Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Newsletter - Easter 2008
14 Chapel Street Crewe CW2 7DQ 01270 250316
info@iriscentre.org.uk www.iriscentre.org.uk
Message from the Chairman.
Welcome to the spring edition of the IRIS Newsletter.
Some good news at last regarding our attempts to get a presence at the eye clinic at Leighton: our furniture and equipment is arranged in the ‘conservatory’ next to the entrance to the clinic and we
currently have this staffed for the Monday clinics. So, if you attend on this day, why not take a look and have a chat with Wendy to see if she can do anything for you.
Some of the public areas of the centre have been redecorated recently and a new fire door has been fitted to the kitchen. Exterior signage has been improved. We have been helped to do this by a grant from Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council. The paintings of the new War Memorial in Crewe, kindly donated by the visually impaired artist and member of IRIS Tom Knight, are now on display in the front hall.
We recently held another successful fund raising event at the
Vagrants club where the Bryan Jones Big Band generously
donated their ‘performance’ money and, together with a raffle on the night, helped to raise £340: many thanks to everyone who
contributed and especially to Janice who organised the event.
Our low vision outreach service has now been extended to
Macclesfield where we are holding monthly sessions in conjunction with voluntary groups based there. If you know anyone in that area who could benefit from this service then get them to give us a call to find out more.
Don’t forget, if you have anything you wish to air in the Newsletter then don’t be shy, just send it in
Cheers, Bruce
Membership
Membership is due on the 1st April for the year April 08 – March 09. The cost remains at £5.00 for the year and covers such things as the loaning of library books, access to the social group, the right to vote and a copy of the newsletter as well as supporting the charity as a whole.
If you wish to become a member of IRIS please complete the registration form below, enclosing your £5.00 subscription for the year, and return it to us using the prepaid envelope. In return, we will issue you with a new membership card to cover the current year
Without your support IRIS would be unable to offer the services we currently provide. So we take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support.
Thank You
The IRIS Vision Resource Centre
Annual Subscription April 2008/2009
Membership Fee £5.00
Name……………………………………………………………………………
Address…………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Post Code………………………………………………………………………
Telephone Number……………………………………………………………
(Please make cheques payable to The IRIS Centre)
Thank you, your support is very much appreciated
Fund Raising Activities - Money Raised
12/02/08 Brian Jones Big Band Night £340.00
23/02/08 Coffee Morning - Nantwich £250.00
Future Fund Raising Events
9th April Morrisons Supermarket
31st May Asda Supermarket
3rd July Coffee Morning - Nantwich
10th August Duck Race
11th November Coffee Morning - Nantwich
If any of our members or supporters would like to help with any of the above events please contact
IRIS Vision Resource Centre on 01270 250316
New Items in Stock
Lighted Swivel Handled Mirror including vanity stand 1x or10x magnification
Price £26.34
Thank You
In recent months we have been fortunate in that we have had donated to us a quantity of Large Print and Audio books bring our total library collection to 446 Talking Books and 181 in Large Print.
So thank you to our members/supporters for thinking of us.
For Sale
TV Magnifier Screen
A very large magnifying screen for a television measuring up to 33’’. This screen can be placed in front of your television to help you to see the picture more easily.
SW Retail RRP £119.99 Sale Price £60.00
If you are interested in the above please contact
Joyce, Steph or Wendy on 01270 250316 for more
Information.
Typographic Errors . . . .
Always a hoot since the days when he ‘ … drew his rusty sword . . and faced the enema.’ I can recall a Crewe Chronicle report in, I think, the late1940’s, which quoted a local worthy as saying that, “The Labour Party in Crewe will go forward with unfounded hope and optimism.” A typographic error or deliberate sabotage? One could only speculate.
The typographic error which topped the lot, though, was that which appeared in a local newspaper in the city in which the writer earned his living for some time. I should caution my readers at this point that a certain measure of broad-mindedness is called for. So, if you are fairly broad-minded, read on:
Applications are invited for the post of
FART-TIME LECTURER
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CREATIVE STUDIES
No, it was not an old and worn capital ‘P’; it was definitely an ’F’. This was deliberate sabotage. Among the small type of a normal paragraph, it might have been easily missed. In large capital letters in a framed advert on the front page. Those of us who knew the Head of Department in question were not surprised. The woman was pushy, self-serving and an
all-round, chateau bottled pain in the rear end. It was not hard to guess that she had seriously upset someone on the local rag, and that someone had taken his revenge.
Among the applications she received in the next day or so was the following
Gaffers’ Row,
- - - - - - - - - - -
Tel : - - - - - - - -
November 1st
The Head of the Department of Creative Studies,
- - - - - - - - College,
- - - - - - - .
Madam:
I wish to apply for the post of Fart-time Lecturer advertised in tonight’s edition of the (local newspaper).
I am more delighted than I can say to see that somewhere in this land of this long neglected art form is being taken seriously once again.
I am a practising petomane of long standing (and bending), recognised throughout the length and breadth of the local public house circuit, whose clientele I regularly entertain with my fellow artistes of the Amadeus Wind Quartet. We offer on a regular basis a varied repertoire, both of concert and solo pieces including some of the classics of the great shows, such as “Hand me down that can of Beans” from ‘Paint your Wagon.’
