciliary service has been suspended. Transport. More use was being made of the scheme by residents unable to use public transport or where no transport was available. These calls were mainly for medical appointments or hospital visiting. Welfare Calls. There had been a considerable increase in the number of people who had been helped, and referrals for aids and services. Many hospital visits had been made, contact kept with relatives and care planned for those returning home. Four of the volunteers had attended a training course at Nunnery Fields Hospital in helping discharged patients. Plans to bring young people into the scheme had been successful. They had given help at the Luncheon Club during the school holidays, which had proved popular. The Treasurer, Mr. W. Johnson presented the annual accounts. Excluding mileage allowances paid by the Social Services and Age Concern, the scheme had cost £248.41. The income for the year was £288.31 giving a balance of £39.90 which had gone into the reserve fund. Detailed accounts are available for inspection on request. The Annual Coffee Morning and Bring-and-Buy Sale will be on Saturday 2nd June in the Village Hall from 10.00am to 12 noon. This is our only fund-raising event — please come and support us Joan Wa,,e,,, 330233 ‘Fish’ News$< 37*“ “/*3’ Many elderly people have problems with carrying out everyday tasks because of failing eyesight. Methods have been evolved and aids invented to overcome some of these difficulties. Mr. Eldridge, the social worker for the visuallv handicapped, is at the Canterbury Health Centre in the Old Dover Road every Friday morning from 10.00 till 12.00 to give help and advice and demonstrate some of the aids available. No appointment is necessary and we can provide transport and an escort for anyone who would like to make use of this service. The next Coffee Pop-in will be on Wednesday, 9th January in the Village Hall from 10.15 till 11.45am Joan Warm", 330233 ‘Fish’ News 1< "t/‘:«:’>~"”*v~*/“=7 ‘W5 The Luncheon Club celebrated with a traditional Christmas dinner on 17th December. We were delighted to welcome back several former club members among our guests. Our members would like me to convey their thanks to the catering staff for the delicious meal they prepared, to those who made generous donations to cover expenses and to our volunteers for their hard work. ln addition we would like to thank the residents and all the staff ofThe New Close for allowing us to share their home during the year. The snow forced us to cancel two meetings of the Luncheon Club and the January Coffee Pop-in, but we were able to take meals out to some of our members and have been in constant touch with them all during the bad weather. _ _ We hope to hold the February Coffee Pop-in on Wednesday, 13th in the Village Hall from 10.15 to 11.45am. Joan i/Va,-re" (330233) ‘Fish’ News <>< M ABC ‘st?’-5' Canterbury Community Care Scheme Next month the Social Services are launching a scheme in Canterbury to enable elderly people to stay in their own homes where otherwise they might have to move to residential care. Paid helpers will provide assistance and support not covered by the present nursing and home help services. Similar schemes were started in Kent in 1977 and it is hoped that in time the service will be extended to the whole county. Initially the Canterbury scheme will only cover the old city area, but it is hoped to include the villages later in the year when additional staff have been appointed. Mrs. Jean Newell, the area community care organiser, has agreed to come and tell us more about the scheme at a later date. Dates for your diary Coffee Pop-In, Wednesday, 13th March ‘Fish’ Scheme AGM, Friday, 19th April. Blossom Tour, Wednesday, 15th May. Annual Coffee Morning, Saturday, 1st June. Joan Wa,,e,,, 83023 3 ‘Fish News’ <>< /\r’~‘?—4 L. ac/=35 The ‘Fish’ Scheme AGM will be held in Bridge Village Hall at 7.45pm on Friday, 19th April. All residents of our four villages are invited to come to discuss the working of the scheme and suggest improvements. Please come and help us! The Blossom Tour will be on Wednesday, 15th May. The coach will leave Western Avenue at 2.15pm for a country tour with a stop for cream tea at Chilham Fruit farm. Priority will be given to those who are living alone or have difficulty getting about. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to join us. The inclusive charge will be £2 ' 25. The next Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 10th April from 10.15 to 11.45am in Bridge Village Hall. Joan Warren’ 830233 ‘Fish’ News <>< MM #925 Our annual Coffee Morning will be held in Bridge Village Hall on Saturday 1st June from 10am to 12 noon. There will be bring '& buy stalls for cakes, provisions, gifts, plants, white elephant and a raffle. This is our only fund— raising event, which finances the work of the ‘Fish’ Scheme. Please help us in our work for the community! The next Coffee Pop—in will be on Wednesday, 8th May from 10.15am to 11.45am in Bridge Village Hall. Joan Wa,,.e,,’ 83023 3 ‘Fish’ News <>< A»~<,msa~ ‘$223 Mobility Aids Many people have difficulty fitting the rigid ‘Zimmer’ walking frame into their car boot. To solve this problem, we have purchased a folding walking frame for the scheme. This frame can be borrowed by local residents if it is not in use for the Luncheon Club or Clinic. Please let me know if you would like to borrow it. We are also exploring the possibility of buying a comfortable wheel chair, which is light, easy to push and folds into a car boot. This would enable our house-bound and convalescent residents to be taken out shopping or for walks. Holiday Arrangements The Luncheon Club will not be meeting during August. The Chiropody Clinic will be closed on 1st and 8th August. All other services will carry on as normal. The next Coffee Pop-in will be in the Village Hall, Bridge on Wednesday, 14th August from 10.15am to ll.45am. Joan yya,-,9", 830233 - 9 ._ - . ... ., .. - ‘Fish News 1< =>t;r’ \'EMB~=I~~ 935 We were all saddened by the death of Miss Wraight. She was a keen supporter of the Fish Scheme, and a regular attender at our Coffee Pop-Ins and guest at Luncheon Club celebrations. Her determination, energy and productivity throughout her long life will stand as an inspiration to us all. We shall all miss her. The Luncheon Club starts again on September 2nd. Two of our members have left us — Mrs. Eldridge has moved to be near her daughter at Woking, and Mrs. Baston has gone to live at a retirement home in Sturry. This month’s Coffee Pop-In will be in the Village Hall on Wednesday, 11th September from 10.15 to ll.45am. Joan Warren, 830233 ‘Fish’ News <>< °“’**<>‘~'5*‘—’*" ‘925 Sadly Di Holway, the Matron of The New Close, has had to retire through illness. Few people realise the considerable contribution she has made to the care of the elderly in the community and many people have cause to be grateful for her great gift of providing instant help to anyone in