Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Carers Support

Please view the poster re support available to carers by clicking here.

Carers Support

Please view the poster re support available to carers by clicking here.

Visibility Scotland Newsletter

Please click on the link to read the Winter Newsletter from Visibility Scotland.

This is the link click here.

Visibility Scotland Newsletter

Please click on the link to read the Winter Newsletter from Visibility Scotland.

This is the link click here

Whithorn School Breakfast Club

The end of this term’s sessions happened on Wednesday, with 12 pupils attending the club which is run in partnership with Community Learning and Development.

The children that have attended, have benefited from a healthy start to the day which includes Breakfast and an Activity.

Local parents whose children attend have said the following:

Katie: “Thank you to the team! My kids are on time for school twice a week now!! Great club!!”

Sharon:  “I agree great club. Ewan enjoys attending. Thanks to those who run it!”

The Breakfast club will run on Mondays and Wednesdays, restarting on Monday 6^th January 2014.

Monday Club

Mince Pies and Home Baking were available to all the members of the Monday club as they arrived this week. Esme has now taken over the production of the newsletter, so any items to be included should be sent to her. This includes items for sale or wanted.

The activity for the day was provided by Building Healthy Communities and involved playing Wii games on the big screen. This was a first for many and became very competitive, especially with the 10 pin bowling!!

Everyone went away for their Christmas Break with a smile.  The next meeting will be on Monday 6^thJanuary 2014 at 10am.

Happy Christmas everyone!!  

Penninghame School Reward Time

Building Healthy Communities has again been supporting Penninghame School during their reward time for pupils over the last 4 weeks. This has been an active and exhilarating session of Wii dance with all the new songs that are available.

Loads of fun was had as can be seen in the collage below.

We look forward to more time in the School next year.

Laptop Heaven

After the disappointment of the cancellation of the ipad session, the group carried on as normal giving the staff their normal mixture of issues including registry issues, which can be extremely frustrating. The majority of issues were solved and some members  learned new skills whilst others were prompted as to how to use the skills they had previously acquired and since forgotten.

Next week will be the last session for 2013

Access Art – Ashgrove Court

A Taster session of Christmas decorations facilitated by James Galloway, Access Art, took place last Friday. The residents all had a go at making their own Christmas paper chains which were then all joined together. It was a delight to see the smiles on everyone’s faces and how competitive they all were to make their chain the longest.

Everyone then attempted and successfully made Christmas lanterns. These will be lit with led tea lights to make sure they are safe.

The session was so well received and enjoyed by all, that Access Art will be back at Ashgrove Courtat the beginning of next year for an 8 week block art course, starting on 16^thJanuary 2014.

Soup Lunch

Building Healthy Communities and Community Learning and Development Staff and Volunteers were involved in another successful “Soup Lunch” in aid of the Community Centre funds.

On offer was a choice of Tomato or Parsnip soup, Hot turkey and stuffing roll and a choice of tea or coffee. There was also a home baking stall for people to purchase some tasty cakes.

The Junior choir from Whithorn School entertained the diners from 12 o’clock.

Although some members of the community were away on Christmas trips, £45.00 was raised for the community centre funds.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next event on the February 5^th.

Laptop Heaven

Dont forget everyone, that there is an opportunity to mess about with ipads at this coming weeks session.

This session is being run by the DGHP.

Xmas Soup Lunch

CLD & BHC staff and volunteers are looking forward to another successful Soup Lunch in aid of Whithorn Community Centre tomorrow, Wednesday 4th December 2013.

Monday Club Meeting

The morning  was introduced by Volunteer Jo Chambers who drew members attention to a request for Volunteers for a medical research database run by the NHS. Then, helpful advice on being prepared for winter, arranging for a Christmas lunch at Gem Rock and giving plenty of notice to everyone that from 2014, meetings will be held each 1^stand 3^rd Monday of each Month.

With business over, it was time to introduced a local group of amateur players from around the area, known as The Mad Hatters, which also has a few Monday Club Members participating in.  The members sat back and were entertained with 4 short sketches:

‘Waiting for Doggo,’ a humorous account of how two new canine guests introduce themselves and what ensues at this unusual retirement home for dogs who have more than one agenda on their minds!

A radio play sketch followed, with two friends (dressed in Ena Sharples garb) and their snobby childhood friend gossiping in a Laundry with an unexpected revelation rounding off the tale.

‘The Sunshine Café’ showed what not listening to instructions and mistaken identity can do to the best laid plans,

‘Robin Hood’s Little Difficulties’, with light hearted innuendos, which made everyone look at little John in a new light.

 

All this was rounded off with a rousing sing song accompanied by an accordion to send everyone away happy.

