Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Christmas Newsletter 2007
IRIS Vision Resource Centre
14 Chapel Street
Crewe
Cheshire
CW2 7DQ
Email: info:iriscentre.org.uk www.iriscentre.org.uk
NEWSLETTER - Christmas 2007
Once again that time is here
A time of mirth, of laugher and cheer
A time of light, of sight and sound
A time for gifts that we can’t find
A time of taste and chocolate smell
A time to eat so much we swell
A time of tinsel and a glistening tree
A time to be with our family
A time of happiness all around
A time of smiles and fun about
A time to give, a time to receive
A time in life when we believe
A time to wish upon a star
A time to think of those afar
A time to sit and so reflect
A time to think what we expect
A time to think about our life
A time for fun and not of strife
But more important than all of these
A time to find someone to please
A time for us for cards to send
And none more special than to a friend.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Welcome to the Christmas edition of the IRIS Newsletter: yes I did say the Christmas edition although it does not seem possible that it is that time of year again.
If you shop on the internet you can help to raise money for IRIS by doing your shopping through a fund raising website: www.easyfundraising.org.uk All you need to do is to access the web site and to register with your chosen cause as ‘IRIS vision resource centre’ and then to follow the link to your shopping site: each time you make a purchase a donation will be made to IRIS. To find out more log on to the site and have a look for yourself.
You can read elsewhere in this newsletter about another fund raising event that we are holding in the New Year at the Crewe Vagrants Club. Please help to support this event by inviting friends and family along, so that we can make it as enjoyable and successful as the fashion show was earlier this year. I look forward to seeing you there.
Did you know that now you can buy a flat screen television with a built in ‘free view’ box capable of getting audio description? The ‘Integrated Digital Television’ is available from Sony and Panasonic: you can get further information from the RNIB on 0207391 2000 or email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk
Please remember that we are keen to include articles from you in the newsletter, sharing memories, tips, recommended pieces of equipment, queries etc. If you don’t feel like writing things yourself, ask Jane for assistance at the office.
Do your best to have an enjoyable Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Cheers, Bruce
New Items In Stock
Magnetic Labels
Pack of 5 A4 magnetic sheets, ideal for labelling items around the home in Braille or clear print. The labels have a smooth glossy white surface for writing on and a matt black magnetic coating on the reverse. A
variety of pens can be used on the paper, including biro, highlighters and marker pens, they are also suitable for use with a Perkins Brailler or a Braille frame. The sheets can be cut to create the label size you require and used on a number of metal surfaces such as fridges, dishwashers, food cans, medicine cabinets, filing cabinets, notice boards, etc.
Price £3.13 per pack of 5 A4 or alternatively 63p per sheet.
Merlin Plus CCTV
We are fortunate to have on loan, for a period of 3 months a Merlin Plus CCTV supplied by Enhanced Vision.
The Merlin is a computer compatible video magnifier that uses advanced
technology which allows viewing of computer fields and magnified images
simultaneously. The Merlin has auto focus for easy viewing, dial magnification 2.7x - 58x, four viewing modes and easy to use tactile controls.
Please feel free to call into to our Resource Room on a Tuesday or Thursday
between 10am and 3pm to have a demonstration of the Merlin or alternatively telephone 01270 250316 and speak to Joyce or Stephanie for more information.
Magi Plug - No more flooding - No more scalding
Magiplug is a bath and sink safety plug that works using a pressure
activated system. When an unattended bath reaches a certain depth the pressure plate opens and releases the excess water safely down the waste exit or plughole prior to flooding.
Price £12.97
Christmas Gifts
Do you require a Christmas gift for a family member or friend? We stock puzzle books, Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, watches - even a talking microwave.
Call in to see the full range of products available.
Fund Raising Activities - Money Raised
9/6/07 Nantwich Street Collection £313.43
16/06/07 Wistaston Fete £74.00
23/06/07 Coffee Morning - Nantwich £220.00
27/06/07 Coffee Morning - Nantwich £145.50
29/06/07 Duck Race, Macon Meadow £146.00
11/08/07 Sainsbury's Supermarket Collection £370.04
23/08/07 Coffee Morning Nantwich £167.00
9/09/07 Swan Fayre £79.00
We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to our local Probus Group who kindly raised £99.99 for us earlier this year. We omitted to say thank you to the people concerned in our last newsletter but we are very grateful for all your hard work on our behalf
Planned Future Fundraising Events
Brian Jones Big Band Night Tuesday, 12th February
Supermarket Collection at Tesco (date to be arranged)
Car Boot Sale (date to be arranged)
For Sale
17” Optelec Screen Reader. The unit was purchased in 2006 and is still under manufacturer’s warranty. Offers around £2,000
Hand Held Optelec Pocket Video Magnifier. The unit was purchased in August and is covered by the manufacturers warranty. Offers around £400.00
Contact Mr L Morren
Telephone: Home 01270 768500 Work 01270 668739
Malcolm's Muses
The Humble YO-YO…
Yes, you may smile but the YO-YO, the Children’s toy, has a long and quite colourful history. I could never master the art of Yo-Yo-ing but I daresay that you have observed and probably been mesmerized by some of the skills
demonstrated by some youngster and wondered how it was done.
