Rhayader & District Community Support - Managers Report
Hi
Well that was summer…..short and very cold…let’s hope for a warm dry autumn..my personal favourite summer. One of the things I like about autumn is looking forward to Christmas, and although the shops start selling festive goods far too early, we are hoping you will think about our Christmas Party. This will follow the successful format from last year, featuring for 2008 an Abba duo for the cabaret…….BOOK early!!! Shirley is co-ordinating the bookings and will look forward hearing from you.
We were delighted with our launch for the Well Being Club at the Leisure Centre on September 10th. Lord Richard Livsey officially launched the initiative. The Thursday Well being Club will be held weekly from 2pm until 4 pm on a weekly basis, initially at the Arches but if numbers increase we may need to look at larger venues.
The club is open to everybody….men & women, any background or age. Its main theme is to improve our lifestyles by looking at healthy eating patterns, increasing activity and importantly mutual friendship companionship and support. It is to be a fun interactive club…which being in its infancy will be change and modify according to the needs and wishes of the club users. It is free for everybody and if you are unsure pop along and try it. Transport can be arranged in necessary. Contact Community Support 01597 810921.
As Sheelagh says in a separate message the community transport is going well. The concessionary fare initiative has now finished, but we still believe the community mini bus offers value for money. For information, the community mini bus is available for anyone who does not have access to transport. It will collect you from your door and our friendly drivers will drop you where you wish to go. Please contact Community Support 01597 810921 if you feel you could benefit from the service. W e are currently looking to recruit volunteer drivers for the mini bus to assist us during annual leave, sickness and to help out with the trips. Full Midas training could be given. Contact us on the above number for details. We also urgently need volunteers with their own cars to transport local residents to medical appointments, doctors, dentists opticians etc. Please contact us for details.
We are very proud of our refurbished meeting room, which has video conferencing and seating for up to 20. Please contact us for details. We are also now on line with a brand new web site. http://www.rdcs.org.uk this will have details of the trips, films, well being club coffee mornings and all forthcoming events.
We organised a meeting to try to save the demand response bus service, an important service for Rhayader. But although it has an extension, it must be used in order to ensure its permanent future. For details please phone Simon Price 01597 810666
A busy summer and we are looking forward to a successful autumn.
For details of any of our services, how to volunteer or get involved in our community please contact Community Support 01597 810921
Kind Regards
Carolyn Flynn, Manager
Sheelagh’s Message:
Hello! Okay, so I’ve given up waiting for summer and have just decided to grin and bear the rain. The good news is that members of the Community Minibus have been out and about on some very enjoyable trips and the weather was really not too bad each time. Recent destinations include Oakchurch, Derwen Garden Centre and Welshpool Old Station, Aberystwyth and a great day out by minibus and train to Barmouth (a big thanks to Ainsley for his expertise with this one).
I’ve been busy planning another lot of trips to take us right up to Christmas and have taken into account the suggestions you have made, so thank you for those. Spare trip lists are also available on the Minibus, the red van and from the office. Unfortunately, most of the trips are scheduled for a Tuesday because of the other commitments our drivers have. However, we do find that places tend to be quieter – and possibly more enjoyable – earlier in the week. I’m sorry if this clashes with other activities but it really can’t be helped.
Best wishes
Sheelagh
Community Transport Co-ordinator