Following a vote of thanks to these very gifted players, Jo reminded everyone that our meeting on 16^th December would be all about Fun & Games and Wii  Activities.  For further details of the Monday club activities, contact the office.

Information for Loch Ryan Development

Self Management Programme

Don't forget about our sister blog (SMP).  Gain access by clicking the link here.

Still Game!

Free Walking Football for Men and Women aged 50+ at the new Blairmount Pitch, Newton Stewart, on Thursday evenings 7pm - 8pm.  Just go along on the night or contact John McNaught on 01671 404267 / 0777 683898 for more details

Jills of All Trades

Yesterday saw the Jills start to learn about plumbing. All the various types of pipe and joints were explained, then all had a go at soldering pieces of copper pipe together. This was a very successful session in which all the Jills achieved a good result!

Laptop Heaven

There has been a full house at the last 3 sessions of Laptop heaven with 8 or 9 people attending the group. Difficulties that have been overcome include updating anti-virus, removing pop-ups, installing and testing Skype as well as many little niggling issues.

On the 10^th December, DGHP are attending the group to give them an introduction into using ipads and tablets. Should be really interesting. Why not come along!!

Laptop group as normal next week.

Monday Club Report 18th November 2013

A good turnout of existing and new members were welcomed to this weeks Monday Club by volunteer Jo Chambers.

The speaker this week was fellow member Esme Noad who had brought along copies of family letters for us all to read. Esme told how she and her husband had been given a box of heirlooms on their departure from a family get together with the request that they become the custodians for them. On opening the box not only did they find mementos of relatives but copious letters written between 1901 and 1902 from Jessie and John Champion. to Jessie's mother and family in South Hackney London.

Everyone felt the letters had the making of a blockbuster film or TV play, even perhaps a book. 

Whilst those members who wished, continued to question Esme, the rest turned to Pam and their regular slot of light exercise to round off a spell binding morning.

The next meeting on 2nd December is some light entertainment by the Mad Hatters, incorporating some of the Monday Club Members.

WIGTOWN PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH

Please find a list of contact details for support groups in the Wigtown area:

Cancer Support Group

For the support of cancer sufferers, survivors and carers

First Friday of every month

The Smiddy, Low Vennel, Wigtown

Contact: Chris Platt 01988 700363

Provision of Facilities for Senior Citizens

The management of a place for socialising, entertainment etc

The Smiddy, Low Vennel, Wigtown

Contact: Marilyn Neil 01988402366

Support for Hard of Hearing

A contact and reference point for practical advice, re-tubing etc

Contact: Rena McCleary 01671403564

Provision of Transport for the Infirm

Elderly or infirm patients can go by bus to a specific Thursday morning clinic

Contact Wigtown Surgery 01988 402210

Prescription Delivery

For those without transport and where there is limited transport in rural areas

Contact: Wigtown Surgery 01988 402210

Diabetes Support Group

For the support of people with diabetes

Meets second Friday of every month, September to March

Wigtown Baptist Church

Contact: Peggy Irvine 01988 840661

Machars Coronary Club (The Flying Ospreys)

A support and exercise group for those suffering the effects of heart disease or recuperating after a heart attack

Weekly on Wednesdays 2-4pm, September to March

Wigtown Parish Church Hall

Contact: Neil McNaught 01988 700858

Breathe Easy Group

New group to support, inform and educate those suffering from lung disease

Second Thursday of every month

Contact: Hilma Ferguson 01988 850284

Food Train

Facility for the transport of food stuffs to housebound or recovering from operations etc

Two day delivery

Contact: Betty McGowan 01988 403224

Please note these contacts are not linked through the surgery and are open to all.

Kirkinner Youth Group

Last Thursday, 14^th November, the team went to Kirkinner youth group who became the first group to try out the new Wii Dance 2014. Wii Sports was on also on offer and all the young people got thoroughly involved and enjoyed the evening.

Halfway through, the children made their own fruit kebabs, which went down a treat. All the children asked for us to return in the future, which will be after Christmas.

Jills in The Community

Last week, the Jills were busy at South Machars Community Centre replacing all the coat hooks in the corridor. The broken and bent ones were removed and brass ones put up in place. A very successful outcome.

Soup Lunch at Whithorn Community Centre

Last Wednesday (6th) saw the first “Community Lunch” at the community centre where members of the public could enjoy, Soup (pumpkin or lentil) Bacon roll, Tea or Coffee for £3.00, with all monies raised going to assist the Whithorn Primary School Breakfast Club.

It was also an opportunity for the Whithorn School Parent Council to raise funds by selling their History Booklet, “Past and Present of Whithorn School”. This raised a massive £180.00 for the funds.

There was a great response to this event by members of the community and some 60+ people enjoyed the fayre provided.