My own repertoire encompasses most of the classics, from the ‘Trump Voluntary’ (Blower, after Purcell), to ‘Air through a G String’ (Blower/Tchaikovsky) and ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ (Mascagni, orch. Blower).
Should you require further information or references, I can be found at the above address at most times of the day – ‘cept evenings, when me and the lads perform.
Yours faithfully, and in the name of (F) Art,
Bill Blower (Pardon!)
The resultant explosion was witnessed by the Principal’s Secretary, who advised me to keep my head down for a while. “Why me?” I asked with the most innocent look I could muster while trying not to laugh. I have been retired now for over twenty years, but the memory is still fresh. It is worthy
of a Chinese –type proverb: ‘He (or she) who gets up noses must expect to catch a cold now and then.’
© W.L.Wright
April 2006 550 words
Digital TV Switchover
Someone who is blind or partially sighted will not automatically be eligible for help from the Government Digital Switchover Scheme - they must be registered as such to qualify. Registration is voluntary of course so for anyone electing not to be registered, they or their partner will need to be either over 75 or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, mobility supplement to qualify.
See http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/en/how/help-scheme.html for details of the Help Scheme.
For consumers who fall outside of the Help Scheme, three charities - Age Concern, Help the Aged and Community Service Volunteers - have got together to form a not-for-profit company, funded by Digital UK, called Digital Outreach. A website is under construction www.digitaloutreach.org.uk
More information will follow.
Large Print Books - new internet bookshop
Finding books in large print or in audio format should now be a whole lot easier with the launch of The Large Print Bookshop. Dedicated to serving the needs of people who, for whatever reason, cannot read conventional print books or who simply prefer to listen to books or read larger typeface, the Large Print bookshop sells only large print and audio books - both abridged and unabridged. The website has been designed for maximum accessibility and provides the largest database of what is available in large print in the
English language. With a suggested reading list taken from the BBC Big Read list (top 100), books recommended by the Richard and Judy Reading Club and large print and audio Best Sellers lists, plus Book of the Month and recommended reading. You can sign up to their email newsletter to be kept up to date on what is available.
http:/www.largeprintbookshop.co.uk
Visually Impaired People’s take up of DLA and AA
This report, from VICTAR (Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research) presents findings from Network 1000 Survey 2. The data was collected during interviews with 884 visually impaired people between November 2006 and January 2007. All the participants were registered as either blind or partially sighted and lived in Great Britain.
The findings presented in this report focus on the Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Key findings: DLA
· 85% of registered v.i. people aged between 18 and 64 currently claim Disability Living Allowance.
· An estimated 10,000 registered v.i. people are not receiving DLA but are eligible to apply.
· The mobility component of DLA is more commonly received than the care component. It is relatively rare for v.i. people to receive the higher rate within the mobility or care components.
· Over one quarter of v.i. people had to appeal before receiving their current rate of DLA
Key Findings: AA
· 64% of register v.i. people aged 65 or over currently receive Attendance Allowance.
· An estimated 73,000 registered v.i. are not receiving AA but are eligible to apply.
· The majority receive the lower rate of AA.
· Over 20% had to appeal before receiving their current rate of AA.
Full report available from the vision 2020UK website.
LOAN OF CCTV EQUIPMENT
From mid April IRIS is able to loan CCTV equipment free to full members of the organisation for an initial period of 3 months and thereafter on a continuing basis unless machines have to be recalled for distribution to other members., In this event, one month’s notice will be given for the equipment to be returned. IRIS requires a returnable deposit of £5.00 for all CCTV equipment loaned out.
IRIS will give initial training on the use of the equipment and will ensure that equipment released has been PET tested, but we cannot guarantee to repair machines if they break down. Liability for any damage, accidental or otherwise, will rest with IRIS unless claims can be made on members’ own household contents insurance.
Grand Draw Results
The winners of our yearly Grand Draw were:
Mr Caulton, Mrs Tilley, Mr Mastin, Mrs D Turner, D Holmes, R Davies and Mr A Newell.
Congratulations to you all and a big thank you to all who supported this event.
THANK YOU !
Malcolm's Muses
A Place for Everything….
Yes, we’ve all heard and no doubt said “There’s a place for everything and everything should be in its place.” And yes, how important that is when one’s sight is not what it used to be. If one lives alone then the problem should not exist - you put an item in a certain place, be it in a cupboard or on a work surface in the kitchen, and when you next come to use it, it’s where you left it - bingo, no problem. On the other hand, if you live with someone, husband, wife etc… then, unless the other person is very good then there can be a problem. Why? Because, and I know from experience
your idea of everything being in its place is not necessarily theirs!