need. When discussions were under way to start our neighbourhood care scheme she immediately offered the use of the old Close as a base for our activities. Within a month of my first visit to make plans for starting a Luncheon Club we were welcoming our first members: red tape had been cut, equipment seemed to appear from nowhere and the catering staff were fired with enthus- iasm to take on an increased work-load. The Luncheon Club, five years old on 6th October, has given many elderly people the opportunity of a weekly outing and a delicious meal in good company. It often takes a considerable time to mobilize statutory services in cases of sudden illness or return from hospital. On many occasions we have been able to collect meals or borrow equipment to bridge this gap with the help of the Close. This response to the needs of the community has been of double benefit in that the Close residents can always rely on visits and help from the community. On behalf of the elderly residents of our villages may I send our grateful thanks to Di and our best wishes for a speedy recovery. * II! * See the Diary for the next Coffee Pop-in. Joan Wmrens 830233 ‘Fish’ News C>< Novam see »9z~+= The Luncheon Club celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special luncheon on 7th October. Cllr John Hill congratulated the members and thanked the volunteers and catering staff for their help throughout the year. He paid tribute to ‘Dick’ Turpin, who had been a regular and appreciative member of the club, until increasing disability kept him at home. We all send our sympathy to Nell and hope that she will join us again before too long. . The Fish Committee will be meeting in November. Please let me know if you have any matters you would like discussed. . Mrs. Elsie Anderson of Bridge was selected as one of the first residents for the new Abbeyfield House in Canterbury. We were delighted to have her with us at the last Coffee Pop-in, when we heard enthusiastic reports of her new life. The next Pop-in will be on Wednesday, 13th November in the Village Hall from 10.15 - ll.45am. Joan Warren, 330233 ‘Fish’ News j< r~~.»>.~.« ..;,~.e«;- The Blossom Tour will be on Wednesday, 7th May, leaving Western Avenue at 2pm_.Although all the seats have now been booked we can take a few more names in reserve, in case anyone has to drop out at the last minute. Our Annual Coffee Morning will be in Bridge Village Hall on Saturday, 7th June from 10am to 12 noon. Our garden stall is always very popular — please reserve any surplus bedding plants, rooted cuttings, house plants and garden tools for us to sell for our fund. Collection can be arranged. The May Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 14th May in the Village Hall at the usual time. Joan Wa,,en, 830233 ‘Fish’ News <>< 3"~W 5 ‘V '55 It was very disappointing to have such a small number at our Annual General Meeting. Our Chairman, Cllr. Mrs. M.A. Young thanked all the volunteers for their hard work during the year. Reports were given of the different aspects of our scheme. With the increased emphasis on community care and the cuts in public spending, organisations such as ours will have to make an increasing contribution to the care of the elderly. Because of this, our work has been steadily expanding. The Luncheon Club has had a successful year serving 1,013 lunches in 43 sessions, with special celebrations for Christmas and our Birthday. The Chiropody Clinic is providing an essential service, giving regular treatment to 86 patients. The Transport Scheme drivers had covered many thousands of miles and had been able to meet all the increasing requests for help. The welfare work of the ‘Fish’ scheme was increasing and there had been close liaison with the statutory services. A supply of frozen meals is now kept at The New Close to supplement the Meals on Wheels service. We can supply these meals to anyone who has difficulty in preparing main meals due to illness or frailty. They are particularly useful for people coming home from hospital. The Housebound Library Service. The Librarian makes up baskets of books with a selection of books specially chosen for each person. Six housebound people benefit from this service. The Coffee Pop-In has been well attended, even during the very bad weather. We have been particularly pleased to enlist the help of some of the younger members of the community to provide this service. The Treasurer reported that last year the scheme had cost £518.03. After payment of mileage allowances by Age Concern Kent and the KCC Social Services the cost to the community had been £237.31. This sum had been raised at the Annual Coffee Morning and from donations. A balance of £25.29 went into the reserve fund. The Blossom Tour on 7th May proved to be a great success. Every seat was taken and everyone on the reserve list managed to get a place. Because of the late season, we hadn't expected to see any blossom but our coach driver had gone out in his car and planned an excellent trip covering new ground with plenty of blossom. An enjoyable visit was made to the Kent Garden Centre at Harbledown. After an excellent tea we had plenty of time to see the plants and spend money. The Annual Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy Sale (always the first Saturday in June) will be on Saturday, 7th June in Bridge Village Hall from 10am to 12 noon. There will be a raffle and stalls for cakes, groceries, plants, gifts and white elephant. Please come and give us your support. inevitably, with the expansions of the scheme Every year our costs will rise. This year our treasurer has asked us to raise £200. Please e p. The June Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 11th June in the Village Hall at the usual time‘ Joan Warren, 830233 ‘Fish’ News <>< 3’=»»-/ =-«ant The Annual Coffee Morning on 7th June raised £161 -31, thanks to the generous support of those who attended, and the hard work of the helpers. In additionwe are very grateful to those who made cash donations, bringing our total to date to £203 - 31. Transport Scheme We are considering re-organizing our arrangements for emergency driving. At the moment a small number of drivers has volunteered to be on call for a week at a time, and a list is kept at the Post Office in case I am out. This has proved to be impractical as urgent calls, although few and far between, nearly always come when the driver is out! However, if we could get a larger number of drivers who would be prepared to stay in for a day a month to take emergency calls, or if we could have more drivers on call each week the scheme should be improved. I feel that there may be people who would not want to be involved in regular driving, but who could manage to be on call for one day a month. If anyone can help us, please let me know! Luncheon Club accompanied by friends, helpers and drivers, were invited to visit the orchards at Highland Court Farm. Led by Mr. Jarvis, the farm manager, who made the invitation, a