OPAL Price Rises

Please see page 2 for details.

OPAL membership fees are now due

Please see page 6 for details.

Thank you

We have been overwhelmed by donations of items for our raffles and tombola fund-raising stalls. It’s very kind of you all. Thank you so much.

This publication is available in large print and audio CD or cassette. Please call on 261 9103 if you would prefer your newsletter in another format.

March/April 2016

Contents Page 2 News itemsPage 3 One off eventsPage 4 Shopping trips,

Remember When group, Tea Dance and Men’s group

Page 5 Exercise and relaxation with OPAL luncheon clubs, table tennis & carer’s and moving on group

Page 6 OPAL Membership Page 7 Useful information

Page 8 QuizPage 9 Member’s cornerPage 10 Adel coffee Morning

and what’s onPage 11 Weekly social

afternoons & photosPage 12 Thanks & recent events

Welcome In – an updateWeather permitting, by the beginning of March, works to the 7 flat roofs and the pitched roof should be completed and we hope to have the top metre of the whole building re-pointed so fingers crossed the building will finally be water-tight.

All of the asbestos identified in the asbestos report has now been removed so further renovation work can be carried out safely.

We aim to start the works to create the Community Café kitchen at the beginning of March. We’ve got a couple of funding bids in for £94,000 to cover the works required to form the café itself and the café toilets and hope one of them will be successful.

The front of the serving area is where we intend to display the bricks kindly purchased

in the ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign by OPAL members, friends, local businesses etc.

We have been unsuccessful twice now for Big Lottery money & each time the feedback has been that we need to prove that the people living in Leeds16 want this as a community centre just as much as OPAL do. To help us with this, we have engaged Rachel Koivenun to gain feedback on what type of food, drink, opening hours etc. we want. (See leaflet and postcard in this newsletter).

We are having an Open Day on Wednesday 23rd at the Welcome In please see page 3 for details.

The OPAL office is open Monday to Friday 10am — 1pm

OPAL NEWS

OPAL RaffleKimberley and Chelsea from Ralph Thoresby School ran a raffle for us in February and they raised £136 for OPAL. The winners have been notified and thank you to everyone who took part.

Letter writing to young peopleLeeds University Students are holding ‘Writing Back’ a workshop at the OPAL office on Wednesday 16th March 3pm – 4.30pm. We would like you to share your memories of your teenage years or early 20s in the form of a letter to a student. (OPAL Transport would be available).Also Adel Primary School have some 9/10 year old children who would like OPAL members to become their pen pals for a few months. This would finish with all the pen pals meeting at the school for a tea party. If you are interested in either event please contact the OPAL office for more details.

OPAL NEWS

OPAL Price Rises from Monday 2nd May 2016

02March/April 2016

OPAL Transport to Farrar Lane and to our activities.We heavily subsidise the transport costs to our activities and we can’t afford to continue to do this without making the following changes; so we will be increasing the transport price for lifts provided by OPAL, within our area, from £3 to £4 for a return journey.OPAL Tuesday/Thursday Chair Based Exercise and Wednesday Gentle Exercise ClassesThe price of these sessions will increase from £4 to £5 if transport by OPAL is provided. If transport is not provided by OPAL the price will remain at £4.

OPAL HandymanAt OPAL we’re very lucky to have volunteer handymen who can do a small job for you at home, such as changing lightbulbs and putting pictures up. If the job is less than 20 minutes in time it will remain at £5, but if it is over this time or involves multiple visits or trips to source materials then the cost will increase to £10.

If you’re looking for a real alternative to a care home, there’s a luxurious new option for older people in North Leeds.

You purchase your own stylish apartment and if you wish, we can take care of the rest – from dining, to bills, to bed linen. As well as owning your own home, you’ll be free to live life at your own pace and enjoy an active social programme. If you need help, you’ll also have the comfort of personalised care to support you, which maintains your independence for longer. Why not discover a more independent alternative today?