Not only children were, and still are, attracted to the simple toy, but adults in the entertainment business have used it to augment their repertoire.
The Yo-Yo may have its origins deep in the past, when the wheel was invented, but, be that as it may, research indicates that the Greeks were among the early users as depicted on some ancient urns. Further research has revealed a portrait showing Napoleon holding a Yo-Yo and as legend states ‘he used it as a stress relieving device’. (Perhaps, being of a shorter stature he used one with a shorter string!) When it reached America the Yo-Yo was apparently seized upon as a potential money spinner and, with some changes to attract investors, was launched onto the market. But to return to the beginning: remember the wheel, groups of cave dwellers whose sole purpose was to survive, with the aid of the wheel etc. were able to interact with other groups - i.e. to move forward and then backward, to and fro… Yo-Yo-ing. An interesting concept...eh! Hence my thoughts and relating them to the everyday happenings in an otherwise stable way of life - no disrespect - the home, children, husband and wife.
The Yo-Yo effect or syndrome, call it what you will, when you think about it, is the way we are and is, if you like, the very essence of our existence. In most cases one movement forward is followed by another in the opposite direction. There are, of course, many exceptions, but, as the scientists say ‘every action has an equal and opposite re-action’ and they are never wrong!
Whichever way we look at it, even if the Yo-Yo (the toy) was done away with, the effect could never be removed from our lives. Wouldn’t our lives be wonderful if movement, especially around the home, was reduced by the person requesting the particular item(s) planning ahead? By so doing other members of the household would have more time to… When one is young and free from the rigours of whatever, the Yo-Yo effect does not have the same significance as it does in later years, but it’s there just the same, isn’t it?
Ever since the invention of the wheel, maybe, the Yo-Yo effect has influenced our way of life, and animals too, (although they don’t know it) and the worst thing about it is that we cannot escape from it.
Humble….I should er...yo-yo!!
“Drop Dead! . . . . Please!”
. . . by Warren L. Wright
It is a truism in my book that truth really is stranger than fiction. Scribblers like me do not invent - there is no need when life serves up enough material. All that the scribbler has to do is to observe accurately and then recount amusingly. Exposition, not invention is the watchword. An outstanding example of this provision of material, free for the taking, was The case of the Perpetual Pension.
We are familiar by now with the item known as FAQ’s - Frequently Asked
Questions. Well, I have invented another category: Damn’ Silly Questions. A short while ago, I was asked a DSQ by a certain pensioning authority in a page of the Newsletter entitled Frequently Asked Question:
‘What Benefits are payable if I die?’ (sic)
“IF I die?” I thought. “IF?” Have I been missing something all these years? I was under the distinct impression that there was no question about whether I die or not! So what if not? Does one become a new recruit to the Un-dead? A Zombie? A Ghoul? Does half-life after nightfall involve a proportionate reduction in pension?
It rather reminded me of the time when I was requested some time after retirement twenty-odd years ago, to have the enclosed form endorsed by a ‘Qualified Medical Practitioner’ to the effect that I was still alive. I had it signed by the Vet and endorsed ‘F.R.C.V.S.’ It was not questioned at the other end, and I have ever been asked again. I am now wondering whether to write and ask if there is a Statute of Limitations on the payment of pensions to those who do not die
W.L. Wright
My Childhood Memories
I remember in times gone by how we used to live, a lot more simply than we do today. The days seemed endless, not like today with all the pressures of money earning and work. The only obligations we had to fulfil was going to school, Sunday school and later on to work. Sunday was quite a ritual, our best clothes laid out for us, and our shoes, which father had, when needed, mended for us with some leather he bought from the barbers (and soaked it the night before to make it more pliable) and polished them for us. Sometimes, on a Sunday, he would prepare the vegetables for dinner, then take us out for a walk round the green, while mother cooked us a lovely Sunday dinner.