BHC and CLD Staff and volunteers prepared and served all the food with the able assistance at service time of some pupils from the School. The total at the end of the day was a whopping £166.00 raised for the club.

At 1.30, the School choir entertained the masses and this was thoroughly appreciated by all.

A great effort, a great fundraising event, which will be repeated on the first Wednesday of every month.

Many thanks to volunteers Sue, Tracey, Dawn, Peter and Leeanne, because without them, the event could not have taken place, Thanks also to Hazel for providing the pictures, Whithorn School choir for the entertainment and to the children who took the orders for food on the day. Finally, many thanks to all who came and supported this wonderful event, we hope to see you all again on Wednesday 4^th December for our next fund-raising offering.

Whithorn Primary School Breakfast Club

The Breakfast club at Whithorn Primary School has re-opened every Monday and Wednesday morning from 8am until 9am. This is a partnership activity with Community Learning and Development and is run by staff and volunteers.

The children can have cereals, toast, juice and yoghurt and this is followed by an activity which helps set them up for the day at School.

Ethel Brolls introducing knitting

For only 50p a day, this is great value and a great start to the day for the children that attend.

Volunteers are always needed to support this club, so if interested contact Nathalie at the office, 01988 501111, or Ann at the community centre on 01988500364.

Many thanks to the Lions club for their financial donation of £200.00 which will allow the club to continue to thrive, Simpsons for donating the bread, Costcutters for donating the milk and all the Volunteers from CLD and BHC for their support of the programme.

Crab Football

Monday Club News

As well as BHC evaluating the club with the members, Jo Chambers demonstrated inexpensive ways to make table and hallway floral arrangements as we fast approach Christmas.

Using readily available evergreens from gardens and overhanging walls etc, and containers from  jam pots  to cereal bowls, Jo  quickly transformed them into a  professional looking display

Leaving members with materials to make their own floral arrangements, Jo moved over to another table to give help and guidance to a group keen to start making their own Christmas Cards.  With a variety of skills, the members all put their own interpretation to the task with lovely results.

                                  Making cards                                    Caught in the act 

Look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting on 18^thNovember.

Monday Club 21st October

One of our own Monday Club members, David Hirst, gave more information about the “Message in a Bottle” scheme and reminded everyone that they can get their bottle from BHC in Whithorn.

Members then listened to Paula Muir, a local Dental Health Practitioner, talk about all aspects of Dental Health.  This was followed by a lively question and answer session with Paula advising on the best type of tooth brush, care of gums, what to do about stale breath and how long to soak false teeth.  Some interesting facts were revealed, and everyone agreed that no matter what our age, good dental health is a must.

Dental health Info.

The next meeting on 4 November will feature inexpensive flower arranging and Christmas card making, as well as an informal evaluation of the Club.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Congrats to all the volunteers who were successful in passing their ReHIS Elementary Food Hygiene examination last week. This was 2 intensive days of study followed by an exam. By obtaining this qualification, this will enable all the volunteers to assist in food handling over the next few years.
WELL DONE!!

Message in a Bottle

This is a system operated through the Scottish Ambulance Service, where you keep vital health information and contact details in a plastic bottle, which you keep in the fridge.  If you need emergency treatment, this vital information will help treat you, and can travel to hospital with you. Bottles are available from Health Centres, GPs, Libraries and also BHC here in Whithorn.  We are delighted to note that this system, which operates across Dumfries and Galloway and other parts of Scotland, was the brainchild of a local person, and was funded by our local Lions Club.

http://www.scottishambulance.com/WhatWeDo/messagebottle.aspx

Chronic Pain Focus Group

At present, people who live in Scotland requiring specialist care for chronic pain need to travel to Bath.  However, there are discussions underway for developing specialist chronic pain management services in Scotland. 

If you or someone you care for is affected by chronic pain, you have an opportunity to take part in one of these discussions on Wednesday 23 October 11 am - 2 pm in  Dumfries.   Free transport is available, lunch included.  Please contact Karen at BHC for more information.

5000 VIEWS!!!

It was great to see that yesterday, Thursday 3rd October, we had our 5,000th view of the blog page.

So proud of our "Blogmeister" Luke for setting up and maintaining the information available to you all.

Keep viewing folks, more exciting stuff to come this year!!

Self Management Course

Do you believe in serendipity?  I had one of those wonderful moments this week!  I went along to a talk on self management at a fringe event at the brilliant Wigtown Book Festival on Monday, only to discover that it was being delivered by one of the key contributors to self management strategy and training in Scotland, and who now lives in the Machars.  Susan Douglas-Scott was  talking about her own experience of living with a long term condition, and  also encouraging people to attend the Arthritis Care 'Joint Approach' self management training.  Only that morning I had been making enquiries about organising this training for some of our members - co-incidence or what?  Susan's talk explored some the themes of the training, including activity and exercise,  finance, understanding your symptoms and pain management.  Please contact us if you would like more details about this type of event, which is for anyone living with a long term condition, not just arthritis.