Many years ago, some of you may remember, there used to be
corner shops, on almost every corner. When we had to call at the corner shop everything had its own place on the shelves and we knew where things were - the pattern never seemed to change - it made shopping a bit easier. Now we have supermarkets, we are lulled into thinking that the same patterns are
being maintained, but, hey - just when we get used to the layout, they change things around and we have to focus very hard to take it all in. With the burden of sight loss we struggle to maintain our independence, as far as is practical, and it is of high importance that we can lay our hands on the item required without the need to search high and low. It can be very frustrating when the item we need is not in its rightful place. When we have to ask for assistance what do we hear? “It’s there”. Yeah - we know it’s there, somewhere - aagh!!
So you see how important the saying is to anyone, (whether living alone or with a partner or within a family group) who is sight disabled in order to maintain a degree of independence.
However caring the people around you are, the golden rule must be laid down by you, and you must insist that it be maintained.
Now, where did I put that……..?
What is a Low Vision Assessment?
You may be aware that here at the IRIS Vision Resource Centre we offer a Low Vision Service. Most people who have a problem with their vision will have some useful sight which we can help them to make the most of.
During a Low Vision Assessment, one of our trained therapists will ascertain what type of aids may help you to see better to read, write, continue to do your favourite hobby, etc. This may be by using a magnifier or improving the lighting in your home.
The assessments, carried out on a Monday or Wednesday by appointment, last approximately one hour and are non-invasive (we do not examine the eye). You will need to have seen your optician/optometrist or been seen by someone at the eye clinic within the last year before we can carry out a
assessment.
If you fall within our funded area of Central Cheshire, the assessment will be free of charge and we can lend you up to two items. These may be include magnifier, a lamp or a pair of sunshields. These items are then yours for as long as they are useful to you. You will also be given a review appointment as part of the service.
The service is also available to people outside our funded area but at a charge of £40.00 for the consultation. Items of equipment have to be purchased.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this service, or you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the IRIS Vision Resource Centre.
COMPUTER LESSONS
Just a reminder that we continue to hold computer lessons at the centre. You can choose to learn the GUIDE speech programme with Margaret in conjunction with Vision Support, or JAWS with Kay from IRIS, or the ZoomText magnification programme. Please contact the centre for more information.
Computer courses for vips are also available at South Cheshire College. Enquiries to Jonathan White on 01270 654654
A letter follows from a member written on her own computer after lessons with Margaret using Guide.
Iris Centre Mrs…………………………
14 Chapel Street …………………….......
Crewe ………………………...
Cheshire …………………………
01 March 2008
Hello to all Iris members hope you are all keeping well and happy well I would like to tell you about my computer lessons now I can write a letter on my own with out having to ask some one to write it for me, the joy I got from being able to do that made me feel as if I could see again.
May I thank all the people at the Iris Centre for writing the letters for all these years for me. The South Cheshire College for all the wonderful work they all do.
And to Vision Support in Chester and to Margaret who works there and who as been teaching me at the Iris Centre on a Wednesday.
Take Care
A & H
Go on do something just for yourself, learn to use a computer and your world will change!
PC - New Home Required
We have been asked if any of our members would be interested in a tower computer complete with 17” monitor, keyboard, printer and modem. The computer is free to anybody who would like it so if you are interested please contact the IRIS Vision Resource Centre for further information.
XMAS COMPETITION WINNER
Congratulations to Mrs P Hunton the winner of our Christmas Competition.
Below are the correct answers to the quiz.
Black Magic, Aero, Mars Bar, Polo, Opal Fruits, Treats, Milk Tray, Chocolate Buttons, All Gold, Smarties, Quality Street, Mint Imperial, Roses, Pear Drops, Milky Way.
Dry Skin Soother
Put some oats in a muslin bag (or a pop sock) and tie it under the hot tap when you run a bath - the water will look white and creamy. Soak in the water (don’t use soap). Your skin will be nourished and soothed. Great for Eczema
KEITH’S KORNER 10
One of our members came to see me the other day to discuss how he could change his gas supplier as the bills were getting rather heavy, and I mentioned that I had myself changed my supplier only a few months earlier by using one of the websites on the internet which helps you compare prices. The process was remarkably easy: you go onto the website – I was using www.uswitch.com – give your postcode, enter information about your last 12 months gas bills and at a press of a button, a list appears of what other gas suppliers would charge you if you switched to them. This was very helpful in getting a quick comparison – in my case it looked as if I could save over £300 – but what was more impressive was that the process of actually switching to another supplier was also easy, and was achieved at the press of another button. Various documents arrived through the post over the next few days and the whole transaction was completed in a matter of weeks. All done by using the internet.
All this was fresh in my mind when my youngest daughter Gabrielle – the one who is studying social policy at Leeds University – consulted me at the weekend about what topic she should write about for one of her assessed essays. This was more
difficult than may first appear, for there are many subjects in the field of social policy and disability which are worthy of study, but I was intrigued that one of her lecturers had suggested to her that maybe she should explore how the internet was increasingly being used by government and other bodies to inform people of their rights and help them claim services and benefits available to them. The particular issue which Gabrielle was being encouraged to investigate was what happened to those people who, for whatever reason, couldn’t use the internet: who were they, and were they becoming increasingly disadvantaged? I relayed to Gabrielle the story of my recent visitor to IRIS and suggested that if she undertook this study she was likely to find that older people – those who have not been used to using computers, let alone the internet – and visually disabled people – who often need special computer programmes to read computer screens – are likely to be amongst those most disadvantaged by this growing dependence on internet access. And that older visually disabled people were likely to be especially disadvantaged. It would be good, I said, if she could check this out more thoroughly, for it may mean that more energy needs to be put into training sessions for those groups not used to using computers, and other methods perhaps need to be found to communicate important information in ways which people can access. Gabrielle has agreed to consider these points. I gave her £20 to help her thought process, and promised more if she delivered the goods. Payment by results.
