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BEAmBramley Elderly Action

newsletter

Spring 2016

Insi

de

1 Bramley Elderly Action 0113 236 1644 www.bramleyea.org.uk

2016 will hopefully be a good year for our members as we work on improving what BEA does. In doing so it's vitally important that we do not lose sight of the positive values that have helped shape the organisation over the last 21 years. To this end, we are organising an event at Bramley Lawn (Tuesday 1st March, 9.30-12.00) to review our values, with the help of former BEA Manager Sheila Mahon. Please phone Lee Ingham if you would like to know more, or just tick the box on the reply form if you would like to take part. Whether or not you can come to that event, we are also inviting members to call in at Bramley Lawn that day (12.00-1.30), to join us for free homemade soup and rolls and meet the new staff

team and Board members. You can also find out about the new activities that we have planned at Bramley Lawn. Transport will be available if you require it. If you plan to come, please let us know on the reply form, so that we have an idea of numbers. We are also looking to the future in this edition of BEAm by providing thoughts and information to help our members think about the difficult subject of death. We touch upon funeral plans, palliative care, bereavement support, wills and legacies. We hope you find the information useful and thought-provoking. We would like to ensure that all our members can have peace of mind, both for themselves and for their loved ones.

BEA to explore running centre

More than 40 people came to a meeting with local councillors on January 18th about the future of Bramley Community Centre. Strong support was again voiced for keeping the centre open. We were reminded how Bramley came together in 1956 to keep the building open after it was burned down. Cllr Caroline Gruen assured the meeting that there was no threat of imminent closure. BEA is actively exploring whether we can run the centre, in order to keep it open for the benefit of Bramley and BEA, and help make it the vibrant community centre that Bramley deserves.

A new start

News

Trips

Activities

Information

Features

I’m a BEA volunteer Kath Osborn

Meet the banker Donna Wells

date for your diary: BEA AGM Saturday 29 October

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BEAm | Bramley Elderly Action newsletter | Spring 2016

Bramley Elderly Action 0113 236 1644 www.bramleyea.org.uk

Activities update

New start event Come and take part in a review of our values. Bramley Lawn, 9.30-12.00, Tuesday 1 March

Meet ‘n eat

Join us to meet the new staff team and Board members over free homemade soup and rolls. Bramley Lawn, 12.00-1.30, Tuesday 1 March

Volunteer party Are you a volunteer? Are you coming to our annual social and thank you party? ...an evening of food, music and plenty of fun. Get in touch with Maureen for details. The Vault (Kirkstall Brewery), 6.00-10.00, Thursday 3 March

Brains of Bramley

Come for a curry and quiz night and raise funds for BEA. Kirkstall Brewery, 7.30, Thursday 10 March, £5.00

Hearing loss clinic

If you wear a hearing aid come to the clinic for advice, practical solutions. You can get tube replacements and free supplies of batteries. Tick the reply form. Bramley Community Centre, 2.00-3.30, Monday 4 April and Monday 6 June

Games night

Come to a fun evening of quizzes, raffle, Play your Cards Right and light refreshments. £3.00. Rossefield Manor, 7.00-9.00, Tuesday 5 April

BEA Singers concert and afternoon tea Come and hear the BEA Singers, with local primary school pupils, and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. St Margaret’s Church, 2.30-5.00, Saturday 23 April, £6.00

Bramley Challenge

Calling all local talent! Start planning your entry for this year’s Bramley Challenge now. There’s an Over 60’s category and an Under 60’s category, so your children and grandchildren can join in. Please spread the word. See leaflet for details. Bramley Lawn, 11.30-3.30, Saturday 1 October. £1.00 per entry.

Annual General Meeting We have an early date for your diary for our AGM. Please see the Summer edition of BEAm for full details. Saturday 29 October

Will you be a singer? Come and join the BEA Singing group. It’s great for body and mind, whether singing old songs or new. No experience needed, just an enjoyment of singing. It’s not a choir! Daisyfield Grange, 5.15-6.15, Wednesdays

Wednesday tea dance Our popular tea dance now runs fortnightly. All welcome. Bramley Community Centre, 2.00-4.00, every other Wednesday

Volunteers needed We are looking for people who would like to help at or lead the following groups: Friendship group, Men’s group, Reminiscence group, and Tea dance. We are also still very keen to hear from possible volunteer drivers and bus buddies. Please get in touch with Volunteer Co-ordinator Maureen if you would like to find out more. 0113 236 1644

Theatre trips Did you know we run theatre trips? If you’re interested, or have ideas of places to go to, please contact Debbie or tick the reply form.