long procession of cars wound its way very slowly through the orchards. Although the weather was unkind the blossom was at its peak — none of us had ever seen so many fruit trees and so much blossom at such close quarters. It was a particular treat for our house- bound members and those who can only walk a short distance — they felt they had had a ‘country walk on wheels’. After our drive we were entertained to tea in the farm canteen and were able to ask questions about the farm. We are very grateful to the Highland Court management for their hospitality, to Mr. Jarvis and Mr. W. Johnson for arranging the visit, and Mrs. Packer for organizing the transport. Joan Wane”, 830233 ‘Fish: News ©< N75] The Luncheon Club celebrated with a Christmas Dinner on 15th December. The members asked me to thank Jean Foster, who worked so hard single- handed to provide such an excellent meal, and the volunteers for their help. We owe an extra debt of gratitude to Jean, who has continued to provide us with delicious lunches over the past few months, in spite of being without her colleague, and also to Gladys Lemar for helping her every Monday. We were delighted to welcome back as our guests Mrs. Quinnell, who now lives at a residential home in Sturry, and Mrs. Cawood, who is a resident at ‘The Holt’. The December Coffee Pop-In was a well-attended, happy occasion, with mince pies to get us all in the Christmas spirit. The next Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 14th January in Bridge Village Hall at the usual time. We can provide transport if you need it. Several people responded to my appeal for wool and knitters for our local ‘Children in Need’. A steady supply of beautifully knitted small garments is making its way to the WRVS clothes store. Please help us to keep up the supply. Wool can be left at Bridge Post Office. If you would like to knit, please let me know. We can supply wool. Joan Warren, 830233 _ ,...———. __N *\ / /" ‘Fish’ News «;.;.__,.s-.‘>'&._ ‘ ’ Heavy snowfalls forced us to cancel the Luncheon Club on 12th January, last month’s Coffee Pop-In and a session of the Chiropody Clinic. We have tried to keep in touch with as many elderly people as possible and have given help where necessary. Many people have contacted me and offered assistance. If we have more bad weather please ring me if you need help or if a neighbour needs more help than you can give —— we will put you in touch with our nearest volunteer. l have had a letter from the WRVS thanking those who gave wool and our knitters who have been making clothes for local children. All the garments have been distributed and we are hoping to make another delivery shortly. All being well the next Coffee Pop-ln is on Wednesday, 11th February from 10.15 to 11.45am in Bridge Village Hall. The summer seems far off but we have booked the date of our annual fund—raising Coffee Morning. Book it now —— Saturday, 6th June! In... ll/........ nan-‘\~ ‘Fish’ News < \“‘§r\:::’:t \ vii" We were all saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs. Ethel Sidders. She was one of the founder members of the Luncheon Club — we shall all miss her. She would have been ninety in May and in spite of many years of blindness was always cheerful, uncomplajning and independent to the end. Thanks to the work of the Salvation Army we were able to _obtain part of the ‘butter-mountain’ for our local pensioners. Happily the arrival of the first batch coincided with the Coffee Pop-In. About 150 people called at the Village Hall and many stayed for coffee. My apologies to those who went away empty-handed. Due to distribution difficulties I was only able to collect part of our allocation. The rest will be delivered by our Fish volunteers as soon as it arrives. If you did not give in your name, please let me know and I will try to arrange for you to have some if there is a surplus. My thanks to all out volunteers who helped with the distribution and manned the coffee bar. Our next Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 11th March in Bridge Villa e Hall from 10.15 to l1.45arn. Di you know mat many magazines and newspapers are available on cassette tapes for a very small annual subscription? (these are for normal cassette players, not the Talking Book machines.) I have sent for a list of pub- lications and will pass on the details to anyone who is interested. This would make a good present for anyone who is visually handicapped. Our own local blind association also sends out a fortnightly tape of news from the local newspaper and passes on other items of interest. Joan Wa,,e,,, 3 302 3 3 -'fcu~(E 1?/37 Annual Coffee Morning Our Annual Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy will be held in Bridge Village Hall on Saturday, 6th June from 10 - 11.45am. This is our only fund-raising event. We hope to make at least £200 to go towards the cost of running the Fish Scheme and to make a donation to Age Concern Canterbury towards the cost of looking after local residents in the Day Centre. Please give us your generous support. There will be a raffle and stalls for cakes, groceries, plants, books, gifts and bric-a-brac. Joan Wa,.,e,,_ 8302 3 3 ‘Fish’ News <>< Tvcw "#237 The Blossom Tour on 8th May was enjoyed by a party of fifty-two. This year we planned a different route through some of our best local scenery, including a short drive by the sea. The weather was perfect, and a delicious cream tea and a visit to a garden shop all contributed towards a successful outing. The Orchard Tour. Three days later we were invited to make a five mile car drive through our local orchards, when the blossom was at its peak—a wonderful experience. We are grateful to Chris Jarvis, the farm manager, for organizing the tour and to the management of Highland Court Farm for their hospitality. May we also convey our thanks to the fifteen car drivers who made the tour possible. The annual Coffee Morning on 6th June raised £198 towards the cost of the Fish Scheme, and will enable us to make a donation to Age Concern Canterbury Day Centre, which cares for some of our local residents. Our thanks to all the people who gave us their help and generous support. The next Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 8th July in Bridge Village Hall from 10.15 till 11.45am. Joan Wan-3,,’ 33023 3 Fish News QC ii/‘ 2? ‘f HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS The Luncheon Club will be closed for the whole of August, and there will not be a Chiropody Clinic on 30th July or 6th August. All other services provided by the Fish Schemewill carry on as usual-during the holiday period. _The next Coffee Pop-In_ will be on Wednesday, 12th August in Bridge Village Hall from 10.15am till 11.45am. Joan Wane” (33023 3 ) f\\,;fi" \/K $7 FishNews<>< 3E“°T"—‘“""°€"" ‘737 The Luncheon Club starts up again on September 7th after the summer break. Many of our drivers and helpers have been with us since we started in 1980. We should be glad to hear from newly-retired