Jun 2011 - HeartBeat Support Woking

June Newsletter 2011:4pp
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newsletter
ISSUE 25
JUNE 2011
www.Heartbeat-Support-Woking.org
Affiliated to The British Heart Foundation
Patron: Dr. D. Fluck BSc., MD, FRCP
Registered Charity No. 1125972
It Was the Best of Times,
It Was the Worst of Times
Chairman’s Report
As I sat down to
write
my
first
Chairman’s repor t
and considered all
that has happened
during the first few
months of this year,
I was reminded of
those opening lines
from Dickens ‘A Tale
of Two Cities’.
It really has been a time of trauma, a time of
change, but also a time of new and exciting
horizons for our charity.
The loss of our Chairman, Steve Grierson on
the 1st February came as a complete shock and
hit the committee especially hard. Steve will be
sorely missed by everybody who knew him. He
was a good friend and enthusiastic advocate for
HeartBeat Support and I am sure he would be
proud of what we have achieved so far.
Committee Changes
Firstly, I have to offer my sincere thanks to the
committee for all their support over the past few
months. Whilst we may be a little depleted in
numbers at the moment, the enthusiasm and
positivity remains as strong as ever and we are
actually managing to still have fun at the same
time.
As reported in our January Newsletter, there
have been a number of changes to the committee with Jonathan Craig-Waller and Ron Pullen
confirming they were standing down after many
years sterling service. At our March AGM,
Yvonne Docketty was confirmed as our new
Treasurer with Jean D’Arcy, Cliff Butler, and
Daphne Powell all being re-elected. Daphne
retains her existing responsibilities, but has also
kindly agreed to also run the raffle at the monthly
members meetings. I am also very pleased to
announce Lesley Grierson has offered to re-join
the committee. Lesley brings a wealth of experience and will be taking on some of Jonathan’s
responsibilities.
There remain some important vacancies on
the committee which need to be filled, specifically Secretary, Fundraising, plus Communications
and Governance as well as more general roles so
if any members are interested in playing a more
active role in your charity we would love to hear
from you. I guarantee you will enjoy yourself.
HeartBeat Support Volunteers Scheme
The scheme is seen by the Trust as run by
volunteers from the HeartBeat Support Charity.
It commenced on 16th February with my first
visit to the CCU and over the following weeks I
was joined by a further four HeartBeat members.
At the time of writing we have four in the
group who attend the Cardiac Care Unit each
week and we usually visit the patients in pairs,
although we have visited some on a 1-2-1 basis
too. Feedback from the majority of patients is
quite positive with some just appreciating the
opportunity to chat to someone who knows
how they might be feeling. The scheme itself is
still maturing, but a recent review with Tracey
Bradshaw, the CCU Nursing Manager, and Julie
Addison, the Volunteer Services Manager,
confirmed they thought it was going very well
and actually the Trust was keen for the number
of visits to be increased once we had more
people available.
I am delighted to report a further four members have asked if they could join the scheme
which would bring us up to eight in the group.
Their applications are currently being processed
by the Trust and it is hoped they will be able to
join us on the CCU by late May. However, we are
keen to increase the numbers still further so if
anyone is interested or contemplating becoming a
volunteer and would like to know more please
contact me or a member of the committee.
Raising HeartBeat Support’s Profile
As a direct result of the ongoing success of the
HeartBeat Volunteers Scheme, Tracey Bradshaw
and I have been asked by David Fluck to give a
joint presentation to the Hospital Trust Executive
Board at Ashford Hospital.
While the presentation will concentrate on the
scheme itself it will also provide an opportunity
to bring board members up to speed on the
origins and history of HeartBeat, the support we
provide our members as well as the ongoing
practical and financial support we have given
St. Peter’s over the years.