Now try this
Are you a gardener? Perhaps not, either because you haven’t got a garden or you haven’t ever succeeded in growing anything, or perhaps you feel you just don’t do that sort of thing any more.
Or are you a cook? Surely you sometimes make drinks and meals for yourself, and sometimes for other people.
So here’s an easy way to combine cooking and gardening. It’s followed by a simple recipe for you to try.
Your “garden” is either a vegetable dish or one of those plastic trays they sell mushrooms in. Or it can be a large jam or Kilner jar. The plants are sprouting seeds, which you can buy at Garden Centre or from catalogues (try Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds Kentford, Suffolk, CB8 7QB for a catalogue: postage is free on seeds). Sometimes you can get them at Supermarkets, I’ve found a good selection at B & Q too. The easiest ones are mustard and cress, best used in sandwiches and salads, and best grown on kitchen roll (see below). Use the more exciting seeds, such as alfalfa, fenugreek and mung beans, for the recipe given below.
There are two easy ways to grow your seeds:
1. If you use this method, soak larger seeds for two or three hours before you start. Then put several layers of kitchen roll paper in your dish or tray. Soak the paper thoroughly, then scatter a layer of seeds on to it. Repeat the soaking every day: the seeds must never dry out.
2. Or you can put the seeds (about two tablespoons) into a large jam or Kilner jar. Cover the jar with muslin or thin cotton material, keeping it in place with a rubber band. Cover the seeds with water. Then drain off any excess water so that the seeds are wet but not drowned. Repeat the watering and draining until the seeds are ready to harvest.
How do you know they are ready? The seeds start swelling very quickly and then start producing sprouts. When they are about 1 1/2 - 2 inches high they will be ready to harvest. Just take them off the paper or drain them when you take them out of the jar.
Now use these lovely tasty crunchy healthy sprouts in salads or sandwiches or in this easy supper dish:
Stir-fry chicken with sprouted seeds (Serves 1)
Ingredients
Small chicken joint, cooked and shredded
Clove of garlic, crushed (optional)
1/2 Onion, Chopped
1tsp Soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Gently fry the onion and garlic. Add the chicken shreds and fry for a few more minutes. Add the sprouted seeds and toss until they are warm, adding the Soy sauce and seasonings at the same time. Serve with rice.
Help The Aged - Handy Van Practical Support
HandyVan provides and fits a range of safety and security products in clients’ homes. It is primarily aimed at older people who meet the Help he Aged criteria, and no charges are made for labour or the products installed. For anyone falling outside the criteria, chargeable options are available on request. The ranges of products installed include:
· Smoke alarms
· Door Chains
· Mortice locks
· Mortice bolts
· Window locks
· Door viewers
· Locks available for uPVC doors and windows
HandyVan fitters always carry photo identification cards and arrive by appointment.
REMEMBER to:
Always ask for identification;
Secure your door chain if you have one; and
Make sure you are happy that the caller is genuine before letting a stranger into your home.
To arrange an appointment with your local fitter or for more information, please
telephone 01255 473999 or email handyvan@hta.org.uk.
Quiz Corner
Complete the Nursery Rhymes and return to us together with your name, address and telephone number. The winner will receive a small prize. Closing date Monday 28th April 2008.
1 What are the names of the two little Dickie birds?
2 Where was the monkey in half a pound of tuppenny rice?
3 Who came to visit the little nut tree?
4 Where was little boy blue when he fell asleep?
5 What was Boy blue supposed to be doing?
6 Who marched 10,000 men to the top of the hill?
7 Who kissed the girls and made them cry?
8 Who wrote a letter and dropped it?
9 What are little boys made of?
10 What is the next line to: One two buckle my shoe?
11 What did the old woman who lived in a shoe; give to her children to eat?
12 How old was the Pease Pudding
13 In the rhyme Rub a dub dub, what were their jobs?
14 What rhyme can’t we do anymore, because parliament says so?
15 When we come home from market jigity jig, what have we bought?
My forgetter’s getting better
But my rememberer is broke
To you that may seem funny
But, to me, that is no joke
For when I’m “here” I’m wondering if I really should be “there”
And, when I try to think it through
I haven’t got a prayer!
Oft times I walk into a room
Say “what am I here for?”
I wrack my brain, but all in vain!
A zero, is my score
At times I put something away
Where it is safe, but, Gee!
The person it is safest from
Is, generally, me!
When shopping I may see someone,
Say “Hi” and have a chat,
Then, when the person walks away
I ask myself, “who was that?”