Readers of OPAL are invited to join us for a personal tour of our Southlands development and a complimentary afternoon tea – numbers are limited so simply call us on 0113 265 5876 to book your place, or visit www.westwardcare.co.uk to find out more about our developments.

New options. New alternatives. New ways to look at care.

Thank you to Westward Care for sponsoring our newsletter.

ACTIVITIES PAGE Please note bookings for the events marked * New event * on this page will not be taken

until Wednesday 2nd March at 10am to give everyone an equal chance of booking. Bookings can be made by phone or in person at the OPAL office.

Fri 11th March 10.30am - 4.30pm Farrar Lane car park £24 Advertised before

Out & About Millstones

Winter Warmer

A snack on arrival, time to relax/browse the gift shop before a 2 course meal and entertainment. Open to all & includes extra support, so priority given to those who can’t manage the longer trips.

Thu 10th March 10.30am - 2.15pm Farrar Lane car park FREE Advertised before

Leeds University Tea Party

A Tea Party of yummy refreshments, great entertainment & socialising provided by the students. Transport unfortunately is not accessible. Transport to Farrar Lane £3. Long waiting list.

Wed 16th March 9.20am - 7pm Farrar Lane car park £34 Advertised before

Windmill trip to the Tower

Ballroom at Blackpool

Afternoon tea & a dance to the world famous Blackpool Tower organ. The coach is wheel-chair accessible but there will be no OPAL volunteers to assist, however a carer could also attend. £20 deposit on booking.

Wed 23rd March 2pm - 4.30pm Welcome In FREE

Welcome In Community

Centre Open Day

Come and have a look at the latest plans for the future and give us your views on these. There will be a raffle, tombola, some music and a cake stall. OPAL Transport available £3.

Thu 21st April 9.30am - 4pm Farrar Lane car park £23 *Advertised before*

Harrogate Spring Flower Fair

Browse the show gardens, buy a plant or two, visit the different halls & marquees. Full range of catering & plenty of places to sit & enjoy the view. Please pay by 1st March 2016. A few spaces left.

Fri 6th May 11am-5pm Farrar Lane car park £15 inc. museum entry but not lunch. ** New event **

Out & About Ripon

& Mouseman Museum Kilburn

Time for lunch in Ripon & then onto Kilburn for a look round the new visitor centre. Sorry no lift access to 1st floor but still plenty to see of the life and work of Robert Thompson. See rooms set in the 1930s and look out for the famous carved mouse. Open to all & includes extra support, so priority given to those who can’t manage the longer trips.

Wed 25th May 9.30am - 6pm Farrar Lane car park £17 inc. train tour ** New event **

The National Memorial

Arboretum

The 150 acre Arboretum is a maturing woodland landscape featuring 30,000 trees and over 300 memorials. The price includes a 50 minute tour

with commentary by land train. Couple of places to eat, a gift shop and plenty of places to sit.

Wed 22nd June Time to be confirmed At Ralph Thoresby Sch.

FREE * New event *

Strawberry Tea

The wonderful staff, students and parents at Ralph Thoresby High School have offered to put on a strawberry tea for OPAL members with some entertainment by the students.

Wed 29th June 9.30am-6.30pm Farrar Lane car park £30 ** New event **

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

and Whitby

We take the coach to Pickering where we board a steam train to Whitby. There’ll be time to look around before travelling back by coach. £15 deposit required when booking.

Tea Dance A lovely afternoon of music and dance where a friendly welcome is guaranteed. You don’t need a partner to join in. Come to dance or just sit and watch soaking up the lovely atmosphere and enjoying the music.

Tuesdays 2pm - 4pm. £2.50

OPAL ACTIVITIES

Remember When Group and Carer’s Cafe

Support and activities for people with dementia and their carers.

Tuesdays Mar. 1st, 15th & 29th and Apr. 12th & 26th

1.45pm - 3.45pm. at the

Quaker Meeting House, New Adel Lane.

Please drop by and see Sally-Anne and her team of volunteers.

This session is for:-

OPAL members & their carers of any age. People with dementia who live alone. People with questions about dementia.

£3 includes a lift if needed (for OPAL members) & refreshments.