In addition, the hospital publicity department is
looking into the possibility of HeartBeat Support
having a stand in the Outpatients level at
St. Peters (If you would like to be involved in this
please let me or a member of the committee
know). Radio Wey, the hospital radio, are also
keen to interview us about the volunteers
CONTENTS
Chairman’s Report
Mission Statement
President’s Message
Wednesday Walkers
Telemetry Software Donation
Golf Day and Social Evening BBQ
Upcoming Events
Committee List
Membership Application
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MISSION STATEMENT
HEARTBEAT SUPPORT WOKING IS A NONPROFIT, VOLUNTARY SUPPORT GROUP.
It aims to provide:
A social environment in which to offer support
and encouragement to patients, their partners and
relatives with, or who have experienced cardiac
problems.
Endorse the benefits of continued exercise and a
healthy lifestyle.
Provide current information and practice in cardiac
after-care.
Promote the group’s activities so as to achieve a
greater awareness and understanding of the
potential risks of heart disease and the associated
conditions.
When funds permit, to support St. Peter’s
Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Group, to help
provide additional equipment to aid patient
recovery.
scheme. Both of these opportunities will help to
promote our name across a wider hospital community including its staff, patients and visitors.
A busy programme for 2011
As you will see on the ‘whats on in 2011’ section of the newsletter, we have a full programme
of events lined up for 2011 with a range of
speakers booked for our members meetings
including David Fluck. We also have some very
interesting speakers already lined up for next
year (watch this space for more details).
I look forward to meeting many of you at our
monthly meetings and special events especially
our fundraising Golf Day and BBQ on 21st July at
Hoebridge Golf Club.
Very best regards to one and all.
Richard Docketty
SUPPORTED BY WOKING LEISURE CENTRE • BRAVEHEARTS REHAB GROUP
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GONE TOO SOON
Just about 10 years ago, at this time of
year Steve Grierson joined Bravehearts. I had
already met him at St Peter’s Cardiac Rehab so
I knew he was keen to help me set up a support group along with his wife Lesley and Dave
and Daphne Powell.
To say he was keen was an understatement
really. His energy and enthusiasm knew no
bounds. The biggest problem was reigning him
in!! In the early days when the rest of us were
flagging, Steve was always positive. The ideas for
promoting the group came thick and fast. Some
were totally mad and sitting in a bath full of
baked beans definitely was not one of his best!
But it just wasn’t possible to get angry with him
– he was a kind hearted lovable teddy bear,
with never a bad word to say. Michelle Booth
from the British Heart Foundation called him a
‘bubble of enthusiasm’, which is a perfect
description and along with his endearing grin is
how I will alway remember him.
Steve was the 5th. ever person to join
Bravehearts and as such would have revelled in
the excitement of the group’s 10th anniversary
party held on 6th May at Woking Leisure
Centre.
120 invited guests, including Dr. David Fluck,
Liz Murphy, Karen Harris and Tracey Bradshaw
President’s Report –
Suzanne Lawrence
from St Peter’s Hospital,
joined together to celebrate. I
was so delighted and excited
to see so many members of
our group all together. It was a
brilliant, fun evening with good food,
good wine, great entertainment and lots of
lovely friends!!
It was a testament to the support and friendship we give each other, that members spanning the whole ten years are still attending
exercise sessions and group meetings.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to
my beautiful bracelet, it hasn’t been off my wrist
since I opened the gift wrapping.
Also I want to thank
Cliff for my yummy cake, (what a wonderful
surprise), the Leisure Centre for the lovely
flowers and a special thank you for Morag who
must have spent many evenings making a very
special ‘cross stitched’ memento of the evening.
Something I will treasure, always.
I’m also excited about the HBSW
volunteer scheme at St. Peter’s CCU,
something that the original members of
the commitee tried to do a while back.
Sadly at that time it was not possible but
with the full backing of David Fluck and Tracey
Bradshaw firmly on our side, it seems the
scheme is going from strengh to strength and
we are seeing the fruition of our dreams.
Thanks in particular to Richard Docketty and
Jean D’Arcy for all their hard work in
pursuing the idea. I have always hoped the
group would be more about support than fund
raising and I think that at last we are
getting there. Steve would have been very
proud and rightly so.