In later years our lives altered somewhat, as my father died, he was only 52 and life became a little harder for mother who had to go out to work and as I was the youngest of four children, I was only 12 then, I got most of the dirty jobs to do, scrubbing the floors and black leading the grate, chopping sticks and breaking the coal up which I enjoyed doing.
We had to get up in the morning, have a wash in freezing cold water and get
ourselves off to school and later work.
During the war years we had to carry a gasmask to school in a box, with a string to go over your shoulder, if there was an air raid at school, teacher told us to get under the desk, that is if it wasn't too severe, if it was we had to go to the shelter on the razza*. If we were at home we used our own shelter in the back garden (that is if it wasn't full of water), or we would sit under the stairs with a candle. There were some awful air raids there was one when it lasted nearly all night and we had to use the communal shelter in Earle Street, it was under Woodhouse’s Furniture shop we took blankets with us and it ended at 5 o’clock in the morning it was very frightening.
When I went to school at the age of 3 I remember the head teacher used to have us in her study and we would all sit on the floor and she would teach us to read and if you read well she would give you 3 little gem sweets of different colours, well I have been reading ever since and as a child I have always had a book in my hands I was quite content as long as I had a book to read.
Things in those days were simpler than today, no rushing about; everyone took their time about their business and more content than they are today.
*Razza - piece of rough ground behind Brierley Street School.
Would you like to share a memory with us ?
We welcome all contributions to your newsletter and would love to hear from you on any subject.
The Blind England Team
Blind football shouldn’t work, but it does. Internationals are played as five-a-side matches. The goalie is fully sighted, but not allowed to move off his line.
The four outfield players are blind, and they wear a blindfold to make sure there is no cheating. The ball is smaller than a normal football, and there is a pellet inside it that makes a rattling noise. The pitch is divided into three “coaching zones”, into which the coaches on the sidelines can shout directions. To avoid serious injuries, there is an international rule whereby a player will shout the word “voy” before he goes in for a tackle.
Football commentators often praise players for being able to “read” the game - blind footballers hear it. England captain Aj Ahmed, 26 holds a season ticket at Anfield. “People ask me why I waste all that money when I could just listen to the matches on the radio. But they have no idea what it feels like to hear the crowd roar.” When he plays, he says, it is similar: “You can imagine the flight of the ball from the reaction of the crowds.”
Those players who have been blind since birth tend to have better ball control. Karyn Seal, 25, went blind only two years ago: “I will still sometimes punt it forward and run after it.” Striker David Clarke on the other hand, knows how to keep the ball close to his body. His trademark move is a drag-back which ends with him flipping the ball over the defender’s' head - “when it’s in the air, the ball stops jingling and the opponent can’t hear where it is”. At 36, he has represented England at international level for 14 years, won the Golden Boot at three different tournaments, and scored 78 goals in 87 matches - Michael Owen’s record pales in comparison.
Was it love at first sight?
Talking to friends the other day the subject of how we met our ‘other halves’ came up. One lady had met her husband while on a trip to the skating rink in
Altringham and another when the dance here and a friend were going to was cancelled and instead she ended up at the local pub. As for me, well I met my future husband in a marquee in the middle of a field in Bromyard in Herefordshire at a weekend folk festival. He asked me to dance and I actually turned him down at first!
Its amazing really how fate can play a part in these matters; what could have been if that dance hadn’t been cancelled?
We’d like to hear from you about how you met the love of your life. Just jot it down or if you prefer record it on a tape and send it into us here at the IRIS Vision Resource Centre office and we’ll print it in the next newsletter..
Keith's Korner
Over these past few months IRIS has been
involved in some unusual discussions with doctors and managers from Leighton Hospital and the local health authority about how to ensure patients at the eye clinic can exercise choice about the treatment they receive. The treatment in question concerns some new drugs – so-called anti-VEGF drugs – which have been developed recently for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a particularly nasty eye disease which, unless treated quickly, can cause severe loss of vision. About 200 people in the local area are likely to get this disease every year, and their numbers will grow.
These new drugs, which are injected directly into the eye by an eye surgeon, have been shown to be very successful in stabilising (and in some cases reversing) the damage caused by wet AMD, but the issue of choice has emerged because there are two drugs currently being used. Lucentis has been properly tested and is now licensed with the authorities for the treatment of AMD; and Avastin, which works in similar ways to Lucentis and is produced by the same manufacturer, and has been found to be effective in treating AMD but it is actually licensed for use in the treatment of certain cancers. Although both drugs seem to have the same impressive track-record in treating AMD they have two differences: Avastin, in having slightly different biological properties, will generally require fewer injections in the eye than Lucentis – perhaps only 3 or 4 in the first year compared to a minimum of 8 for Lucentis; and Avastin comes much cheaper – about £2000 for a course of treatment, compared to about £21000 for Lucentis.