people or new residents who would come in and help on a regular or relief basis. We were all saddened to hear of the death of Miss Kathleen Pomroy at the Old Rectory, Harbledown, in her ninety-third year. She was one of the first members of the Luncheon Club. Our sympathy goes out to her brother whose devoted care enabled her to stay at home until a late stage in her long and painful illness. Seven members of the Luncheon Club were invited to join the Social Serv- ices Community Care Outing in the Freedom Coach. They had a wonderful trip to Windsor Safari Park—a unique experience for them. We have been promised spare seats on future outings, and after glowing reports of the care and catering there will be keen competition for places on the next trip. The August Coffee Pop-In was well attended in spite of a rival attraction on that day! One of our frequent visitors is Mrs Elsie Anderson who now lives at the Abbeyfield House in Canterbury-—a monthly return visit enables her to meet her friends and catch up with the village news. If you haven’t been to the Pop-In, do join us on Wednesday, September 9th in Bridge Village Hall from 10.15am to 1l.45arn—everyone 1S welcome. Joan Wane” 8302 3 3 L.-3-3 ,,;\. ‘fish’ scheme news ©< TM With the coming of winter d d 11 ~ clothing for children and the eiggrli; liaci)/2 t:ec€::o\n&i/3 \?e§yCll1(e)g\‘/lyr/lgOsit1?rl< _ /’\utfi‘»_-J5‘: yr/3' 3 The Mobile Chiropody Unit was due to visit Bridge for the first time from 19th to 22nd July. The next session will be from 13th to 16th September. Patients already registered for treatment should have received new appoint- ments—if anyone has been left out, please let me know. I I t The Luncheon Club will be closed for the whole of August. The new session begins on Monday, 5th September. We are very grateful to the daughter and son-in-law of Mrs Jessie Capper who have sent generous donations to the Fish Fund in appreciation of the help given to their mother and aunt, Miss Vinten. It 3 8 The next Coffee Pop-In will be in Bridge Village Hall on Wednesday, 10th August from 10.15 to 11.45am. We are always pleased to welcome anyone from our four villages at these gatherings. Joan Wa,.,.e,,, 33023 3 O< ,J>CC’C .~—"«‘fi_;,.'_ (L7 3'3 Announcing LIFELINE—a local emergency call system! A constant fear of elderly people living alone is that they will be unable to summon help if they fall or are suddenly taken ill and cannot reach the telephone. Recent developments in communication technology have led to a special service, available-in this area, which overcomes this problem. The Lifeline unit, a computerised two-way speech communication system, can be plugged into an ordinary telephone socket. The system, which has a range of 90 feet, is activated by pressing a button worn on a pendant or wristband or by a key on the set. Within seconds contact is made with a 24-hour manned emergency centre, working through a loudspeaker in the telephone unit. The centre has essential details of the user’s medical condition, doctor, family and neighbours and can mobilise help immediately (maintaining contact until help arrives). In addition the set can be used for answering telephone calls from anywhere in the house and for making or answering calls without lifting the handset. The three most used numbers can be obtained by pressing a single key and eight more by pressing two keys. A charge of £29- 50 per quarter is made for this service, and for a further £10 a quarter a daily check call is made. This is an excellent service and enables elderly and disabled people to have one of the advantages of sheltered accommodation in their own homes. Knitters If you have some spare time during the long winter evenings we should be grateful for your help in making woollies for our local ‘children-in-need’. We need everything from babies’ mittens to large jerseys. Wool and patterns are available at our Pop-Ins. Speaking of which, the next Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 14th December in Bridge Village Hall from 10.15 to 11.45am. Joan Wa,,.e,,, 3302 3 3 < Tr‘~«~~i L‘\ A): v \ Luncheon Club The first meeting of the year will be on 9th January. it t It Coffee Pop-In will be on the second Wednesday of the month as usual, i.e. 1 1th January at 10.15am in Bridge Village Hall. I It it The experimental Tea Pop-In proved to be popular. In future we shall be holding such a Pop-In on the fourth Thursday in every month from 2.15 to 3.45pm in Bridge Village Hall. This month it will be on 26th. I i # Don’t forget the Mobile Chiropody Unit will be in the village from Tuesday, 31st January to Friday, 3rd February. Appointments for new patients should be made through the Kings Road Clinic, Herne Bay (Tel: 373241). Joan Warren, 830233 Fish News <>< vecmeaw V ac; Luncheon Club members celebrated with a delicious Christmas dinner on 19th December and they have asked to Join me in sending their thanks to the catering staff and volunteers for all their hard work. Age Concern Annual Service this year is to be held in Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday, 16th May at 3.00pm. The address be given by the R€_Vd R086? Royle, who will be known to most people for his lively TV and radio broad- casts (Editor: and to the Vicar as an olc_i college mate). Admission is by tlcket, so please let me know by 10th February if you wish to 10111 us. i # ¥ Hypothermia is a recurring winter problem, and in the.ani_iual battle against it the Electricity Board 15 supplying a simple temperature indicator which enables elderly people to see at a glance if their heating 1S adequate. I am hoping to obtain a supply of these cards for distribution. 4| it # Dates for your diary include the Coffee Pop-In on Wednesday, 8th February, 10.15 - 11.45am, the Tea Pop-In on Thursday, 23rd, 2.15 - 3.45pm, and some way ahead our ANNUAL COFFEE MORNING on Saturday, 3rd June. Joan Warren Fish News ©< ~‘ We ~ ~“ Our Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 14th June at 7.30pm in Bridge Methodist Church. There will be a report on our activities and finances, and a general discussion on how the Fish Scheme is working. This is an open meeting and everyone is invited to bring suggestions on how we can improve the scheme and to help make plans for the future. 1 t Q We were fortunate to have fine suimy days for our two outings. On 3rd May fifty-three people went on the Blossom Tour and enjoyed their stop for cream tea and a visit to the garden centre. The original plans for the Orchard Tour had to be abandoned because a cold spell had held back the blossom. Event- ually, on 8th May a large party went on a spectacular drive right through Highland C_ourt orchards. We are grateful to Chris _Jarvis, the farm manager, for his invitation and for orgarusing the expedition, to Mrs Packer who organised the transport and particularly to the thirteen car drivers who made it all possible. I! Q 8 Don’t forget our Annual Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy Sale in Bridge Village Hall on Saturday, 3rd June, from 10.30am to 12 noon. There will be a raffle and stalls for plants, cakes, groceries, gifts, books and ‘white elephants’. O i O This month's Pop-Ins_are Coffee, 14th, 10.15 - 1l.45arn and Tea, 22nd, 2.15 - 3.45pm, both as usual in Bridge Village Hall. Joan Wafien 830233 Fish News ©< The Annual Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy Sale on 3rd June was a great success. Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the generous support from the community our scheme has been financed for another year. In addition to the £161 - 21 made at the sale generous donations totalling nearly a hundred pounds brought our final total to the magnificent sum of £257-61. Thank you all very much. Jk,"\t_.\’ 2»/'_';,U.7 I I I The Annual General Meeting was held on 14th June. A report of this meeting will be in the next issue of On The Nail. 1 It # The Coffee Pop—In is on Wednesday, 12th and the Tea Pop-In on Thursday, 27th’ Joan Warren , ‘ c i ,....<».:5T ea ‘a Fish Scheme AGM report and news The Annual Meeting was held in Bridge Methodist Church on Wednesday, 14th June. The committee and volunteers were thanked for their support and for all the hard work they had done during the previous year. The scheme, now in its tenth year, continued to make a considerable contribution to the care of the elderly in the district and was much appreciated both by those that were helped and by the health and social workers. It is hoped that more volunteers will come forward to ensure that the scheme continues to thrive. The Luncheon Club Last year 876 meals were served in 42 sessions. Numbers had been maintained at about 28, although 2 members had died, 2 had moved away and 6 had gone into residential homes during the year. There had been two celebration lunches, one for the club’s 8th birthday and another at Christmas. Age Con- cern paid the mileage allowance for the seven drivers who bring members to The New Close; otherwise the club was financially self-supporting. The Chiropody Clinic This was closed last July and replaced by visits from the NHS Mobile Clinics for 3 ‘/2 days every eight weeks. This provided improved facilities for staff and patients and an extra session. Transport is provided for around 20 patients at each visit. Patients needing frequest treatment have been transfered to the Health Centre in Canterbury. Welfare Much closer collaboration had been achieved with the social workers and medical teams. Care had to be taken that under the new arrangements for community care too many demands were not made on volunteers. _ Our role in the welfare field is threefold. First we have to supply information and ensure that people are aware of the services available and how to obtain them. Secondly we have to maintain contact with and give support and help to as many elderly housebound and handicapped people as possible. Thirdly, we have to hold a watching brief over community care, bringing the attention of the services to deficiencies and gaps in care. Cami Ll/~<'(;c‘ NCWS ®< Nov awn?» .=‘_ui—’— ya‘: it The Luncheon Club, which meets at The New Close every Monday has now been running nine years. We are in desperate need of reinforcements for our group of volunteers. Starting at 12 noon helpers set the tables, serve the unches, wash up and clear away. finishing at about 1.45pm. We have a flexible rota to enable volunteers to fit in with their personal arrangements‘ most people help about once in every three to four weeks. ’ III # t The Canterbury Volunteer Bureau’s Christmas Slio ‘ E ‘ f 1 people will be held on Wednesday, 22nd November f‘I":)’:1l:g6pl1Yletl‘:)ll‘17¥45oI;IIE]: yrear Marlcs & Spencer, British Home Stores, WH Smith, Woolworths .C&H w‘i’t1l’1”°:é£fs°’~:1na3d C;f’.D9lI19P€"S W111 be open. It is always an enjoyable evening, applications has pasrseetflesl lira‘?/Ieltcsirczgrcedlcaiefgw efliittrhcipglfil t thief date at ticket . . - a ic . ' Join our party please let me know. '3 5 you w° d hke t° # i 1 The Coffee Pop—In will be on 8th November, 10.15 t 11 45 - Pop-In on Thursday, 23rd, 2.15pm to 3.45pm. am 0 10;,” a,:,:’,::: ‘$023: ‘Fish’ News ©< D:::.E i~‘iU>.,:i.2. .; 3:, On 16th October Luncheon Club members had a celebration luncheon to mark the club’s ninth birthday. They have asked me to send their thanks to the catering staff for this treat and for all the other delicious lunches they provide throughout the year in spite of staff shortages. We are grateful for the kindness and hospitality that the care staff show to us and the residents for allowing us to share their home. III It It Our Christmas Dinner will be on 11th December, a week early this year to enable our members to leave in good time for the school entertainment on 18th December. Their first meeting after Christmas will be on 8th January. It # It The Christmas Coffee Pop-In will be in Bridge Village Hall on Wednesday, 13th December from 10.15 to 11.45am. There is no Tea Pop—In this month. Joan Warren, 830233 Fish NCWS ©< JAN “Aiév ngyv Because of the influenza epidemic, meetings of the Luncheon Club were temp- orarily suspended, and the Christmas Dinner has been postponed until 8th January. * It ¥ We were all saddened to hear of the death of Bill Jordan, one of our first Luncheon Club members. Bill looked after his severely handicapped wife with devoted care for many years, as well as finding time to help friends and neigh- bours with their decorating and household repairs. His front door was always open and many people visited him, including the postmen, for whom it was a regular ‘tea-stop’. He found it hard to give up his home but was grateful that he was able to stay in the village at Saxon Lodge, accompanied by his precious cat and surrounded by friends. II! It III The next Coffee Pop-In will be in Bridge Village Hall on Wednesday, 10th from 10.15 to 11.45am. The Tea Pop-In will be on Thursday, 25th from 2.15 10 3-45Pm- Joan Warren, 830233 Fish News<>< ‘—*rE'5‘<’-M~r ‘$90 Luncheon Club meetings started again on 8th January with the postponed Christmas Dinner. Our members said their thanks to the catering staff at The New Close and to the volunteers for their extra effort to make it a very special occasion. We were delighted to have amongst our guests our City Councillor David Pentin, the Chairman of Bridge Parish Council, John Hill and Laurence Shirley, who does so much to help and advise elderly people in this area. * i I Sadly two of our members have died during the Christmas break; Mrs Swan of Union Road, Bridge and Mrs Newman of School Lane, Bekesbourne. Although both had battled with ill health for many years, they were able to remain in their own homes almost to the last, thanks to the generous help and support from family, friends, neighbours, nurses and community care workers. # I I Age Concern have produced a helpful fact sheet, The Community Charge and Older People. Free copies of this and a list of other fact sheets and books can be obtained by sending a