Looking back over the last 10 years I see
there have been many positive changes in my
life, which I am more and more convinced are
due to the support and friendship I have made
through Bravehearts and HBSW. Being able to
share thoughts and feelings with someone who
understands, but who is willing to admit when
they don’t and nevertheless still listens, is worth
more than anything money can buy.
Join the Wednesday Walkers
Continuing your
exercise
after Rehabilitation
at Woking Leisure Centre
Monday Circuit in the Studio
11.30am – 12.30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays in the gym
12.00pm – 3.00pm
Fridays. Step Class in the Studio
11.15am – 12.15pm
Induction and Membership £20
Session £4.00
For further information
contact Evolve Fitness Suite on 01483 771122
Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park
Woking Park, Kingfield, Woking,
Surrey GU22 9BA.
01483 771122 (TypeTalk calls welcome)
Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park
are operated by Woking Borough Council
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BOROUGH COUNCIL
We all know the benefits to be gained
from regular exercise and many of our
members attend the gym, swim, or do
some other form regularly to help maintain
their fitness and health, but one of the
easiest forms and one often overlooked is
walking. It was with this in mind a series
of suitable circular walks were developed
with the help of experienced members and
a group from Bravehearts and HeartBeat
began what has become the Wednesday
Walkers Group. Weather permitting, while
under the watchful eye of Suzanne and the
walk leaders, we venture out into some
of the most lovely and interesting parts of
the county. Not all walks are suitable for
everybody, but most are over mainly flat
terrain and can be completed in a couple
of hours. Walking boots are best, but some
members get by quite happily in trainers.
For example, one of the most recent
walks was about 4 miles long and over flat
ground. We started in Pirbright village, took
in parts of Brookwood Cemetery, a stretch
of the Basingstoke Canal, even stopped at a
golf course (for coffee) half way round,
the church where Stanley (of Dr Livingstone
fame) is buried, before returning to the
village green. The walk was enjoyed by about
15 members who were also treated to a
free, and very interesting, history lesson of
the area by the walk leaders, Sue and Peter
Pennell. Other walks on offer include:
Horsell Common/Fairoaks, Chobham
Common, Brentmoor Common, Bagshot
Common, West Clandon, Old Woking,
Hurtwood (Peaslake) with more being
developed over time.
These walks are becoming increasingly
popular as you not only get some exercise
in the fresh air, but also in a friendly,
relaxed and social environment. You also
get to visit parts of the county you might
never have seen close up or even known
about. If you would like to join us please
contact Suzanne who will be able to advise
you on when and where the next walks
are and those most suitable to match your
requirements.
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DONATION FOR TELEMETRY SOFTWARE HITS LOCAL PRESS
A fund-raising
Golf Day and
Social Evening BBQ
for HeartBeat
Support at
Hoebridge Golf Club
THURSDAY 21st JULY
Come and join us for our social fund-raising event for
HeartBeat Support at Hoebridge Golf Club.
This is an afternoon competition for the golfers then
followed by a BBQ for everyone.
The costs:- 18 holes golf and BBQ £55 per player
(members of Hoebridge G C £35 per player)
Teams of 4 (max 20 teams) playing a stableford
format over 18 holes.
(Or enter individually and we can team you up).
Lots of prizes, including for longest drive, nearest the
pin, yellow ball, and the raffle!
Partners are welcome to join us later for our social
evening & BBQ from 6.30. Do come along in the
evening and support the teams who are raising money
for HeartBeat Support.
Evening BBQ Only £16 per head.
For an entry form for either the golf or BBQ call
Cliff Butler on 01932 346918 or 07836 757824
or email [email protected]..
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HBSW polo shirts For Sale
Do you have an interesting article
or contribution you think can be useful
to us in future Newsletters?
If so please contact Cliff Butler
on 01932 346918
or email: [email protected]
The New T-shirts are now available, with
Bravehearts logo (left chest) and HBSW Logo
(right sleeve) at £15.00 each.
Available only in grey, but in small, medium,
large and extra large sizes.
They will be on sale at each HeartBeat meeting,
through Suzanne or any committee member.