The reality for the NHS is that it could not afford to offer everybody
Lucentis without making serious cuts in other health services, which in practice would mean that the drug was rationed to only a proportion of those with wet AMD. This is why there has been such great interest shown in Avastin: using Avastin would mean that everybody could be treated, which is something IRIS, the medical profession and local health service managers would prefer.
Because of various medical conventions, Avastin cannot be used unless patients agree to it, and this choice has to be exercised freely and without pressure. IRIS has been involved in designing a leaflet which will be used at Leighton to explain all this, and which ensures a free but informed choice can be made. And we speak with some authority, because it has been our own trustees and members – who have a visual disability – who have approved and agreed the leaflet.
IRIS ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR 2006/7
Members who attended our AGM in September will recall that we could not produce a statement from Lee Jenkins, the person who independently inspects our accounts, because he had suffered a bereavement and could not
complete the task in time. I am no able to report that Lee has since confirmed that the accounts are in good order, and that he is happy to confirm that ‘no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause that in any material respect the requirements to keep proper accounting records, and to
prepare accounts in accordance with these records, has not been met’.
Copies of the annual report and accounts are available on request to any member.
Simple Christmas Recipes
Cherry and Mincemeat Flapjacks
410gr Traditional Mincemeat
200gr Glace Cherries roughly chopped
150gr Butter
6 Tblsp Golden Syrup
450gr Jumbo Oats
Preheat the oven to 180 gas mark 4. Place the mincemeat, cherries, butter and syrup in a pan and heat gently for 3-4 minutes or until the butter has melted.
Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the oats and mix thoroughly. Spoon the
mixture into a greased 18x 28cm rectangular tin and press down with back of
spoon .
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Mark into 18 squares and allow to cool completely in the tin. When the flapjacks are completely cold, cut into squares using a sharp knife and store in an airtight container.
The flapjacks will still be soft when they are cooked and come out of the oven. They become harder and crisper as they cool.
Turkey with Almonds and Cheese
750gr cooked turkey, diced 125gr grated Cheddar Cheese
50gr butter 25gr freshly grated parmesan
75gr whole blanched almonds 2 Tblsp freshly chopped parsley
40g plain flour 2 Tblsp lemon juice
750ml milk
Preheat the oven 190, 365, gas mark 5
Arrange turkey in a lightly buttered ovenproof dish
Melt 25gr butter in a pan and fry the almonds for 2/3 mins until golden.
Add to the turkey
Heat the remaining butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute
Add the lemon juice, seasoning and cheese, mix well.
Pour the sauce over the turkey and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the top is golden.
Qizz
Test Your Knowledge of Confectionary.
The answers to the questions below relate to the names of chocolate or sweets for
example: Teddy Bears Snack = Picnic.
Answers will be published in the next newsletter
1 Dark Cult ………………………………………..
2 Full of Bubbles ……………………………………….
3 Mothers Local ……………………………………….
4 Cool Sports For Princes ……………………………………….
5 Gem To Make Your Mouth Water ……………………………………….
6 Good Kids Get Them ……………………………………….
7 Dairy Holder ……………………………………….
8 Edible Fasteners ……………………………………….
9 100 % A.U. ……………………………………….
10 These Know The Answers ……………………………………….
11 High Class Residence ……………………………………….
12 Royal Herb ……………………………………….
13 Garden Flowers ……………………………………….
14 Fallen Fruit ……………………………………….
15 Dairy Route To The Stars ……………………………………….
How Times Have Changed
We were born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, plastic,
contact lenses, videos, fribees and the pill.
We were before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams, and ballpoint pens, before dishwashers, tumble dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip dry cloths and before men walked on the moon.
We got married first and then lived together.
We thought “fast Food” was what you ate in lent.
A “Big Mac” was an oversized raincoat, and a “Crumpet” we had for tea.
Meaningful relationships meant getting along with cousins, and “Sheltered
Accommodaton” was where you waited for the bus.
For us “Time sharing” meant togetherness.
A chip was a fried potato.
“Hardware” was nuts and bolt, and Software” wasn’t even a word!
“Grass” was mown.
“Coke” was burnt.
A “Joint” was a piece of meat that you had on Sunday.
“Pot” was something you cooked in.
A “Gay” person was the life and soul of the party.