Karen Barbour

Healthy Cooking – Young Carers Group

On Tuesday evening, 1^st October, BHC Machars were invited to offer a Healthy Cooking Activity to the young carers groups in Newton Stewart.

Both groups watched a demo on how to prepare and cook a quick Chicken Fried Rice dish at a fraction of the cost compared to take-away food. They were also advised on how not to waste food, but to use what was available in the house rather than to buy additional food. 

They then cooked themselves, and all showed great skills.

They described their efforts as “Brilliant and tasty!”

Try the recipe yourself!

Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients

Chicken Breast Strips

50grm long grained rice (cooked & cooled)

Small pieces of onion, peppers, peas, sweetcorn,

garlic & ginger and any other vegetables

5 spice powder

Drop of soy sauce

Method

Cut vegetables into small pieces (about 1cm).

Cut garlic and ginger into very small pieces.

Heat oil and cook chicken for 2 minutes, add vegetables, cook for further 3 minutes adding the soy sauce and 5 spice powder near the end of this time.

Add cooked rice and cook until hot. Serve and eat!!

ENJOY!!!

Self Management Week

Please view the SMP blog for details of the self management week.  This can be viewed by clicking HERE

Self Management Week Poster

MONDAY CLUB

A warm welcome was extended by Volunteer Jo Chambers ,to the large group of members and guests who attended this weeks Monday Club.  After extending birthday wishes to this months  celebrants and giving a mention to the forth coming Coffee Morning on Friday 27th from 10am until 12am at Ashgrove  Court in aid of Mc Millian Cancer  Jo gave a warm welcome to the speaker for the morning Dr Robin Bellerby.

The speaker at this morning’s Monday Club was Dr. Robin Bellerby, chairman of the Galloway Forest Astronomical Society.

He gave a very interesting talk, to a large and spellbound audience , on the Galloway Dark Skies project, explaining how the project was formed and run. Also he gave in depth information and advice on the different methods of observing the night sky, including observation with the naked eye, through binoculars, telescopes and photography. He also told us that it would take 20 - 30 minutes for our eyes to adjust to the outside darkness, and how they adjust, before we could really start observing the night sky. Also the further away from city lights and roads the clearer the skies would appear.

Dr Bellerby also explained that we could find all the information relating to the night sky on the internet.

Dr. Bellerby invited the audience to the Annual general meeting of his society at the belted Galloway in Newton Stewart, on Saturday November 2^nd at 10.00am.

The talk finished after a question and answer session when volunteer, Mrs Jo. Chambers thanked Dr. Bellerby for his very interesting and informative  talk, leaving us wanting more.

Peter & Sandra Henk

The morning was rounded of with our gentle exercise group going through their paces with Pam whilst others were making arrangements to go off star gazing.

Money Management Course, Newton Stewart

A three-session course will be held at Cinnamon Coffee Shop, 73 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart, run by CAP (Christians Against Poverty), facilitated by a qualified money coach. The CAP Money course is a revolutionary free money management course that teaches people budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that really works. This will help you to gain more control over your finances in order to save, give and prevent debt.

The course runs for three consecutive Thursday evenings, from 6.00pm till 8.00pm, and commences on Thursday 26th September.  Tea/coffee supplied.

Please note that the course is open to all, and is not aiming to convert anyone!  Contact Janette at Cinnamon for more details on 01671 404440.

BHC Machars Action Plan and Evaluation Day

The Machars Area Action plan was held last Thursday at The Creebridge Hotel in Newton Stewart. The event was well attended by partner agencies, volunteers and service users.

The day consisted of a run through of all the work that was carried out in the area over the last 17 months, with time for evaluation, comments and recommendations for 2013 – 2014.  The audience were involved at all times, especially when asked to participate in the “Skeleton Dance” as an example of the type of programme that has been offered within schools

The Powerpoint presentation has been split into 3 parts which can be viewed by clicking on the following links: part1, part2, part3.

At the end of a demanding yet fulfilling day, the BHC volunteers who were present and had assisted in delivering work in the community were all personally thanked and presented with 2 bespoke coasters. The volunteers who had also assisted but were unable to attend, will also be receiving coasters.

Thanks to all who attended for their participation and a big thank you to the staff at the Creebridge for their hospitality.

Jills of All Trades

The first phase of “Flooring work” is now completed. The Jills have created and fitted a new wooden floor space in the workshop. This now enables extra projects to take place.

Phase 2 starts next week with the laying of laminate flooring. Watch this space for more news.