Deadline for contributions to next BEAm - Monday 29 April

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Activities update

Stroke club Activities in the new West Leeds Stroke Club programme include a hands-on session to test out modified kitchen equipment, a gardening workshop and lots of reasons to join in and meet other people who understand how you feel after a stroke. Open to anyone in West Leeds. Bramley Lawn, 10.30-12.30, every other Wednesday

New activities! Look out for new activities at Bramley Lawn, including Sing-along film matinees, ukelele classes and Zumba Gold. Don’t forget to book a visit to the barber shop on Men’s Day (1st Saturday of every month). See Bramley Lawn leaflet enclosed.

Extra care trips Many thanks to members who gave us feedback about the Extra care trips and the costs. Your feedback has helped us in planning this season's trips.

For your diary

Lucky numbers club - a fun way to raise vital funds for BEA

Date of draw

Venue 1st prize

No. 2nd prize

No. 3rd prize

No.

28.11.15 Restaurant night

£97.50 55 £58.50 75 £39.00 14

28.12.15 Daisyfield Grange

£97.50 79 £58.50 23 £39.00 61

28.01.16 Reminiscence group

£93.75 89 £56.25 20 £37.50 90

Next draws: 26.02 - Millstones trip 29.03 - Tai Chi 28.04 - Bingo Payment is due in the office by 20th of the month. Could you pay by standing order? Information from the office. Thank you for your support.

April

Sat 23

BEA Singers concert

Corn Mill Lodge

March Tues

1 New start

May

Weds 20

Tues 26

Bridlington

Weds 11

Owlcotes shopper

Thurs 10

Brains of Bramley

Thurs 3

Volunteer party

Mon 20

Owlcotes shopper

Mon 6

Hearing loss clinic Tues 1

Meet ‘n eat

Tues 5

Games night

Tues 10

Trent river cruise

Fri 17

Chesterfield Market

June

Bramley Challenge Sat 1

Sat 29

AGM

October

Weds 13

Tong Garden Centre

Mon 21

Lotherton Hall

Mon 4

Hearing loss clinic

Weds 30

Tong Garden Centre

July

Corn Mill Lodge Mon 15

August

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Independent Trips These monthly trips are open to all members who can be out for a half or full day without extra support, or can bring a companion to support them. We include local outings, popular food trips and occasional longer days to locations further away, such as a Summer trip to the seaside. Please get in touch with any suggestions for trips. Please complete and return the booking form. You can keep a record of your bookings below.

Paid £ ……………... Date paid…../…../…..

Fri

17 June

Chesterfield Market One of England’s largest outdoor markets with 150 stalls. Stroll around the centre to discover boutiques, cafes and restaurants and take a peek at the crooked spire. (There are some cobbled paths).

Mon

21 March

Lotherton Hall Discover the elegant gardens or explore the mansion and stable galleries, before trotting down to the stables café for lunch Some places still available.

9.30 Ashlea Court 9.40 Bramley Lawn

3.00 Leave venue 4.00 Arrive in Bramley

Tues

26 July

Bridlington Visit the classic Yorkshire coast. Stroll along the prom with an ice-cream, hop on the land train or feast on fish ‘n chips at the harbour. Have a paddle and get some sand between your toes.



£13.50

£11.00

£14.00

Paid £ ……………... Date paid…../…../…..

Tues

10 May

Trent river cruise All aboard for a 3 hour cruise from Nottingham. Watch the countryside from the deluxe Princess Explorer. Enjoy a full roast dinner with bar service and captain’s commentary. (You will need to be able to use stairs).



£30.00



Paid £ ……………... Date paid…../…../…..

Paid £ ……………... Date paid…../…../…..