Yes, my forgetter's getting better
While my rememberer is broke,
And its driving me plumb crazy
And that isn’t any joke
14 Chapel Street Crewe CW2 7DQ 01270 250316
info@iriscentre.org.uk www.iriscentre.org.uk
Message from the Chairman.
Welcome to the spring edition of the IRIS Newsletter.
Some good news at last regarding our attempts to get a presence at the eye clinic at Leighton: our furniture and equipment is arranged in the ‘conservatory’ next to the entrance to the clinic and we
currently have this staffed for the Monday clinics. So, if you attend on this day, why not take a look and have a chat with Wendy to see if she can do anything for you.
Some of the public areas of the centre have been redecorated recently and a new fire door has been fitted to the kitchen. Exterior signage has been improved. We have been helped to do this by a grant from Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council. The paintings of the new War Memorial in Crewe, kindly donated by the visually impaired artist and member of IRIS Tom Knight, are now on display in the front hall.
We recently held another successful fund raising event at the
Vagrants club where the Bryan Jones Big Band generously
donated their ‘performance’ money and, together with a raffle on the night, helped to raise £340: many thanks to everyone who
contributed and especially to Janice who organised the event.
Our low vision outreach service has now been extended to
Macclesfield where we are holding monthly sessions in conjunction with voluntary groups based there. If you know anyone in that area who could benefit from this service then get them to give us a call to find out more.
Don’t forget, if you have anything you wish to air in the Newsletter then don’t be shy, just send it in
Cheers, Bruce
Membership
Membership is due on the 1st April for the year April 08 – March 09. The cost remains at £5.00 for the year and covers such things as the loaning of library books, access to the social group, the right to vote and a copy of the newsletter as well as supporting the charity as a whole.
If you wish to become a member of IRIS please complete the registration form below, enclosing your £5.00 subscription for the year, and return it to us using the prepaid envelope. In return, we will issue you with a new membership card to cover the current year
Without your support IRIS would be unable to offer the services we currently provide. So we take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support.
Thank You
The IRIS Vision Resource Centre
Annual Subscription April 2008/2009
Membership Fee £5.00
Name……………………………………………………………………………
Address…………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Post Code………………………………………………………………………
Telephone Number……………………………………………………………
(Please make cheques payable to The IRIS Centre)
Thank you, your support is very much appreciated
Fund Raising Activities - Money Raised
12/02/08 Brian Jones Big Band Night £340.00
23/02/08 Coffee Morning - Nantwich £250.00
Future Fund Raising Events
9th April Morrisons Supermarket
31st May Asda Supermarket
3rd July Coffee Morning - Nantwich
10th August Duck Race
11th November Coffee Morning - Nantwich
If any of our members or supporters would like to help with any of the above events please contact
IRIS Vision Resource Centre on 01270 250316
New Items in Stock
Lighted Swivel Handled Mirror including vanity stand 1x or10x magnification
Price £26.34
Thank You
In recent months we have been fortunate in that we have had donated to us a quantity of Large Print and Audio books bring our total library collection to 446 Talking Books and 181 in Large Print.
So thank you to our members/supporters for thinking of us.
For Sale
TV Magnifier Screen
A very large magnifying screen for a television measuring up to 33’’. This screen can be placed in front of your television to help you to see the picture more easily.
SW Retail RRP £119.99 Sale Price £60.00
If you are interested in the above please contact
Joyce, Steph or Wendy on 01270 250316 for more
Information.
Typographic Errors . . . .
Always a hoot since the days when he ‘ … drew his rusty sword . . and faced the enema.’ I can recall a Crewe Chronicle report in, I think, the late1940’s, which quoted a local worthy as saying that, “The Labour Party in Crewe will go forward with unfounded hope and optimism.” A typographic error or deliberate sabotage? One could only speculate.
The typographic error which topped the lot, though, was that which appeared in a local newspaper in the city in which the writer earned his living for some time. I should caution my readers at this point that a certain measure of broad-mindedness is called for. So, if you are fairly broad-minded, read on:
Applications are invited for the post of
FART-TIME LECTURER
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CREATIVE STUDIES
No, it was not an old and worn capital ‘P’; it was definitely an ’F’. This was deliberate sabotage. Among the small type of a normal paragraph, it might have been easily missed. In large capital letters in a framed advert on the front page. Those of us who knew the Head of Department in question were not surprised. The woman was pushy, self-serving and an
all-round, chateau bottled pain in the rear end. It was not hard to guess that she had seriously upset someone on the local rag, and that someone had taken his revenge.
Among the applications she received in the next day or so was the following
Gaffers’ Row,
- - - - - - - - - - -
Tel : - - - - - - - -
November 1st
The Head of the Department of Creative Studies,
- - - - - - - - College,
- - - - - - - .
Madam:
I wish to apply for the post of Fart-time Lecturer advertised in tonight’s edition of the (local newspaper).
I am more delighted than I can say to see that somewhere in this land of this long neglected art form is being taken seriously once again.
I am a practising petomane of long standing (and bending), recognised throughout the length and breadth of the local public house circuit, whose clientele I regularly entertain with my fellow artistes of the Amadeus Wind Quartet. We offer on a regular basis a varied repertoire, both of concert and solo pieces including some of the classics of the great shows, such as “Hand me down that can of Beans” from ‘Paint your Wagon.’