Any questions? Please speak to Sally-Anne.

OPAL Men’s Group A great opportunity to enjoy the company of like-minded fellows. We meet once a month, use accessible transport and always have a really nice time. If you would be interested in joining this group, contact Ailsa at OPAL.

Monday 4th April Murgatroyds for lunch followed by a visit to Lineham Farm to find out about their work. 11.45—4pm £16 for transport, meal and Lineham Farm Wednesday 4th May Yorkshire Air Museum. An old favourite for our group to visit aircraft from past times. 10.30am—3.30pm £12 for transport and entrance. Monday 6th June A chance to explore the beautiful grounds of Ripley Castle. Take a picnic or visit the tea room for lunch. £12 for transport and entrance.

OPAL Shopping trips Join Anne & our volunteers for our popular shopping outings. Please phone to book. We will pick you up from your home.

If you would like assistance, either help with walking around or you need a wheelchair please book well in advance. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee a place for you every time. Cost £4. Thursdays 12.15 - 4.15pm.

At Adel and Ireland Wood Community Centre,

New Adel Lane, Leeds 16.

8th March 22nd March

5th April 19th April

10th Mar M&S/ASDA at Owlcotes, Pudsey

24th Mar M&S/ASDA at Owlcotes, Pudsey

7th Apr M&S/ASDA at Owlcotes, Pudsey

21st Apr New shopping centre Kirkstall

OPAL ACTIVITIES

OPAL Carer’s & Moving On

Group

For people who are caring for a loved one or for those people who have just lost somebody they were caring for.

We generally go out somewhere and have a bit of a laugh.

There is always the opportunity to chat to somebody who may have had a similar experience.

Things we do include relaxation sessions, pub lunches, trips to cinema, visits to Roundhay Park.

If you would like to come along please contact Sally-Anne.

Where:- Oxenford Court off New Adel Lane When:- Every Monday Noon - 2pm Cost:- £4 per person

Transport:- £3 per person.

Would you like a hot, healthy, home cooked meal once a week in a friendly setting with other people?

If the answer is yes, then why not come along to one of the OPAL weekly luncheon clubs which provides a hot meal, dessert and a cup of tea or coffee. The food is freshly prepared each morning by Fairfield Community Partnership and is made from local produce.

No Monday Lunch Club on 28th March or 2nd May 2016

Exercise with OPAL We should all be doing exercise and our weekly classes are a fun & sociable way of building strength & balance.

Chair exercise classes on Tuesdays & Thursday 2pm - 3.15pm (includes refreshments) £4*

Gentle Exercise Wednesdays 11am - noon £4*

*Return transport from home to the classes above is included in the price.

Other OPAL classes (no transport available)

Tai Chi on Weds at Bramhope 10.15am - 11.15am £4 Thurs at Adel Comm. Centre 10am - 11am £4 Dru Yoga 11am - 12.15pm £5

Please contact OPAL for more information.

OPAL Table Tennis Takes place fortnightly at Adel Stables. We have two tables to play on tea, coffee, biscuits and lots of fun!

11am - 12.30pm.

£1 including refreshments.

Transport is available to OPAL members for £3.

3rd, 17th & 31st March and 14th & 28th April

Players of all abilities welcome and you don’t have to play for the whole time. If you’re interested please contact Amy at OPAL.

Relaxation with OPAL If you would like some relaxation, Charlotte one of our volunteers, does Ling Chi at the OPAL office. Ling Chi is Chinese energy healing and is similar to Reiki, is done through your clothes and leaves you feeling warm, at peace and relaxed.

Friday mornings at 11am and 11.45am Cost £8 Please call the office.

Where:- Adel Stables, Back Church Lane When:- Every Tuesday 12.30pm - 2.30pm Cost:- £4 per person

Transport:- £3 per person.

OPAL Membership

Yes it’s that time of year when we ask you to renew your Membership of OPAL. Yet again we decided at the last AGM to keep the minimum membership at £10. If you find it hard to pay this amount, please talk to Ailsa and we will work something out.