How Times Have Changed
14 Chapel Street
Crewe
Cheshire
CW2 7DQ
Email: info:iriscentre.org.uk www.iriscentre.org.uk
NEWSLETTER - Christmas 2007
Once again that time is here
A time of mirth, of laugher and cheer
A time of light, of sight and sound
A time for gifts that we can’t find
A time of taste and chocolate smell
A time to eat so much we swell
A time of tinsel and a glistening tree
A time to be with our family
A time of happiness all around
A time of smiles and fun about
A time to give, a time to receive
A time in life when we believe
A time to wish upon a star
A time to think of those afar
A time to sit and so reflect
A time to think what we expect
A time to think about our life
A time for fun and not of strife
But more important than all of these
A time to find someone to please
A time for us for cards to send
And none more special than to a friend.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Welcome to the Christmas edition of the IRIS Newsletter: yes I did say the Christmas edition although it does not seem possible that it is that time of year again.
If you shop on the internet you can help to raise money for IRIS by doing your shopping through a fund raising website: www.easyfundraising.org.uk All you need to do is to access the web site and to register with your chosen cause as ‘IRIS vision resource centre’ and then to follow the link to your shopping site: each time you make a purchase a donation will be made to IRIS. To find out more log on to the site and have a look for yourself.
You can read elsewhere in this newsletter about another fund raising event that we are holding in the New Year at the Crewe Vagrants Club. Please help to support this event by inviting friends and family along, so that we can make it as enjoyable and successful as the fashion show was earlier this year. I look forward to seeing you there.
Did you know that now you can buy a flat screen television with a built in ‘free view’ box capable of getting audio description? The ‘Integrated Digital Television’ is available from Sony and Panasonic: you can get further information from the RNIB on 0207391 2000 or email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk
Please remember that we are keen to include articles from you in the newsletter, sharing memories, tips, recommended pieces of equipment, queries etc. If you don’t feel like writing things yourself, ask Jane for assistance at the office.
Do your best to have an enjoyable Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Cheers, Bruce
New Items In Stock
Magnetic Labels
Pack of 5 A4 magnetic sheets, ideal for labelling items around the home in Braille or clear print. The labels have a smooth glossy white surface for writing on and a matt black magnetic coating on the reverse. A
variety of pens can be used on the paper, including biro, highlighters and marker pens, they are also suitable for use with a Perkins Brailler or a Braille frame. The sheets can be cut to create the label size you require and used on a number of metal surfaces such as fridges, dishwashers, food cans, medicine cabinets, filing cabinets, notice boards, etc.
Price £3.13 per pack of 5 A4 or alternatively 63p per sheet.
Merlin Plus CCTV
We are fortunate to have on loan, for a period of 3 months a Merlin Plus CCTV supplied by Enhanced Vision.
The Merlin is a computer compatible video magnifier that uses advanced
technology which allows viewing of computer fields and magnified images
simultaneously. The Merlin has auto focus for easy viewing, dial magnification 2.7x - 58x, four viewing modes and easy to use tactile controls.
Please feel free to call into to our Resource Room on a Tuesday or Thursday
between 10am and 3pm to have a demonstration of the Merlin or alternatively telephone 01270 250316 and speak to Joyce or Stephanie for more information.
Magi Plug - No more flooding - No more scalding
Magiplug is a bath and sink safety plug that works using a pressure
activated system. When an unattended bath reaches a certain depth the pressure plate opens and releases the excess water safely down the waste exit or plughole prior to flooding.
Price £12.97
Christmas Gifts
Do you require a Christmas gift for a family member or friend? We stock puzzle books, Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, watches - even a talking microwave.
Call in to see the full range of products available.
Fund Raising Activities - Money Raised
9/6/07 Nantwich Street Collection £313.43
16/06/07 Wistaston Fete £74.00
23/06/07 Coffee Morning - Nantwich £220.00
27/06/07 Coffee Morning - Nantwich £145.50
29/06/07 Duck Race, Macon Meadow £146.00
11/08/07 Sainsbury's Supermarket Collection £370.04
23/08/07 Coffee Morning Nantwich £167.00
9/09/07 Swan Fayre £79.00
We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to our local Probus Group who kindly raised £99.99 for us earlier this year. We omitted to say thank you to the people concerned in our last newsletter but we are very grateful for all your hard work on our behalf
Planned Future Fundraising Events
Brian Jones Big Band Night Tuesday, 12th February
Supermarket Collection at Tesco (date to be arranged)
Car Boot Sale (date to be arranged)
For Sale
17” Optelec Screen Reader. The unit was purchased in 2006 and is still under manufacturer’s warranty. Offers around £2,000
Hand Held Optelec Pocket Video Magnifier. The unit was purchased in August and is covered by the manufacturers warranty. Offers around £400.00
Contact Mr L Morren
Telephone: Home 01270 768500 Work 01270 668739
Malcolm's Muses
The Humble YO-YO…
Yes, you may smile but the YO-YO, the Children’s toy, has a long and quite colourful history. I could never master the art of Yo-Yo-ing but I daresay that you have observed and probably been mesmerized by some of the skills
demonstrated by some youngster and wondered how it was done.