My own repertoire encompasses most of the classics, from the ‘Trump Voluntary’ (Blower, after Purcell), to ‘Air through a G String’ (Blower/Tchaikovsky) and ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ (Mascagni, orch. Blower).
Should you require further information or references, I can be found at the above address at most times of the day – ‘cept evenings, when me and the lads perform.
Yours faithfully, and in the name of (F) Art,
Bill Blower (Pardon!)
The resultant explosion was witnessed by the Principal’s Secretary, who advised me to keep my head down for a while. “Why me?” I asked with the most innocent look I could muster while trying not to laugh. I have been retired now for over twenty years, but the memory is still fresh. It is worthy
of a Chinese –type proverb: ‘He (or she) who gets up noses must expect to catch a cold now and then.’
© W.L.Wright
April 2006 550 words
Digital TV Switchover
Someone who is blind or partially sighted will not automatically be eligible for help from the Government Digital Switchover Scheme - they must be registered as such to qualify. Registration is voluntary of course so for anyone electing not to be registered, they or their partner will need to be either over 75 or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, mobility supplement to qualify.
See http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/en/how/help-scheme.html for details of the Help Scheme.
For consumers who fall outside of the Help Scheme, three charities - Age Concern, Help the Aged and Community Service Volunteers - have got together to form a not-for-profit company, funded by Digital UK, called Digital Outreach. A website is under construction www.digitaloutreach.org.uk
More information will follow.
Large Print Books - new internet bookshop
Finding books in large print or in audio format should now be a whole lot easier with the launch of The Large Print Bookshop. Dedicated to serving the needs of people who, for whatever reason, cannot read conventional print books or who simply prefer to listen to books or read larger typeface, the Large Print bookshop sells only large print and audio books - both abridged and unabridged. The website has been designed for maximum accessibility and provides the largest database of what is available in large print in the
English language. With a suggested reading list taken from the BBC Big Read list (top 100), books recommended by the Richard and Judy Reading Club and large print and audio Best Sellers lists, plus Book of the Month and recommended reading. You can sign up to their email newsletter to be kept up to date on what is available.
http:/www.largeprintbookshop.co.uk
Visually Impaired People’s take up of DLA and AA
This report, from VICTAR (Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research) presents findings from Network 1000 Survey 2. The data was collected during interviews with 884 visually impaired people between November 2006 and January 2007. All the participants were registered as either blind or partially sighted and lived in Great Britain.
The findings presented in this report focus on the Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Key findings: DLA
· 85% of registered v.i. people aged between 18 and 64 currently claim Disability Living Allowance.
· An estimated 10,000 registered v.i. people are not receiving DLA but are eligible to apply.
· The mobility component of DLA is more commonly received than the care component. It is relatively rare for v.i. people to receive the higher rate within the mobility or care components.
· Over one quarter of v.i. people had to appeal before receiving their current rate of DLA
Key Findings: AA
· 64% of register v.i. people aged 65 or over currently receive Attendance Allowance.
· An estimated 73,000 registered v.i. are not receiving AA but are eligible to apply.
· The majority receive the lower rate of AA.
· Over 20% had to appeal before receiving their current rate of AA.
Full report available from the vision 2020UK website.
LOAN OF CCTV EQUIPMENT
From mid April IRIS is able to loan CCTV equipment free to full members of the organisation for an initial period of 3 months and thereafter on a continuing basis unless machines have to be recalled for distribution to other members., In this event, one month’s notice will be given for the equipment to be returned. IRIS requires a returnable deposit of £5.00 for all CCTV equipment loaned out.
IRIS will give initial training on the use of the equipment and will ensure that equipment released has been PET tested, but we cannot guarantee to repair machines if they break down. Liability for any damage, accidental or otherwise, will rest with IRIS unless claims can be made on members’ own household contents insurance.
Grand Draw Results
The winners of our yearly Grand Draw were:
Mr Caulton, Mrs Tilley, Mr Mastin, Mrs D Turner, D Holmes, R Davies and Mr A Newell.
Congratulations to you all and a big thank you to all who supported this event.
THANK YOU !
Malcolm's Muses
A Place for Everything….
Yes, we’ve all heard and no doubt said “There’s a place for everything and everything should be in its place.” And yes, how important that is when one’s sight is not what it used to be. If one lives alone then the problem should not exist - you put an item in a certain place, be it in a cupboard or on a work surface in the kitchen, and when you next come to use it, it’s where you left it - bingo, no problem. On the other hand, if you live with someone, husband, wife etc… then, unless the other person is very good then there can be a problem. Why? Because, and I know from experience
your idea of everything being in its place is not necessarily theirs!
Many years ago, some of you may remember, there used to be
corner shops, on almost every corner. When we had to call at the corner shop everything had its own place on the shelves and we knew where things were - the pattern never seemed to change - it made shopping a bit easier. Now we have supermarkets, we are lulled into thinking that the same patterns are
being maintained, but, hey - just when we get used to the layout, they change things around and we have to focus very hard to take it all in. With the burden of sight loss we struggle to maintain our independence, as far as is practical, and it is of high importance that we can lay our hands on the item required without the need to search high and low. It can be very frustrating when the item we need is not in its rightful place. When we have to ask for assistance what do we hear? “It’s there”. Yeah - we know it’s there, somewhere - aagh!!