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Extra Care Trips These monthly trips to a local venue are for members with extra support needs (including mobility, medication or other reasons) and are fully supported by staff and volunteers. We run the same trip for two consecutive months to allow as many members as possible to take part. We collect you and return you to your home. Each trip lasts 4-5 hours and costs £7.00. Meals or extras are additional and payable on the day.

Tong Garden Centre Crooners and chrysanthemums - musical entertainment within the beautiful setting

£7.00

Weds

30 March

Home pick ups from 9.30

Weds

13 April

Trip date booked …../…../….. Paid £ …… Date paid …../…../…..

Owlcotes shopper Shopping time at Marks & Spencer and Asda, then have lunch in the café.

£7.00

Weds

11 May

Mon

20 June


Corn Mill Lodge Visit the peaceful hotel grounds and enjoy lunch in the restaurant.

£7.00

Weds

20 July

Mon

15 Aug




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Dying matters

We want to make it easier for people to talk about death, which can be a taboo subject. We particularly want to support and encourage people to write a will, plan their funeral wishes and tell loved ones, plan future care and support, and register as an organ donor. ····························································································

Funeral directors can help you write a funeral plan, which can really help people close to you.

····························································································

Part of people’s legacy is what happens to possessions and money. You don’t need to be wealthy to make a will or to leave a gift in your will. Every adult should have a will. It’s the only way to ensure your wishes are met. But 1 in 5 people in the UK dies without one, often causing complications for their loved ones. ····························································································

We have set up a BEA legacy scheme. A gift left to BEA, or to any charity, doesn’t need to be large, and does not have to prevent you from taking care of your family and loved ones. Please get advice from a solicitor on all legal aspects of leaving a legacy. BEA is grateful for legacies already received - these make a real difference. Please tick the reply form if you would like more information. ····························································································

Another way of helping BEA when someone dies is to hold an in memoriam collection at a funeral, which can be a valuable source of support to our activities.

····························································································

Another part of your legacy can be organ donation, which thousands of people in the UK await. There is no age limit to donating your organs. You have to register with the NHS to do so. ····························································································

If you have a life limiting illness you may be offered palliative care to help with quality of life and to manage any pain and emotions. ····························································································

It can be devastating if someone close to you dies. You may benefit

greatly from counselling or group support.

Are you interested in a meeting about dying? Tick the reply form.

Help and support

Find a solicitor

Every November you can use a solicitor through Will Aid who will write your will for free. You make a donation instead, which goes to major national charities. www.willaid.org.uk

To find a solicitor at any time go to the Law Society: solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk 020 7320 5650

Organ donation There is no age limit to donating your organs. You have to register with the NHS. www.organdonation.nhs.uk 0300 123 23 23

Palliative Care

Leeds Palliative Care provides information and support. www.leedspalliativecare.co.uk

Bereavement support

Cruse Bereavement Care support people who have been bereaved, however long ago. One–to-one and group support is available. Phone - 0113 234 4150 Email - [email protected] Helpline - 0844 4779 400 Email [email protected]

Friendship and social group This BEA group is for anyone who is lonely and would like to meet people. Wellington Gardens, 11.30-2.00, first Wednesday of the month

http://www.willaid.org.uk

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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I’m a BEA volunteer

Kath Osborn

1. What’s your volunteer role? Telephone befriender

2. How long have you been a volunteer? I started volunteering at the

Atlanta St bingo in January 2015, and became a befriender in October

3. Why did you get involved? I was a volunteer years ago. I just wanted to do something.

I used to look after my grandmother then had time on my hands, and wanted to put

something back. Working in the office is ideal because I can’t stand or walk for long.

4. Three words that sum up BEA for you? friendship, communication, company

5. What do you get out of volunteering? The satisfaction of knowing I’ve done

something useful, as well as meeting new people and making new friends.

6. What else do you like doing? Reading. I used to do a lot of knitting and crochet, but

I’m now very limited by arthritis.

7. Where were you born? Hyde Park, Leeds

8. What's your favourite film? Dirty Dancing

9. And your favourite book? I like romance, especially Catherine Cookson

10. And one thing that people may not know? I’m a very good listener

Phone 236 1644 if you would like to speak to a telephone befriender or would like to volunteer in this role.