Not only children were, and still are, attracted to the simple toy, but adults in the entertainment business have used it to augment their repertoire.
The Yo-Yo may have its origins deep in the past, when the wheel was invented, but, be that as it may, research indicates that the Greeks were among the early users as depicted on some ancient urns. Further research has revealed a portrait showing Napoleon holding a Yo-Yo and as legend states ‘he used it as a stress relieving device’. (Perhaps, being of a shorter stature he used one with a shorter string!) When it reached America the Yo-Yo was apparently seized upon as a potential money spinner and, with some changes to attract investors, was launched onto the market. But to return to the beginning: remember the wheel, groups of cave dwellers whose sole purpose was to survive, with the aid of the wheel etc. were able to interact with other groups - i.e. to move forward and then backward, to and fro… Yo-Yo-ing. An interesting concept...eh! Hence my thoughts and relating them to the everyday happenings in an otherwise stable way of life - no disrespect - the home, children, husband and wife.
The Yo-Yo effect or syndrome, call it what you will, when you think about it, is the way we are and is, if you like, the very essence of our existence. In most cases one movement forward is followed by another in the opposite direction. There are, of course, many exceptions, but, as the scientists say ‘every action has an equal and opposite re-action’ and they are never wrong!
Whichever way we look at it, even if the Yo-Yo (the toy) was done away with, the effect could never be removed from our lives. Wouldn’t our lives be wonderful if movement, especially around the home, was reduced by the person requesting the particular item(s) planning ahead? By so doing other members of the household would have more time to… When one is young and free from the rigours of whatever, the Yo-Yo effect does not have the same significance as it does in later years, but it’s there just the same, isn’t it?
Ever since the invention of the wheel, maybe, the Yo-Yo effect has influenced our way of life, and animals too, (although they don’t know it) and the worst thing about it is that we cannot escape from it.
Humble….I should er...yo-yo!!
“Drop Dead! . . . . Please!”
. . . by Warren L. Wright
It is a truism in my book that truth really is stranger than fiction. Scribblers like me do not invent - there is no need when life serves up enough material. All that the scribbler has to do is to observe accurately and then recount amusingly. Exposition, not invention is the watchword. An outstanding example of this provision of material, free for the taking, was The case of the Perpetual Pension.
We are familiar by now with the item known as FAQ’s - Frequently Asked
Questions. Well, I have invented another category: Damn’ Silly Questions. A short while ago, I was asked a DSQ by a certain pensioning authority in a page of the Newsletter entitled Frequently Asked Question:
‘What Benefits are payable if I die?’ (sic)
“IF I die?” I thought. “IF?” Have I been missing something all these years? I was under the distinct impression that there was no question about whether I die or not! So what if not? Does one become a new recruit to the Un-dead? A Zombie? A Ghoul? Does half-life after nightfall involve a proportionate reduction in pension?
It rather reminded me of the time when I was requested some time after retirement twenty-odd years ago, to have the enclosed form endorsed by a ‘Qualified Medical Practitioner’ to the effect that I was still alive. I had it signed by the Vet and endorsed ‘F.R.C.V.S.’ It was not questioned at the other end, and I have ever been asked again. I am now wondering whether to write and ask if there is a Statute of Limitations on the payment of pensions to those who do not die
W.L. Wright
My Childhood Memories
I remember in times gone by how we used to live, a lot more simply than we do today. The days seemed endless, not like today with all the pressures of money earning and work. The only obligations we had to fulfil was going to school, Sunday school and later on to work. Sunday was quite a ritual, our best clothes laid out for us, and our shoes, which father had, when needed, mended for us with some leather he bought from the barbers (and soaked it the night before to make it more pliable) and polished them for us. Sometimes, on a Sunday, he would prepare the vegetables for dinner, then take us out for a walk round the green, while mother cooked us a lovely Sunday dinner.