We are raising a few of our charges from 1st April, but have decided not to raise the membership fee since we first introduced it in 2008. If you

are able to pay a little more than the £10, then please do. This extra money will enable OPAL to continue with the help and support that we give to our members.

If you are a tax payer, an easy & financially painless way to help is to register your membership donation for ’Gift Aid’. As a charity, OPAL will be able to reclaim the Tax from the Inland Revenue and turn every £10 into £12. So for every £100 given, OPAL will receive an extra £20 from the taxman, which makes a big difference to us. If you pay Tax and you haven’t filled out a ’Gift Aid’ form, then please contact us.

OPAL would like to thank all of you who paid your £10 membership last year - you helped to bring in approximately £7000, which covers some of our office costs such as rent, stationery, insurance, bills and the internet.

We hope you feel the membership of £10 is still good value, and that you would like to remain a member this year, even if the only thing you use OPAL for is the newsletter.

The benefits of remaining an OPAL member include:

OPAL’s newsletter every 2 months, Social activities such as trips, coffee afternoons, luncheon clubs & knit and natter. Many exercise classes, such as Tai Chi, table tennis, chair based exercise & yoga Events organised by young people in the area such as the Christmas Banquet, Leeds

University Tea Party, Strawberry tea and several primary school events. Events organised by our volunteers such as our tea dance. Emotional support for anything that life throws at you. Access to volunteers who can help with transport, handyman jobs, fire safety checks

and much more. 20% off Wills & Probate & 10% off other legal advice from a few Leeds Solicitors.

If you choose not to remain a member, you will still be able to access our information and advice in the office.

The different ways of paying for your membership:

Pop in to the office during opening hours (see the front page). Bring your money to one of the OPAL Coffee Afternoons. Send a cheque in the post made payable to ‘OPAL’. Our address is on the back of

the newsletter. Ring the office on 261 9103 and ask someone to come and collect your

membership.

Many of you are on the ball, and have already paid so thank you very much.

If you decide not to re-join, your current membership will expire on March 31st 2016.

Thank you everyone.

Useful Information

iPad Taster Sessions Leeds Libraries are running more taster sessions at Holt Park Library for 6 OPAL members. These FREE sessions are aimed at beginners who would like to increase their digital skills.

You do not need to own an iPad to take part in these sessions as there will be some to borrow. The sessions are 16th, 23rd and 30th March 2pm-3.30pm. You do not need to be able to attend all of the sessions. Priority will be given to those who have not yet attended any of these sessions.

Please contact OPAL to book your place or go on the waiting list.

Please do ring and let us know if you cannot attend, so someone from the waiting list can go in your place.

Support for people with dementia and their carers.

GPS (Global Positioning System) Trackers Through the Leeds City Council operated service Telecare, there are 2 types of GPS systems to keep track of people who still like to go out on their own or may go out and get confused. The Buddi system: This can be a key fob, go in a pocket or round the neck like a care ring alarm. Vega: This has a lockable strap so it can’t be taken off and also has an emergency button the person can press and talk to somebody.

Each system costs £9.30 a week to hire but is part of the council package so if the upper limit on home care is being paid there would be no additional charge. A boundary alert can be set up so that if the person goes outside of a certain area an alert is sent to the carer’s phone. The person setting it up needs 2 contacts with mobile phones and access to the internet.

A referral can be made through OPAL, an OT, social worker, or memory nurse. Herbert Protocol—Safe and Found The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme introduced by West Yorkshire Police and other agencies which encourages carers to compile useful information which could then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. Carers, family members and friends can complete in advance, the form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc. Then if your family member or friend goes missing, the form can be easily sent or handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information. The Herbert Protocol initiative is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings, who lived with dementia.

For a copy of the form please contact OPAL.

OPAL Phone Link One of our volunteers, Connie, comes in to the office each week and rings OPAL members for a friendly chat over the telephone. If you or a family member would benefit from this service please contact us and we will add you to Connie’s list. You should expect a call every two to three weeks.