large stamped addressed envelope to: Age Concern England, Bernard Sunley House, 60 Pitcairn Road, Mitcham , Surrey CR4 3LL. ll! 1! It The next Coffee Pop-in will be in Bridge Village Hall on Wednesday, 14th February from 10.15 to 11.45am. The Tea Pop-In will be on Thursday, 22nd February from 2.15 to 3.45pm. Joan Warren, 3 302 3 3 Fish News ©< 3~<‘~* Thanks to the generous support of the community and the hard work of the volunteers our Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy Sale raised £202. The proceeds, combined with the grants we receive from our local parish councils and private donations, will fund the work of the Fish Scheme for the current year‘ II it It Chiropody patients will be pleased to hear that in future the Mobile Clinic will be in the village for an extra day at each visit—nine sessions instead of seven every eight weeks. it It It Owing to lack of support it has been decided to discontinue the Tea Pop-Ins. The Coffee Pop-Ins on the second Wednesday of every month are well supported and will be held as usual. The next Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 1 1th from 10.15 to 11.45am in Bridge Village Hall. Joan Warren, 830233 FishNews O< ALAfi‘usT «ewe The Luncheon Club will be closed for the whole of August; the new session starts on Monday, 3rd September. # t It The Mobile Chiropody Clinic will be at The New Close, Bridge from Monday, 13th August until Friday, 17th August. I 3 II The next Coffee Pop-In is in Bridge Village Hall from 10.15 to 11.45am on Wednesday. 8th August. Joan Warren, 830233 FishNews<>< .«s:-wrr—:.~««s~_e Members of the Luncheon Club were saddened to hear of the recent deaths of two of its members — Mrs Flo Innis and Mrs Marjorie Hudson. Both had been in poor health for some time but had remained active and involved in local act- ivities until they were adrriitted to hospital a few days before their deaths. They will be missed but fondly remembered by fellow residents of Churchill House and their many friends. Two other local residents have died recently at The New Close. Mrs Beattie, who would have been ninety in a few weeks’ time, was a member of the Luncheon Club for several years. Fred Smith was a popular and active member of the community for many years, a regular attender at the Coffee Pop-Ins and a great supporter of the Fish Scheme. We shall miss them all and send our sympathy to their relatives. The new session of the Luncheon Club starts on Monday, 3rd September. The next Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 12th September from 10.15 to 11.45am in Bridge Village Hall. We can arrange transport for anyone who would like to join us but has difficulty getting to the hall. Joan Wane", 3302 3 3 Fish News ©< 3 c no em: ‘We Luncheon Club meetings restarted on September 3rd. Because both the cooks at The New Close were ill, our first three sessions were threatened with cancell- ation. However, thanks to the efforts of our volunteers we were able to provide meals for our first two sessions — one at The New Close and the other in the Village Hall. This exercise made us appreciate how much we owe to Mary and Jean who cook our weekly meal in addition to their usual work. We wish them a speedy recovery. The Luncheon Club has now been rimning for ten years, and we hope to celebrate with a gala meal on October 8th. I October Coffee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 10th from 10.15 to l1.45arn in the Village Hall. The Mobile Chiropody Clinic will be at The New Close from Monday, October 22nd to Friday, October 26th. Joan Wane", 8 302 3 3 Fish News O< Ncranisafi :7:/c,»“C ‘-41’ Fish News ©< *"~1~:~ Severe Weather Heating Grants There has been much confusion and misunderstanding about these grants and it has been difficult to get through to the DSS by telephone. At the time of going to press the regulations are as follows: In order for Senior Citizens to qualify for the grant they must satisfy both of the following conditions: Be receiving Income Support Have less than £1,000 capital. Even if you qualified in previous years you must put in a fresh application every year — payment is not automatic. Application forms will be in the free newspapers Adscene and the Extra. If you miss these DSS are sending me a supply of forms. If you don’t qualify because your capital is just above £1,000 and you need help please contact me and I will let you know what other sources of help are all/ailable. Certain categories of people below retirement age also qualify for t is grant. Mrs Ivy Setterfield We were all saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Ivy Setterfield, one of the youngest members of the Luncheon Club. Until his recent death Ivy had cared for her husband during a long and distressing illness, first at home and then by regular visits during his long stay in hospital. She often spoke to our drivers of the gratitude she felt towards her family for the care and support they gave her both during her husband’s long illness and her own recent illness. To them we offer our sympathy in their loss. Dates off and on Unfortunately the February Coffee Pop-In had to be cancelled due to bad weather. This month's Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 13th March from 10.15 to ll.45ain. The Mobile Chiropody Clinic will be at The New Close, Bridge from Monday, 11th to Friday, 15th March _/can Warren, 3302 3 3 Ed: I hope Joan won’t mind my mentioning something which I know certain people aren ’t aware of, that the Fish Scheme which she so marvellously spear- heads (bless you for it, Joan) as a good neighbour scheme seeks to serve the entire community, not just those who can produce a pension book. Naturally the bulk of the Fish Scheme ’s work is with the elderly but the less-than-elderly also qualify for its services. It ’s not a branch of ‘Help The Aged’, you see. Circumstances may well arise when someone needs to get to hospital or a sick relation quickly and has no means of getting there short of catching a bus. No matter who you are or how far from retirement you happen to be, please feel free to call on Joan and the Fish Scheme if you could do with some help. I well remember Joan offering me a driver when I broke a finger and couldn ’t drive myself. “It ’s not just for the elderly”, I was told in no uncertain manner. Fish News <>< ,.,,.~,a. _ .55, Blossom Tour This year our outing will be on Wednesday, 8th May. After a country drive therewill be a stop for cream tea at the Age Concern Centre in Hythe. In addition to providing an excellent tea, the centre has very good facilities including a well-stocked shop selling gifts, confectionery, knitting wool, etc. Priority will be_ given to people who have poor mobility and those who have little opportunity to get out. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to 10111 us. The coach will leave from the bottom of Western Avenue (opposite Green Court) at _2pm, returning at about 5.30pm. Transport can be arranged to the pick-up point. Although costs have risen, we hope to keep the cost to £3. —~ Gardeners Please don't forget there will be a plant stall at our Annual Coffee Morning on lst_ June. Your surplus plants, cuttings and seedlings will be most welcome. This is always a well-stocked stall and is well worth a visit. Coffee ‘ The March Coffee Pop-In was well attended._ Apr_il’s is on Wednesday, 10th between the usual hours of 10.15 and 1l.45arn in Bridge Village Hall. Joan Warren, 830233 At» ‘.’:'‘T IC ‘ I FISH SCHEME Holiday airingeméits E< The Luncheon Club will be closed for the whole of August. Meetings start again on Monday, 2nd September. The Transport Scheme and all other services will carry on as usual. The next Cofiee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 14th August in Bridge Village Hall from 10.15 to 11.45am. Fish NEWS ©< SEPT-E-Mc5Er¢ «)3: Hospital Parking New arrangements have been made for parking at the Kent & Canterbury Hospital. They are as follows: 1. FREE parking for visitors staying up to half an hour on the designated spaces outside Outpatients. 2. Over 200 places reserved for visitors in the Pay and Display car parks. The basic charge will be 60p for up to four hours. Patients who are entitled to claim help with travel expenses will be re- imbursed in full. If you are on Income Support you can claim back your parking fee by showing your allowance book or other evidence at the Transport Desk in the Outpatients Hall. The entrance from Nackington Road is now closed to cars but not to pedestrians. People using our transport scheme are asked to reimburse the driver for the parking fee. .. .. . The next Cofiee Pop-In will be on Wednesday, 11th September in Bridge Village Hall from 10.15 to 11.45am. Joan Warren 830233 £7432; 6% 55- Fish News 99' . h C te b V1 teerBure_autooomb1ne Eéirygglgddlsngllgfgfiggpiig alEI:IeIlid1gI3l'or°ellinerly and d1saa1ibledbI1>i€0P1e _ . - - f h r u c on as t3:;“s.::::.‘2§h;.:i‘.°*i*:.:‘:%..*i;‘“.i:%. mg, “r5 v . -' t ho s sho ,°;‘°“"‘°" “fi‘3.”é”v‘%“i§3§‘§rd駑§;?1‘§.“h‘£°€l’§”§?§?.§ ‘£333. (l)hurch e open. . hm ts '11 b Watlfmg Street *° "mt as a me1;m:))%tp1€ac1‘e2V(ltl‘lielt?ytt)r1‘l‘3Jvllie1iil-(‘lshkefinticlrvelz and provided. Please let me know )7 ° if you need transport. Chiropody b 7th - ' ' ' tTh N C1 se,Bridgefr0II_10°t° 9’ l”J‘°1iii.‘S%‘€§E“€.Ea‘:§iZ.Y€“l§"’p?ovid§a iii afiyone ovgglegeugggenthaggi . ‘ ' disa . oug children, expectant mothers and anyone _Wh0 15 b k fut re appointments at the October session will have been 00 ed, ll appointments can be made by telephoning 373241. Coflee Pop-In b 9th . B _d P -I '11 be on Wednesday, 0_°t° 9‘: . m n g,e $lllagl2mlEItallJ?E>lf1 10(lI1)5el;m“tll) 11.4§e3m. If you would hke to _]0ln us but can t get there’ transport can 6 ammg ' Joan Warren 830233 Fish NEWS ©< l\lorEMr3r—;€— ways)» The Fish Scheme has now been running for over eleven years. Many of our original helpers were well over retirement age when the scheme started and advancing years and ill health have taken their toll and decreased our numbers. With the reduction in statutory services, the help of volunteers is needed more than ever. There must be many people in the community who could spare two hours a month to keep this valuable service going. Do contact me to find out how you can help! The Luncheon Club, which is afliliated to Age Concern, holds a meeting every Monday at The New Close, Bridge, for elderly people over seventy- five who are living alone. Many members are housebound or have poor mobility and need to be brought in by car. The meal is cooked by the home’s catering stafi' and our volunteers set the tables, serve the meal and wash up. Most helpers come once a month and book in their next visit to fit their other commitments. The club closes for the whole of August and on Bank Holidays. We are always anxious to add to our list of Luncheon Club helpers and our volunteer drivers. In addition to taking members to the Luncheon Club C::..C1 cur.’ '\;,xAJ Fish Scheme News ©< "E*°>7~“**“"3* Luncheon Club I99; ' Members of the Luncheon Club and their guests celebrated with a delicious Christmas Dinner on 16th December. Councillor John Hill, Chairman of Bridge Parish Council, on behalf of the members made a presentation to the catering staff and thanked them and the volunteers for their work throughout the year. The New Close is due to be taken over by Kent Community Housing Trust on 1st March. The trust is a charity set up to extend the range and quality of housing available in Kent for those with a special need of accommodation with care services. Although final arrangements have yet to be made, the care services manager of the trust has said that they wish to continue providing facilities for the Luncheon Club. Social Fund Cold Weather Payments Regulations have been changed for additional cash help to people on a low income during very severe weather. In future households on Income Support with a child under five, a person over sixty or a disabled person with capital less than £3,000 will get an additional payment of £6 for every seven days that the temperature is below freezing point. A seven day forecast of continual frost made by the local Meteorological Office will trigger off these payments and announcements will be made so that people will know in advance that they can use extra heat. In future these payments will be made automatically and no claim will have to be made. Time for coifee and chat The next Coffee Pop-In will be in Bridge Village Hall on Wednesday, 12th February from 10.15 to 11.45am. Dates for your Diary Blossom Tour, Wednesday, 6th May Annual Coffee Morning, Saturday, 6th June. Joan W1,.,.en’ 3 3023 3 Fish News ©< fleece -973- Many people were saddened to hear of the death of Miss Jean Bright. When she retired from her post as Senior Occupational Therapist to our local hospitals she offered her services as a volunteer driver. She made many trips to the hospital and chiropody clinic for us until her illness forced her to give up driving. Her encouragement and cheerfulness will be remembered with gratitude by many elderly people in the area. i There have been rumours about‘ that the Mobile Chiropody Clinic is to close. I have been in touch with the District Chiropody office and have been assured that this is incorrect. Mrs Heron, our present chiropodist, left at the end of February to join her husband, who is working in Scotland. Her work will be taken over by another chiropodist. The Mobile Clinic will be at The New Close from Monday, 2nd March until Friday, 6th March. If you have any problems about appointments, please let me know. i i i The next Coffee Pop-In will be in Bridge Village Hall on Wednesday, 11th March from 10.15 to 11.45am. Joan Wanen’ 830233 Fish News <>< N"‘="— ‘991 Our Annual Blossom Tour will take place on Wednesday, 6th May. After a country tour, a stop will be made at the Age Concern Centre, Hythe for a cream tea. The Centre has excellent facilities and as well as providing delicious teas, it has a well-stocked shop selling confectionery, gifts, stationery, knitting wool, etc. Last year the nearly new clothes stall proved to be very popular, with excellent garments available at bargain prices. Although we have to give priority to people who are housebound or have poor mobility, there are usually enough seats for all those who wish to go. We extend a particular welcome to elderly retired people who live alone and have no transport. The charge for the outing will be £350 - this includes tea. Please let me know as soon as possible if you wish to book a seat. The coach will leave the bottom of Western Avenue (opposite Green Court) shortly after 2 o’clock - please be there by 1.50pm as it takes time to get everyone aboard. We should be back by 5.30pm. Transport can be arranged to the :- ach, if you need it. The next Coffee Pop-In will be in Bridge Vlll8’7‘ Wednesday, 8th from 10.15 to 11.45am. We have plenty ale for local Children in Need. I178", 830233 Ade, t,L.