Monday Club

Despite the threat of rain (and thunderstorms!) a visit to Herouncroft Gardens, Blackcraig went ahead as planned. Members were delighted by the beautiful gardens that unfolded as owners Ian and Mary Parks took us on a tour of their 2-acre plot.

From a quaint garden room to woodland paths and formal gardens, to poly tunnels full of potentially prize winning vegetables and flowers, there was something to interest any gardener.

The rain dispersed as the stragglers in the group reached shelter in time for refreshments and a chance to get some useful gardening tips.

For those who had not joined the outing, there was an opportunity to get to know each other a bit better, and enjoy companionship in Penninghame Church Hall.

The next meeting on 12^thAugust invites Fiona Farr to give us "Useful Ideas and Tips" on how to get the best from our forgetful brains!  Please join us then, new members always welcome, or contact Karen for more information.

Monday Club Outing Reminder

A reminder that we are visiting Heroncroft Gardensat Blackcraig on 29 July.  Meeting at Penninghame Hall 10am and heading out from there, then a wee picnic back in Newton Stewart by the Cree afterward (bring your own sandwich!).  Please remember to let us know if you are planning to come along.   

Fun Size Tour 2013 Newton Stewart

Tea in the Park arrived at Newton Stewart last night, the venue being outside the Merrick Centre.

BHC, with the assistance of 2 FST Volunteers, Leanne and Emily, prepared and cooked another healthy BBQ for the 112 people who attended.

The event was primarily for families and it was great to see so many parents getting involved with their children and most trying the Healthy food on offer.

A great evening was had by all.

The BBQ set-up 

FST volunteers ready for action:

Staff and Volunteer briefing: 

Monday Club

Monday Club was busy today, with two separate speakers.  Roy Tarling from Sue Ryder Foundation gave an interesting talk about how Lady Ryder of Warsaw (as she is now) responded to a need by helping “displaced, friendless and anxious people” during and after World War II.  The charity has evolved into supporting people through care homes and charity shops both home and abroad:  they even have a charity shop in Ascension Island!

Our second speaker was Simon Kennedy from D & G Police Force.  Simon began by reassuring everyone that we live in a very safe area.  However, there is  a need for vigilance when dealing with cold callers – either on the doorstep, on the phone or over the internet.  He gave some really practical and simple advice and tips to prevent falling foul of a scam.  Some of our members are aware of recent incidents in the area, so it was a timely reminder for us all, and raised awareness of staying alert.  Simon also handed out some useful leaflets, and we have a supply of these in our office if you would like to pick one up.

Isle of Whithorn

Hamefairin’ gala day in the Isle of Whithorn today - blessed again by glorious sunshine.  We had a brilliant day, talking  to local people about what’s going on in their community and how we can support people and activities.   It was also a great opportunity to get some feedback on a potential new group we may be helping to start up in the area. 

SMP information

Please click on the link below to find out information re Top Tips for the self management of Lymphoedema.

http://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/macmillan-lymphoedema-project-scotland/

There are some great tips available for self management or general good health. Well worth a visit.

Fun Size Tour 2013

The F.S.T. kicked off in Creetown this week, with games night on Tuesday run by CLD and volunteers. Wednesday saw the first tea in the park where the 80+ people who attended where treated to a Healthy BBQ of Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Homemade Coleslaw, Green Salad, Wholemeal Pittas and Corn Chips.

This appeared to be a nerving first for some participants who didn’t appear to realise that you could have a BBQ without Burgers and Sausages!

Many thanks to the 3 volunteers Emily, Leanne + Dhani for their assistance in preparing all the food.

CLD Volunteer Induction

BHC and CLD worked in partnership again on Tuesday night with an introduction to Volunteering Induction package covering the basic roles, responsibilities and shared policies of both BHC+CLD.

The 10 people attending are initially volunteering to assist with local youth groups.

We were impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm and are sure they will make excellent volunteers.

Relay for Life – Bladnoch Park, Wigtown.

The BHC team were pleased and proud to be associated with this event and worked throughout the day preparing and giving away 1100+ Fruit kebabs. The fruit was discounted by the pound shop in Newton Stewart and was well received by all.

The event raised a massive £83,477 for cancer research.

Many congratulations to the 32 teams and 538 participants for completing the journey and thanks to the 1800 visitors who made the day so special.

Well done Team!

Relay For Life

We will be supporting the Relay For Life this weekend at Bladnoch Park, Wigtown.

Free Fruit kebabs will be available to all.  Come along and support this event.

See you all there!

Happy Belated Blog Birthday

We have been sooooooooooooo busy that we missed our 1 year old blog birthday, 21st of June!!!

Thank you to the 4000+ viewers that we have had so far, please keep returning.

The Monday Club

This weeks members of the Monday Club held on Monday Morning the 1^st July at Penninghame Church Hall, were given a warm welcome by volunteer Jo Chambers.  Prior to introducing the demonstration for the day she highlighted two extra events. Firstly on the 15^th July there was to be a short presentation by the Community Police Officer - Simon Kennedy to alert everyone to scams and bogus callers.  The advertised talk by the Sue Ryder Foundation would then follow.  Then on 12^th August the earlier cancelled presentation by the Handy Van/Small repair service would be given following our advertised talk by Fiona Farr - What a Good Idea.

Jo then introduced the demonstration and talk by Vicky McGuire from Glentrool, on her delightful Wax Bears.  Vicky told how her husband had had the initial inspiration and also the shed to produce these little wax bears, but that she had quickly grasped the reigns.  Vicky was accompanied by her sister in law Margaret Long and between them they went through the process of transforming a fabric bear into an appealing room freshener, which were enhanced with  various perfumed oils.  Whilst Vicky was talking Margaret was using a hair dryer to soften and tweak the bear fur and remove excess drips from paws and face.  Finally a bow, cellophane packaging and choice of name completed the look.

After a question and answer session members were invited to take a look at not only the bears but also candles in individual pots.  No two bears were alike in size, colour or character and everyone enjoyed the morning.

After a vote of thanks Jo invited the enthusiastic to join Pam with her gentle exercise programme to round off an enjoyable morning.

Evaluation – Ashgrove Court

We went along to Ashgrove Court to evaluate the gentle exercise activity that has been running for several weeks. The feedback was very good, and the members commented particularly on the therapeutic value and how it lifted their spirits, as well as the physical benefits of the exercise itself.  Pam leads the group, and her enthusiasm is infectious. Her singing adds a particularly joyful element to the activity, with everyone happy to accompany her in the old and much-loved melodies.