So you see how important the saying is to anyone, (whether living alone or with a partner or within a family group) who is sight disabled in order to maintain a degree of independence.
However caring the people around you are, the golden rule must be laid down by you, and you must insist that it be maintained.
Now, where did I put that……..?
What is a Low Vision Assessment?
You may be aware that here at the IRIS Vision Resource Centre we offer a Low Vision Service. Most people who have a problem with their vision will have some useful sight which we can help them to make the most of.
During a Low Vision Assessment, one of our trained therapists will ascertain what type of aids may help you to see better to read, write, continue to do your favourite hobby, etc. This may be by using a magnifier or improving the lighting in your home.
The assessments, carried out on a Monday or Wednesday by appointment, last approximately one hour and are non-invasive (we do not examine the eye). You will need to have seen your optician/optometrist or been seen by someone at the eye clinic within the last year before we can carry out a
assessment.
If you fall within our funded area of Central Cheshire, the assessment will be free of charge and we can lend you up to two items. These may be include magnifier, a lamp or a pair of sunshields. These items are then yours for as long as they are useful to you. You will also be given a review appointment as part of the service.
The service is also available to people outside our funded area but at a charge of £40.00 for the consultation. Items of equipment have to be purchased.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this service, or you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the IRIS Vision Resource Centre.
COMPUTER LESSONS
Just a reminder that we continue to hold computer lessons at the centre. You can choose to learn the GUIDE speech programme with Margaret in conjunction with Vision Support, or JAWS with Kay from IRIS, or the ZoomText magnification programme. Please contact the centre for more information.
Computer courses for vips are also available at South Cheshire College. Enquiries to Jonathan White on 01270 654654
A letter follows from a member written on her own computer after lessons with Margaret using Guide.
Iris Centre Mrs…………………………
14 Chapel Street …………………….......
Crewe ………………………...
Cheshire …………………………
01 March 2008
Hello to all Iris members hope you are all keeping well and happy well I would like to tell you about my computer lessons now I can write a letter on my own with out having to ask some one to write it for me, the joy I got from being able to do that made me feel as if I could see again.
May I thank all the people at the Iris Centre for writing the letters for all these years for me. The South Cheshire College for all the wonderful work they all do.
And to Vision Support in Chester and to Margaret who works there and who as been teaching me at the Iris Centre on a Wednesday.
Take Care
A & H
Go on do something just for yourself, learn to use a computer and your world will change!
PC - New Home Required
We have been asked if any of our members would be interested in a tower computer complete with 17” monitor, keyboard, printer and modem. The computer is free to anybody who would like it so if you are interested please contact the IRIS Vision Resource Centre for further information.
XMAS COMPETITION WINNER
Congratulations to Mrs P Hunton the winner of our Christmas Competition.
Below are the correct answers to the quiz.
Black Magic, Aero, Mars Bar, Polo, Opal Fruits, Treats, Milk Tray, Chocolate Buttons, All Gold, Smarties, Quality Street, Mint Imperial, Roses, Pear Drops, Milky Way.
Dry Skin Soother
Put some oats in a muslin bag (or a pop sock) and tie it under the hot tap when you run a bath - the water will look white and creamy. Soak in the water (don’t use soap). Your skin will be nourished and soothed. Great for Eczema
KEITH’S KORNER 10
One of our members came to see me the other day to discuss how he could change his gas supplier as the bills were getting rather heavy, and I mentioned that I had myself changed my supplier only a few months earlier by using one of the websites on the internet which helps you compare prices. The process was remarkably easy: you go onto the website – I was using www.uswitch.com – give your postcode, enter information about your last 12 months gas bills and at a press of a button, a list appears of what other gas suppliers would charge you if you switched to them. This was very helpful in getting a quick comparison – in my case it looked as if I could save over £300 – but what was more impressive was that the process of actually switching to another supplier was also easy, and was achieved at the press of another button. Various documents arrived through the post over the next few days and the whole transaction was completed in a matter of weeks. All done by using the internet.
All this was fresh in my mind when my youngest daughter Gabrielle – the one who is studying social policy at Leeds University – consulted me at the weekend about what topic she should write about for one of her assessed essays. This was more
difficult than may first appear, for there are many subjects in the field of social policy and disability which are worthy of study, but I was intrigued that one of her lecturers had suggested to her that maybe she should explore how the internet was increasingly being used by government and other bodies to inform people of their rights and help them claim services and benefits available to them. The particular issue which Gabrielle was being encouraged to investigate was what happened to those people who, for whatever reason, couldn’t use the internet: who were they, and were they becoming increasingly disadvantaged? I relayed to Gabrielle the story of my recent visitor to IRIS and suggested that if she undertook this study she was likely to find that older people – those who have not been used to using computers, let alone the internet – and visually disabled people – who often need special computer programmes to read computer screens – are likely to be amongst those most disadvantaged by this growing dependence on internet access. And that older visually disabled people were likely to be especially disadvantaged. It would be good, I said, if she could check this out more thoroughly, for it may mean that more energy needs to be put into training sessions for those groups not used to using computers, and other methods perhaps need to be found to communicate important information in ways which people can access. Gabrielle has agreed to consider these points. I gave her £20 to help her thought process, and promised more if she delivered the goods. Payment by results.