Send in your answers by Friday 8th April 2016 and you could win a prize. Thank you for all your answers to the ‘Christmas Quiz’ and the winner is Joan Moss please call into the office to collect your prize.

Missing Link Quiz

Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both. For example: Front ---- Mat (answer door)

The first letter of the answers also spells out a word

RISING - - - BURN BARBARY - - - MAN IDENTICAL - - - - TOWN CATCH - - TURN TIGHT - - - - LADDER PRACTICE - - - - - MAID

The initial letters of the six answers above spell out ___________

CABBAGE - - - - - WORK SHARP - - - GAME WHATEVER - - - - TIME HEAD - - - - COMFORT AMERICAN - - - - - - FILE FISHING - - - - DANCE

The initial letters of the six answers above spell out ___________

MAIN - - - - HEAD WHALE - - - CLOTH TRUNK - - - - RAGE LIGHT - - - - - TYPING CRAB - - - - - TREE CHERRY - - - DEVILS

The initial letters of the six answers above spell out ___________

Answers to the Christmas Quiz in the January/February edition:- 1) Turkey 2) 364 3) Christmas Crackers 4) Indian Ocean 5) Little Women 6) Capricorn 7) Prince Albert 8) Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar 9) Mistletoe 10) The Goons 11) Pal Joey 12)William I (The Conquerer) 13) Seven Swans A Swimming 14) 359 15) A hat

Knowledge is knowing that tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom is not putting it in a

fruit salad.

Growing Old I have become older since I saw you last

And a few changes have come into my life. Frankly, I have become a frivolous old woman

I am also seeing six gentlemen every day.

As soon as I wake up Will Power helps me get out of bed

Then I go to see Jimmy Riddle Then it’s time for breakfast with Mr Kellogg

Followed closely by the refreshing company of Mr Tetley

Or my other friend I know only by his initial PG.

Then comes someone I don’t like at all, Arthur Itis. He knows he’s not welcome but insists on being here

And what is more, he stays for the rest of the day. Even so, he does not like to stay in one place,

so he takes me from joint to joint.

After such a hectic day, I am glad to get to bed, and with

Johnny Walker too, what a hectic life. Oh yes, I am now flirting with Al-Zheimer.

The vicar called the other day And said that at my age I should be thinking of the

hereafter. I told him I did all the time for no matter where I am,

Kitchen, bedroom, living room or garden I ask myself what am I hereafter.

Well I will now close and hope Will Power is your constant companion too.

But do make sure that his friend Emma Royd does not Creep up on you from behind

And do watch out for the craft one Gerry Atric. Unknown

The New Drug Dick and Liddy were discussing one of their friends who was taking part in a trial for a new drug.

‘Oh!’ said Dick, ‘Was she given a gazebo?’

‘Don’t be silly’, said Liddy, ‘You mean a placenta!’

As I sit in heaven and watch

you every day

As I sit in heaven and watch

you every day,

I try to let you know with signs I never

went away.

I hear you when you're laughing, and

watch you as you sleep.

I even place my arms around you to

calm you as you weep.

I see you wish the days away, begging

to have me home.

So I try to send you signs so you know

you are not alone.

Don't feel guilty that you have a life

that was denied to me,

Heaven is truly beautiful, just you wait

and see.

So live your life, laugh again, enjoy

yourself be free,

then I know with every breath you

take,

you'll be taking one for me.

Unknown.

Adel Coffee Morning

At The Stables, Adel Back Church Lane, Adel, LS16 8DW. 11am - 12.30pm

Open to anyone, not just OPAL members & costs just £1, which includes refreshments.

3rd Mar Quiz morning

17th Mar Leeds Museums talking about their current exhibition ‘Crime and Punishment’.

31st Mar Visit from the Dogs Trust to talk about their work

14th Apr Games morning

28th Apr Visit from Hope Pastures to talk about their work.

Transport available for OPAL members £3.

WHAT’S ON AND INFORMATION

Cookridge Methodist Church Table Top Sale

Saturday 12th March 10am until Noon

Charity stalls, tombola, general table top stalls (including a table raising funds for OPAL),

cakes and refreshments.