<.$‘l’ «C292. we The Committee hope that volunteers will come forward to organize the groups and for membership of the Committee. It is hoped that the new proposals can be put to the next Annual Meeting of the Scheme to be held in late September. Anyone wanting further information about the proposed changes and details about the work involved in the groups can ’phone me. The Luncheon Club will be closed during August. Details about its next meeting will be given in the next issue of On The Nail. The Coffee Pop-ln will meet as usual on the second Wednesday of the month, 12th August. Fish News <>< ‘9'/1 We shall be holding our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 22nd September at 8pm in Bridge Methodist Church, Patrixbourne Road. I hope that as many people as possible will attend because decisions will have to be made about the future of the Fish Scheme. I got no response to my appeal in last months On The Nail for help with the running of the scheme. Many elderly people have been helped and provided with services during the past twelve years. As central and local government services increasingly rely on volunteers it is vital for this work to carry on. Joan Whrren, 830233 <3; .9 T .3, M t3x:,:;. Luncheon Club meetings start again at The New Close on Monday, 7th September. The Coffee Pop-In for September will be in Bridge Village Hall on 9th from 10.15 to 11.45am. The mobile Chiropdy Clinic will be at The New Close from Monday, 21st to Friday, 25th. Joan pibflen Ed; Joan's situation is getting quite desperate; it’s not that she wants to give up running the Fish Scheme, she has to.’ If no one comes forward to help shoulder the burden of it the future of the Fish Scheme on which so many have come to rely could well be in jeopardy. The answer may not be another Joan Whrren (some people really are unique) who will oversee the entire organisation, but several persons each willing to take charge of just one aspect of the scheme. Over to you out there.’ Fish News ©'< ocfivéae ‘-992 The Luncheon Club will be holding its last meeting at The New Close on 28th September. We first met in the old chapel of The Close in Union Road on 6th October, 1980 at the invitation of the Matron, Mrs Diana Holway. We moved with the residents to The New Close in 1982 and are grateful to the staff who have given us so much help and tolerated our weekly invasion over the years. Happily, our membeis have been invited to join the new Luncheon Club, which has just been started at Churchill House by the warden on behalf of the City Council. We shall be celebrating our twelve happy years with a final luncheon party in the Village Hall on 19th October. Lost One of our wheelchairs has been missing from the Village Hall for some time. If anyone has borrowed it or knows of its whereabouts would they please let me know. The Coffee Pop-In will be held in the Village Hall on Wednesday, 14th October from 10.15 to 11.45am. If you need transport please contact Mesdames Rosy Green on 830204 or Ann Medhurst on 830762 by 9am on the day of the pop—in or make a regular booking. Joan Warren Fish News O< 66/2 Cllr John Hill was in the chair for our Annual Meeting in the Methodist Church on 22nd September. The scheme had had a successful year with calls on its services increasing as statutory services were being cut. The financial position was sound with interest‘ from invested capital contributing towards our running costs. Financing the transport system was discussed and it was generally agreed that it would be easier for all concerned if users are asked to contribute a fixed sum towards transport costs — £2 for a return journey to Canterbury and 50p for a journey within the villages, e.g. to the surgery or chiropody clinic. There was disappointment that the Luncheon Club had had to close but as the majority of the members and some of the volunteers were transferring to the new club at Churchill House, the gap was being filled. Ncpv’EP-'1 6&4-7 Cc-AI rgra 4.4‘ u 1 FISH NEWS M **"'3C*-*‘ ‘993 First, our thanks go to Mrs Olive Knight, who has been the Parish Council representative on the Fish Scheme since it was formed, and has now resigned. Mrs Margaret Jones is kindly replacing her. Many thanks too to the White Horse for the proceeds of their Burns Night raffle. We have a cheque for £100 towards buying a new, lighter wheelchair for the village. I have a hospital bed doing nothing at home. If it would make somebody’s life easier I would be delighted to lend it (Tel: 830298 . The )next Coffee Pop-In at the village hall will be on Wednesday, 10th March from 10.15 to 11.45am. And lastly, an advance warning for your diaries! The Blossom Tour will be on Wednesday, 5th May. The great annual fund-raising cofiee morning will be on Saturday, 5th June. Please remember it when preparing plants and handicrafts. Anne Rgoke F‘ish News <>< M2» -962: The annual Blossom Tour will be on Wednesday, 5th May and the coach will leave Green Court at 2pm. Transport can be arranged to Green Court if you would like it. The price this year will be £4 and Mrs Joy Monk will be at the Coffee Pop-In to collect the names of those who wish to go. We are delighted to announce that Jean Johnson took over as Co-ordinator of the Fish Scheme on 30th March. Joan Warren will carry on as the Age Concern representative and will continue to arrange chiropody transport. The next chiropody clinic will be from Wednesday, 14th to Friday, 16th April. The next Coffee Pop-In is on Wednesday, 14th April from 10.15 to 11.45am in the Village Hall. (N.B. Knitting wool and patterns are available at the Pop—Ins for anyone who might like to make garments for the WRVS clothing store.) And lastly, keep Saturday, 5th June well in mind. That’s the date of our great annual fund-raising coffee morning! Anne Rooke ~- LLLNCHEON Cuug _ 1930 — :99; CHRISTMAS }>xNN ER‘ , “THE 0:.) CLOSE ‘L; :11 rs: \",xx‘i raj,‘ xx; 7» L; ;: $;‘F{T%4,.9%\¥i ?Ag?¥ 1:12; ,7; _ _._ ' $,£~,Tfi\E‘ai%’ELL 73’.A‘fi‘T7 ligggpqg V 3 LLAQE HALL.