Meet the banking advisor Donna Wells, Yorkshire Bank

Donna has been at Yorkshire Bank for 11 years, the last 5 in Bramley. She deals with individual banking needs including current accounts, savings, insurance and helping people register Power of Attorney. Donna’s appointments can last from 15-90 minutes so she really gets to know people. She can usually find a solution with a customer and gets great satisfaction from being able to help. On the rare occasions when she doesn’t have an answer, Donna will always try to point people to the right place, rather than just turn them away. Donna knows that her role is very important for older people, many of whom are far happier to have someone to talk to face-to-face rather than using a machine. She can help people continue to control their own

banking, however they prefer to do it. She takes the time to explain things to people. Donna is very aware that many older people are cautious of banking online. She is very happy to help people with this if they would like to try. She can also demonstrate the various services available from ATMs including help with PINs if needed. Donna sees the bank as an important part of the community. She and all the staff want older people to feel really welcome there and they make their service as accessible as possible. Donna went to school in Wortley and Armley, and now lives in Birkenshaw. She is very involved as a choreographer for Leeds Insurance Dramatic and Operatic Society, which she loves doing.

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Bramley Elderly Action 230a Stanningley Road, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3BA t 0113 236 1644 e [email protected]

@BramleyElderly www.bramleyea.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1043975 * Company Ltd by Guarantee No. 3008194


Lee Ingham - General Manager ● Catherine Scott - Support Worker, BL ● Debbie Fawthrop - Activities Coordinator ● Fran Graham - Operations Manager ● Janet Pritchard - Office Manager

● Maureen Rushworth - Volunteer Coordinator ● Rebecca Durrant - Transport Worker ● Rob Cook - Communications Coordinator ● Shauna Ledger - Apprentice Reception & Admin Worker

● Simon Price - Outreach Worker / Support Worker, BL ● Zoe Ricketts - Volunteer Coordinator (funding)

Staff changes We’re delighted to welcome Janet Pritchard as Office Manager. Simon Price, who is a Support Worker at Bramley Lawn, is now BEA Outreach Worker. Drop in and say hello. We’re sad that David Marsh is leaving and wish him all the best.

In memoriam donations We sincerely thank families who have donated money to BEA from funeral collections. We greatly appreciate this at such a difficult time.

West Leeds Dispatch The local volunteer-run online newspaper is looking for people to write for it, tell their stories or take photos. Please contact editor John Barron. westleedsdispatch.com

Helping hands Contact Yorkshire Water if you would like help with a large print bill, or understanding a water meter, or in other ways. 0800 138 7878 mor

Many thanks to... ...Raynville School pupils who collected tins for BEA members, and to volunteers Jack and Patricia who made up hampers. Pupil Oliver wrote about older people: ‘They’re actually not boring, they are very funny and kind from my experience…It’s all about respect.’ Raynville School also collected food for refugees. ...the Shoebox Appeal, who collected and packaged boxes of goodies before Christmas. ...Hollie (13) and Declan (10) who put together lovely gift boxes for BEA members. They suggested it to their mum on seeing the John Lewis TV ad. ...Whitecote Primary pupils (Year 5) who wrote to our members, who are replying. ...the Rotary Club for delivering Christmas meals to members.

Wise guides These free Independent Age guides offer advice on topics including keeping active, care options, benefits, housing and more. You can order as many as you like! 0800 319 6789 www.independentage.org

Help beat local debt West Leeds Debt Forum is asking BEA members to pass on vital information to family, neighbours and anyone who might need help managing money. Please read the enclosed leaflet with details of organisations which offer advice, including best value for money on energy suppliers, benefits and dealing with debt. We don’t want people going to high interest lenders like Wonga or to local loan sharks who we know are active in our area. Many older people are being targeted by fraudsters, cowboys and scams. If you hear of any scams, let the SAFER Project know. SAFER also offers money advice to older people. The West Leeds & Bramley, and Leeds City Credit Unions give good rates on savings and can offer affordable loans, but many people don’t know they exist. For more information or more leaflets, please contact Norah Gibson (0113 2570966 [email protected]) or via the BEA office.

News in brief …

bramley elderly action - wordpress.com · beam bramley elderly action newsletter spring 2016 de...

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