The Access Bus is a dial-a-ride service providing door to door local transport for those who are unable to use regular bus services. The Access Bus operates every day between 9am and 5pm and is free to holders of English bus passes, otherwise a flat fare of £3 per journey applies. Contact Access Bus to register by telephoning 0113 348 1903 Mondays to Fridays exc. Bank Holidays between 7.30am and 4pm. The adviser will be able to tell you which journeys are available from your address. OPAL are happy to ring on your behalf if you need us to help.

Would you like to help children with their reading?

Cookridge Holy Trinity Primary School would like volunteers to help

with reading & spending time with the children. It would be wonderful if a few gentlemen would be able to help out.

Please contact OPAL volunteer Ellie for more information on 258 9253

Please take care with all of the various scams around.

Whether it’s telephone calls, emails, letters/leaflets or people calling at your door.

If you are ever unsure of someone who is calling you, a genuine caller wont mind you checking their details. If you would like to ring us at OPAL for advice please do.

Please remember we have lists of tradesmen and other services that have been recommended to us by other OPAL members. So if you need a home service of any sort such as a plumber, aerial fitter, hairdresser or cleaner do call us.

If you think you have been a victim of doorstep crime, a scam or a rogue trader Citizens Advice would like to know. Please call 0345 404 0506.

British Summer Time Begins Remember the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on Sunday 27th March 2016.

3rd March My favourite country, holiday snaps and travels

10th March Page the Guide Dog Puppy

17th March Easter Crafts with Margaret

24th March Cream Tea

31st March Poetry Time with Beryl

7th April Lawnswood Lunch **12.30 start

14th April Quiz Time in Teams

21st April 1960s Reminiscence

28th April Abbey House Museum talk ‘Crime and Punishment’

OPAL NEWS11 March/April 2016

OPAL weekly social afternoons

At Bramhope Methodist Church Hall. 2pm – 4pm. £2 per session. Transport is available for OPAL members living in LS16 9XX for £3.

Open to everyone – all ages are welcome, but aimed at older people for conversation, refreshments and information.

Thursday Bramhope meeting point

4th March Local Historian Don Cole talking about our local area

11th March Active Games

18th March Come and sample some of Wiltshire Farm Foods dishes

25th March Good Friday so no session

1st April Join us in acting the fool for the afternoon

8th April Maurice’s short films

15th April Table games and Action on Hearing loss

22nd April Queen’s 90th Birthday Quiz

29th April Music to listen to and dance if you want to

At the Tinshill Community Hub, 10 Silk Mill Drive, Tinshill, LS16 6DX. Fridays 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

The coffee afternoons are open to everyone, so if you have family or friends who would like to attend, they are more than welcome.

We charge £1 for attendance and transport is available to OPAL members for £3.

If you would like to come along whether to a particular session, every so often or every week, just turn up on the day or ring before Friday to book transport if you are an OPAL member.

Friday coffee afternoon

OPAL Thursday Coffee Morning and Table Tennis

OPAL, Unit 10, Holt Park District Centre, Leeds LS16 7SRTelephone: 0113 261 9103 www.opal-project.org.uk admin@opal-project.org.uk

Registered Charity Number: 1131792 Company Number: 06961204

Part funded by

12

This publication is available in large print and audio CD or cassette. Please call on 261 9103 if you would prefer your newsletter in another format.

All the people who have raised or given money or volunteered time, here are a few of the people:- Thanks to…

Recent trips

Also thank you Leeds Convalescent Society and Cookridge Methodist Church who also donated towards the Christmas Hampers.

Johnson and Johnson Ltd who spent a day doing wallpaper stripping, sanding walls down and clearing rubbish.

The staff and customers of Tesco Express, Green Lane, Cookridge, Leeds who were very busy in December raising money for OPAL. A total of £575 was raised by collections, food donations and raffles for the OPAL Christmas hampers.

Men’s Group trip to Ripley Castle See us on Facebook

Twitter @OPALLeeds16