In later years our lives altered somewhat, as my father died, he was only 52 and life became a little harder for mother who had to go out to work and as I was the youngest of four children, I was only 12 then, I got most of the dirty jobs to do, scrubbing the floors and black leading the grate, chopping sticks and breaking the coal up which I enjoyed doing.
We had to get up in the morning, have a wash in freezing cold water and get
ourselves off to school and later work.
During the war years we had to carry a gasmask to school in a box, with a string to go over your shoulder, if there was an air raid at school, teacher told us to get under the desk, that is if it wasn't too severe, if it was we had to go to the shelter on the razza*. If we were at home we used our own shelter in the back garden (that is if it wasn't full of water), or we would sit under the stairs with a candle. There were some awful air raids there was one when it lasted nearly all night and we had to use the communal shelter in Earle Street, it was under Woodhouse’s Furniture shop we took blankets with us and it ended at 5 o’clock in the morning it was very frightening.
When I went to school at the age of 3 I remember the head teacher used to have us in her study and we would all sit on the floor and she would teach us to read and if you read well she would give you 3 little gem sweets of different colours, well I have been reading ever since and as a child I have always had a book in my hands I was quite content as long as I had a book to read.
Things in those days were simpler than today, no rushing about; everyone took their time about their business and more content than they are today.
*Razza - piece of rough ground behind Brierley Street School.
Would you like to share a memory with us ?
We welcome all contributions to your newsletter and would love to hear from you on any subject.
The Blind England Team
Blind football shouldn’t work, but it does. Internationals are played as five-a-side matches. The goalie is fully sighted, but not allowed to move off his line.
The four outfield players are blind, and they wear a blindfold to make sure there is no cheating. The ball is smaller than a normal football, and there is a pellet inside it that makes a rattling noise. The pitch is divided into three “coaching zones”, into which the coaches on the sidelines can shout directions. To avoid serious injuries, there is an international rule whereby a player will shout the word “voy” before he goes in for a tackle.
Football commentators often praise players for being able to “read” the game - blind footballers hear it. England captain Aj Ahmed, 26 holds a season ticket at Anfield. “People ask me why I waste all that money when I could just listen to the matches on the radio. But they have no idea what it feels like to hear the crowd roar.” When he plays, he says, it is similar: “You can imagine the flight of the ball from the reaction of the crowds.”
Those players who have been blind since birth tend to have better ball control. Karyn Seal, 25, went blind only two years ago: “I will still sometimes punt it forward and run after it.” Striker David Clarke on the other hand, knows how to keep the ball close to his body. His trademark move is a drag-back which ends with him flipping the ball over the defender’s' head - “when it’s in the air, the ball stops jingling and the opponent can’t hear where it is”. At 36, he has represented England at international level for 14 years, won the Golden Boot at three different tournaments, and scored 78 goals in 87 matches - Michael Owen’s record pales in comparison.
Was it love at first sight?
Talking to friends the other day the subject of how we met our ‘other halves’ came up. One lady had met her husband while on a trip to the skating rink in
Altringham and another when the dance here and a friend were going to was cancelled and instead she ended up at the local pub. As for me, well I met my future husband in a marquee in the middle of a field in Bromyard in Herefordshire at a weekend folk festival. He asked me to dance and I actually turned him down at first!
Its amazing really how fate can play a part in these matters; what could have been if that dance hadn’t been cancelled?
We’d like to hear from you about how you met the love of your life. Just jot it down or if you prefer record it on a tape and send it into us here at the IRIS Vision Resource Centre office and we’ll print it in the next newsletter..
Keith's Korner
Over these past few months IRIS has been
involved in some unusual discussions with doctors and managers from Leighton Hospital and the local health authority about how to ensure patients at the eye clinic can exercise choice about the treatment they receive. The treatment in question concerns some new drugs – so-called anti-VEGF drugs – which have been developed recently for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a particularly nasty eye disease which, unless treated quickly, can cause severe loss of vision. About 200 people in the local area are likely to get this disease every year, and their numbers will grow.
These new drugs, which are injected directly into the eye by an eye surgeon, have been shown to be very successful in stabilising (and in some cases reversing) the damage caused by wet AMD, but the issue of choice has emerged because there are two drugs currently being used. Lucentis has been properly tested and is now licensed with the authorities for the treatment of AMD; and Avastin, which works in similar ways to Lucentis and is produced by the same manufacturer, and has been found to be effective in treating AMD but it is actually licensed for use in the treatment of certain cancers. Although both drugs seem to have the same impressive track-record in treating AMD they have two differences: Avastin, in having slightly different biological properties, will generally require fewer injections in the eye than Lucentis – perhaps only 3 or 4 in the first year compared to a minimum of 8 for Lucentis; and Avastin comes much cheaper – about £2000 for a course of treatment, compared to about £21000 for Lucentis.