Now try this
Are you a gardener? Perhaps not, either because you haven’t got a garden or you haven’t ever succeeded in growing anything, or perhaps you feel you just don’t do that sort of thing any more.
Or are you a cook? Surely you sometimes make drinks and meals for yourself, and sometimes for other people.
So here’s an easy way to combine cooking and gardening. It’s followed by a simple recipe for you to try.
Your “garden” is either a vegetable dish or one of those plastic trays they sell mushrooms in. Or it can be a large jam or Kilner jar. The plants are sprouting seeds, which you can buy at Garden Centre or from catalogues (try Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds Kentford, Suffolk, CB8 7QB for a catalogue: postage is free on seeds). Sometimes you can get them at Supermarkets, I’ve found a good selection at B & Q too. The easiest ones are mustard and cress, best used in sandwiches and salads, and best grown on kitchen roll (see below). Use the more exciting seeds, such as alfalfa, fenugreek and mung beans, for the recipe given below.
There are two easy ways to grow your seeds:
1. If you use this method, soak larger seeds for two or three hours before you start. Then put several layers of kitchen roll paper in your dish or tray. Soak the paper thoroughly, then scatter a layer of seeds on to it. Repeat the soaking every day: the seeds must never dry out.
2. Or you can put the seeds (about two tablespoons) into a large jam or Kilner jar. Cover the jar with muslin or thin cotton material, keeping it in place with a rubber band. Cover the seeds with water. Then drain off any excess water so that the seeds are wet but not drowned. Repeat the watering and draining until the seeds are ready to harvest.
How do you know they are ready? The seeds start swelling very quickly and then start producing sprouts. When they are about 1 1/2 - 2 inches high they will be ready to harvest. Just take them off the paper or drain them when you take them out of the jar.
Now use these lovely tasty crunchy healthy sprouts in salads or sandwiches or in this easy supper dish:
Stir-fry chicken with sprouted seeds (Serves 1)
Ingredients
Small chicken joint, cooked and shredded
Clove of garlic, crushed (optional)
1/2 Onion, Chopped
1tsp Soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Gently fry the onion and garlic. Add the chicken shreds and fry for a few more minutes. Add the sprouted seeds and toss until they are warm, adding the Soy sauce and seasonings at the same time. Serve with rice.
Help The Aged - Handy Van Practical Support
HandyVan provides and fits a range of safety and security products in clients’ homes. It is primarily aimed at older people who meet the Help he Aged criteria, and no charges are made for labour or the products installed. For anyone falling outside the criteria, chargeable options are available on request. The ranges of products installed include:
· Smoke alarms
· Door Chains
· Mortice locks
· Mortice bolts
· Window locks
· Door viewers
· Locks available for uPVC doors and windows
HandyVan fitters always carry photo identification cards and arrive by appointment.
REMEMBER to:
Always ask for identification;
Secure your door chain if you have one; and
Make sure you are happy that the caller is genuine before letting a stranger into your home.
To arrange an appointment with your local fitter or for more information, please
telephone 01255 473999 or email handyvan@hta.org.uk.
Quiz Corner
Complete the Nursery Rhymes and return to us together with your name, address and telephone number. The winner will receive a small prize. Closing date Monday 28th April 2008.
1 What are the names of the two little Dickie birds?
2 Where was the monkey in half a pound of tuppenny rice?
3 Who came to visit the little nut tree?
4 Where was little boy blue when he fell asleep?
5 What was Boy blue supposed to be doing?
6 Who marched 10,000 men to the top of the hill?
7 Who kissed the girls and made them cry?
8 Who wrote a letter and dropped it?
9 What are little boys made of?
10 What is the next line to: One two buckle my shoe?
11 What did the old woman who lived in a shoe; give to her children to eat?
12 How old was the Pease Pudding
13 In the rhyme Rub a dub dub, what were their jobs?
14 What rhyme can’t we do anymore, because parliament says so?
15 When we come home from market jigity jig, what have we bought?
My forgetter’s getting better
But my rememberer is broke
To you that may seem funny
But, to me, that is no joke
For when I’m “here” I’m wondering if I really should be “there”
And, when I try to think it through
I haven’t got a prayer!
Oft times I walk into a room
Say “what am I here for?”
I wrack my brain, but all in vain!
A zero, is my score
At times I put something away
Where it is safe, but, Gee!
The person it is safest from
Is, generally, me!
When shopping I may see someone,
Say “Hi” and have a chat,
Then, when the person walks away
I ask myself, “who was that?”
Yes, my forgetter's getting better
While my rememberer is broke,
And its driving me plumb crazy
And that isn’t any joke
# posted by iriscentre : 1:52 PM
