Issue 8 January/February 09
Capital of Culture year 2008
In this last year of 2008 our “Capital of Culture Year” as the year draws to a close on New Years Eve, I hope that this year has been a happy one for us all we have seen lots of different events for the year, some have been very good and others very very good. For me the year gave us “La machine” a very big spider that ran havoc through the streets of Liverpool, it must be something to get Sally and myself out on a very wet Friday night on the first day and wait for the “Spider “ to wake up and then go and do it all again the next day, what a weekend that was and also Super Lambanas every where in the city what a great idea to help the tourists enter into what for me has been a good year and the whole thing rounded off with closing ceremony of song, fireworks and street entertainers, and our very own “Open Day, A look back” in December with pictures of the past year, lots of good pictures and I even managed to get one of my own pictures on display, also poems from our resident “Poet Laureate” Gordon Milward as well as art from our own “Neurolife” clients and a demonstration of “Qi Gong” by some of our clients enjoying the day as well and a launch of “Neurolife” for our partners now and for some new ones in the future. Maybe we can make this a regular feature for the future? Watch this space.
Then the very next day our own Christmas Party, with all the usual suspects in attendance, ourselves enjoying what has become a regular event in our year as volunteers, with choirs, food, drink, bingo and prizes. It has been suggested that the next party the format could be changed maybe venturing out and we would like everyone’s feedback. See discussion at our volunteers meeting held on 28th January were you will find the minutes later on in the newsletter.
Pictures from the Open Day and Christmas Party December 08
As you can see I have been playing with my new toys, Picasa more of the world in Google and for Christmas speaking of which I am typing this on my new curved keyboard all very high tech lots more buttons for me not to use but the first thing you need to be able to do is think of something to say which can sometimes be daunting so just a reminder for everyone if you have any news, views or anything that you might think that could be included in our newsletter and I am looking for someone who doesn’t mind talking about themselves to be featured in the “Neuro News” as volunteer feature and don’t forget our very own Blog http://clarkyboy- neuronewsletterspart1.blogspot.com were from time to time I will include things of interest that might not be in our “Neuro News” Speaking of which sometime ago I talked about “things that get you mad”, here is John Evans and his thoughts. Again if you want to send or drop off something you know how to find me, Tuesday at the centre or leave something at reception.
Speaking of reception it’s nice to see 2 faces returning Ameena and Diane, hope you both keep well. I will try to include if anyone has left or some new faces that we might all see, who have just started, please make them welcome and introduce yourselves. For some it will be that first step back to work or for others a way of meeting people and enjoying the work of volunteering like me.
Things that get you mad
People who say “I will ring you back”, and don’t.
You plan to mow your lawn after a few days, or a week or so, of nice weather, and it rains!
You arrange with a company to have repairs or modifications carried out on your home, and nobody turns up on the scheduled day. They don’t even contact you to let you know.
You are waiting patiently to move into a parking space that a driver is vacating, when suddenly someone unseen by you races in first.
You are a good way through writing a letter to a relative or friend, when suddenly the ink in your pen runs out. You don’t have a black or a blue pen to match.
Sorry John I missed a few
Volunteer Meeting Minutes 28/01/09 Welcome and introductions. Maureen welcomed and thanked those present for coming. Those present introduced themselves and their role. General Enquiry form Maureen asked the volunteers for their thoughts on the form and if it should be changed continued or it any improvements were required. Also if it should be introduced at the Walton Desk General those using the form thought it a good idea. Although introducing it at Walton was agreed unnecessary. The group discussed having printed version, duplications and numbering to keep in order and allow follow up. This may become difficult with numbering and duplicates but would help with follow up and tracking. They could be numbered using a machine or pre-printed, which will incur costs. Confidentiality issues were discussed around holding them all centrally. Although it was conceded all staff and volunteers are bound by confidentiality. Confidentiality issues were discussed around holding them all centrally. Although it was conceded all staff and volunteers are bound by confidentiality. A question what to do in the event of a hang up was raised, MK informed the group that the phone system is experiencing some problems which should be logged and given to Chris Wall who will know what to do with them. New Visitor Badges. Carolyn introduced the new visitor badge system. Giving details on how the system should work. Including all information regarding badges for WLS and Neurolife. Carolyn confirmed the system would be introduced from today. (Please see enclosed sheet)
Walton Foundation Trust update – Alan Clark. Alan Clark gave his thanks for the support he received when applying to join the governing body for the trust. He gave an overview of the makeup of the board who hope the trust will be live in April. The trust are looking to have 6000 members by April, to date there are 5000. (Latest figures as of a week ago 12/02/09) Maureen stated that Alan is an independent governor on the board voted for by the members and she is Neurosupport (Stakeholder Governor) representative. We are still looking for members, anyone who wishes to join there are forms in the reception area. Alan is willing to talk to anyone/groups about membership.
Christmas Party – Ideas for the future. Several of those present had attended the party for the first time and enjoyed the day immensely. A number of the volunteers, having attended the event for several years found it a bit stale. The group discussed the subject and it was agreed that any ideas should be put in the comments, complaints and compliments box for future review. Open day Feedback. The group agreed the day surrounding art photography was good, Alternative dates were discussed and possible date in late July was mentioned this discussion brought up Friends of Neurosupport which Maureen is progressing. Any Other Business Maureen gave details of the staff planning day which is to focus on ‘wish lists’ from the staff. Volunteers were invited to do the same. Date of the Warrington Disability Awareness Day is July 12th for anyone who would like to go should let Maureen or Carolyn know so we can look at numbers. A new volunteer induction will be going ahead soon as we have a list of possible volunteers. It was suggested the new starters as well as any of the volunteers who have finished should be thanked in the newsletter. Volunteers asked about the progress with a chillier cabinet or lockable fridge. Maureen stated this is still being looked into. The group also discussed wearing the provided tabards, which some of the men aren’t happy with. Maureen will explore an alternative, possible t-shirts with the logo. Maureen also advised she would be looking into some customer service training. Date of the next meeting Monday 27th April 2009 12noon for Lunch meeting 12:30-2pm.
This is the latest Neuro News and pictures of our Open Day and Chrismas Party
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