The reality for the NHS is that it could not afford to offer everybody
Lucentis without making serious cuts in other health services, which in practice would mean that the drug was rationed to only a proportion of those with wet AMD. This is why there has been such great interest shown in Avastin: using Avastin would mean that everybody could be treated, which is something IRIS, the medical profession and local health service managers would prefer.
Because of various medical conventions, Avastin cannot be used unless patients agree to it, and this choice has to be exercised freely and without pressure. IRIS has been involved in designing a leaflet which will be used at Leighton to explain all this, and which ensures a free but informed choice can be made. And we speak with some authority, because it has been our own trustees and members – who have a visual disability – who have approved and agreed the leaflet.
IRIS ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR 2006/7
Members who attended our AGM in September will recall that we could not produce a statement from Lee Jenkins, the person who independently inspects our accounts, because he had suffered a bereavement and could not
complete the task in time. I am no able to report that Lee has since confirmed that the accounts are in good order, and that he is happy to confirm that ‘no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause that in any material respect the requirements to keep proper accounting records, and to
prepare accounts in accordance with these records, has not been met’.
Copies of the annual report and accounts are available on request to any member.
Simple Christmas Recipes
Cherry and Mincemeat Flapjacks
410gr Traditional Mincemeat
200gr Glace Cherries roughly chopped
150gr Butter
6 Tblsp Golden Syrup
450gr Jumbo Oats
Preheat the oven to 180 gas mark 4. Place the mincemeat, cherries, butter and syrup in a pan and heat gently for 3-4 minutes or until the butter has melted.
Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the oats and mix thoroughly. Spoon the
mixture into a greased 18x 28cm rectangular tin and press down with back of
spoon .
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Mark into 18 squares and allow to cool completely in the tin. When the flapjacks are completely cold, cut into squares using a sharp knife and store in an airtight container.
The flapjacks will still be soft when they are cooked and come out of the oven. They become harder and crisper as they cool.
Turkey with Almonds and Cheese
750gr cooked turkey, diced 125gr grated Cheddar Cheese
50gr butter 25gr freshly grated parmesan
75gr whole blanched almonds 2 Tblsp freshly chopped parsley
40g plain flour 2 Tblsp lemon juice
750ml milk
Preheat the oven 190, 365, gas mark 5
Arrange turkey in a lightly buttered ovenproof dish
Melt 25gr butter in a pan and fry the almonds for 2/3 mins until golden.
Add to the turkey
Heat the remaining butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute
Add the lemon juice, seasoning and cheese, mix well.
Pour the sauce over the turkey and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the top is golden.
Qizz
Test Your Knowledge of Confectionary.
The answers to the questions below relate to the names of chocolate or sweets for
example: Teddy Bears Snack = Picnic.
Answers will be published in the next newsletter
1 Dark Cult ………………………………………..
2 Full of Bubbles ……………………………………….
3 Mothers Local ……………………………………….
4 Cool Sports For Princes ……………………………………….
5 Gem To Make Your Mouth Water ……………………………………….
6 Good Kids Get Them ……………………………………….
7 Dairy Holder ……………………………………….
8 Edible Fasteners ……………………………………….
9 100 % A.U. ……………………………………….
10 These Know The Answers ……………………………………….
11 High Class Residence ……………………………………….
12 Royal Herb ……………………………………….
13 Garden Flowers ……………………………………….
14 Fallen Fruit ……………………………………….
15 Dairy Route To The Stars ……………………………………….
How Times Have Changed
We were born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, plastic,
contact lenses, videos, fribees and the pill.
We were before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams, and ballpoint pens, before dishwashers, tumble dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip dry cloths and before men walked on the moon.
We got married first and then lived together.
We thought “fast Food” was what you ate in lent.
A “Big Mac” was an oversized raincoat, and a “Crumpet” we had for tea.
Meaningful relationships meant getting along with cousins, and “Sheltered
Accommodaton” was where you waited for the bus.
For us “Time sharing” meant togetherness.
A chip was a fried potato.
“Hardware” was nuts and bolt, and Software” wasn’t even a word!
“Grass” was mown.
“Coke” was burnt.
A “Joint” was a piece of meat that you had on Sunday.
“Pot” was something you cooked in.
A “Gay” person was the life and soul of the party.
How Times Have Changed