A number of members have remarked that they would attend more meetings but are unable to travel
to the Leisure Centre for one reason or another. On a trial basis, we have decided to set up a register
of those members who might attend the monthly meetings if they had transport, and another register
of those members, who would be willing to give a fellow member a lift, if it was convenient so to do.
If any member would like to put their name down on either list, please could they contact any
Committee Member. We must point out that this is not a formal arrangement and can only be on an
ad hoc basis, not a permanent one.
Suzanne Lawrence – President
01483 828064 Mobile 07973 773330
email: [email protected]
WINDSOR
As a part time fireman at Windsor castle, Richard Day
led the first crew into action to tackle the great fire in
February 2002. His talk centres on the fire itself and the
restoration work on the castle to bring it back to its
former glory.
Saturday 11th June
WAVS FESTIVAL OF VOLUNTEERING
We are taking a stall in Town Square to promote the
group and make awareness of our presence in Woking.
Many volunteering groups have been invited to join this
event. Do come along and support us.
Saturday 9th July
HEARTBEAT AT PYRFORD FLOWER SHOW
Bring the family and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the sun!
Once again we are taking a stall at this annual show.
(right opposite the champagne tent!!!) Many other stalls
and events to enjoy
Thursday 1st September
SOCIAL EVENING
This will be an opportunity for members to get together
over a cup of coffee and some light refreshments to
discuss the group and any problems you may have in
an informal atmosphere.
Thursday 6th October
DR DAVID FLUCK
Our Patron Dr David Fluck will be talking to us again.
At the time of going to press we are not sure of his
subject but be assured it will be an interesting and
informative evening.
Secretary – Vacancy
Cliff Butler – Publicity
01932 346918 (home) 01932 356139 (office)
email: [email protected]
Daphne Powell – Rehab Liaison
01276 857808
Lesley Grierson
01483 829627
email: [email protected]
Tony Roberts
07825 222356
[email protected]
Thursday 3rd November
QUIZ NIGHT
Get those ‘little grey cells’ working as Jonathan & Hazel
Craig Waller prepare some brain ticklers for us.
Teams of 6. Please inform them when you have a team
together to help with catering etc
Friday 2nd December
DINNER DANCE
CHOBHAM GOLF CLUB
Thursday 21st July
HEARTBEAT GOLF DAY AND SOCIAL BBQ
HOEBRIDGE GC, OLD WOKING
Once again we return to Chobham Golf Club for our
Christmas Dinner/Dance.
More details will be available later in the year.
Our big fund raising event of the year when golfers
from all around (not just from HBSW) support us in
our efforts. Followed by a BBQ for everyone in the
evening. Cost is £55 per player in teams of 4 and for
the BBQ only £16. Contact Cliff Butler for further
details and an application form.
Thursday 5th January 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SPUTNICK
Newsletter designed by Kestrel Creative Services 01932 356139.
Jean D’Arcy – Vice Chairman
and Membership Secretary
01483 834815
email: [email protected]
Yvonne Docketty – Treasurer
01483 473467
email: [email protected]
WHAT’S ON IN 2011
OF
CONTACT NUMBERS
Richard Docketty – Chairman
01483 473467
email: [email protected]
TRAVEL TO MEETINGS
Thursday 2nd June
THE FIRE AND RESTORATION
CASTLE
The Heartbeat Committee
Our speaker, John Axtell, is Secretary of the Guildford
Astronomical Society and takes us through the
incredible advancements in space exploration from 50
years back linked with our own technological age.
We are actively seeking members
to join us on the committee.
If you think you might be able to
contribute in some way to help in
the running of the group, do please
call any of the above committee
members for further information.
The important thing is, although
we take our roles seriously on
your behalf, we enjoy ourselves in
the process!
Printed by Alex Press 08448 805095.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
Send to: Jean D’Arcy, 18 Muirfield Road, Goldsworth Park, Woking, Surrey GU21 3PW.
(or hand to a Committee Member at the gym or at HeartBeat meetings)
I enclose my Membership Subscription of £10 to HeartBeat Support Woking for 2011
Name
Address
Postcode
Tel No:
What was your cardiac event?
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email:
MAY 2011