MAYWENS PROJECTS

With Kind assistance fromMy Late Parents Muriel and Charles Hawes

Help from so many others.

By Wendy Smith2010

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“Maywens Project”

Background

The project began around 1998 following talks with my father “Mr Charles Hawes” who had sustained a major injury following a serious accident during 1972. He grew up in Uxbridge living near the canal in the 1920’s spending much time at Uxbridge Wharf where it is believed he learnt many of his diesel engineering skills following the death of his father at aged ten.

Myself being his daughter Wendy also, suffers from a very serious blood disease “Henoch Schonlein Purpura”which affects just approximate 15 persons per million. I spent a year in “Westminster Children’s hospital” during 1960/61 and had a love of the canals growing up close-by.

My parents promised to allow me the opportunity of “Narrowboating” which took place when I was aged 43.

Following happenings:--

I the Individual named Wendy Smith set up as a social interest project from the legacy of my father Mr Charles Hawes during 1998, with later further assistance from Mrs Muriel Hawes my late mother and friends also, other family members.

AIMS:-

To provide enjoyment by a way of engaging disadvantaged volunteers through social activities.

To develop a social network promoting, History, Health and social well being, Disability along with Canal regeneration by a way of providing information, support and advice.

To Develop further partnerships with other groups and allow research and development to take place.

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Background History To date:-

Allowing many individual’s and families the use of it’s five respective narrow boats over a period of twelve years free of charge up until 2010. Sharing of skills allowed people to network for team building purposes holidays and social activities for free.

Developing social networks including travelling to many different parts of the country providing holiday opportunities for individuals free of charge allowed opportunities which would not otherwise of been possible. This linked with other organisations, including church group’s members. This allowed observation of several national project’s to take place which had been set up within communities in a number of different parts of the country.

This included looking at the “Atherstone” community food project with a view to developing a similar idea in North Wales, and put a grant application and business plan together in 2005 which sadly was not successful.Due to my mothers deteriating health I asked Kinmel Bay to adopt the project, although supportive they didn’t actually provide any funding.

Not deterred I later conducted further research studies into Healthy Eating and the lack of availability of certain food products locally and was instrumintive in helping set up community fit club in “Kinmel Bay” North Wales.

Following the engagement of social activities during 1998 included :-

1998/9 Bringing “Maywen” up to standard including arranging fit out of new gearbox and engine rebuild this was undertaken by volunteer labour. This work has been included on a video as part of my own learning. I then visited “South Africa” and discussed the proposed project idea, long term aims and objectives with other family members and friends. “Maywen” was eventually sold and followed with another purchase a bigger boat more accommodating a 45ft cruiser style with fire and more berths.

Approx 2001 Purchase of “Brian” several months re-furbishing and fitting out speaking to people from Canada, Australia and America inviting them to come onboard and enjoy history of the canals and travel the “Ponsyilte aquaduct” free of charge. Sharing background History of the “Llangollen” canal’s and “Narrow boating”

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I then started to look at how canal history and food were interrelated becoming involved with other groups providing talks and researching history of food companies in UK,how products, services operated, including transportation of canals during pre-war- post war period.

During this time some substantial networking with other canal users, companies and charitable organisations took place. This included historians of narrow boat communities, old school friends from more than 50 years ago. Those who used the local school from narrow boat families on the grand union canal in “Harefield”. Increasing social networks on canal system. I visited canal museums and charities.

The purchase of “Brian” allowed time to be spent re-furbishing and fitting out which provided holidays for individuals free of charge. However the later sale of this and the purchase of “Nutmeg” allowed me to continue with studies, networking and fundraising whilst also, working at the “Shady Oak” in Chester and doing the”Nutmeg charity cruize.

I conducted studies on community activities social engagement with local music clubs, folk groups, jazz groups, hash runners, aquarium centres, ellesemere port boat museum while spending a year at the Shady Oak canal side pub living much of the time on the small 23ft long boat named “Nutmeg”

2001/2/3Networking with “Cheshire Heritage Trust” we raised the profile allowing a film crew to film the trust promoting once again canals and history. As a member I became involved with Roz and Phils project development of two floating shops and other projects within the canal network. Providing free advice and information support, and talks to several groups in the area. I sold greeting cards for a charitable company to help fund this and Travelled the canal network raising several thousand pounds for a number of charities nationally producing my own display boards. This being on Nutmeg

2003 Following the death of my father Charles in summer of 2003 during my first major charity trip I then spent planning 2004. Which allowed me and mum Muriel to purchase and arrange project fit out and complete a new narrowboat shell later named “Charles the first”. Sales of Bric Brac greeting cards and further family funding made this possible spanning several years. Detailed photo album was taken at each step.

2004

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I travelled much of the canal network from “Goole” to “Chester” via Leeds and Wigan and then on to festivals at “Langollen” after purchasing the new shell narrowboat 40ft purpose built Trad style with nine portholes from boat builder Martin Fletcher. This was sailed down for the purpose of fitting out, I planned and arranged the project with a view to setting up a community project long term. Friends became involved over the winter months when I and Mum spent a lot of time on the boat and transporting items to including many sheets of polystyrene. I spent Christmas of that year on the boat without shower, lining, water or power. It snowed whilst moored at “Shady Oak”

2005. During January I travelled to Runcorn to have the kitchen fitted I was called home and had to walk seven miles as my mother had been admitted to hospital again following a previous masectomy during November 2004.

Still working on the completion of the fit out with, friends and family members I later travelled and conducted feasibility studies with help of third parties researching difficulties in obtaining relevant information, food items and equipment for disabled and sick people. Unable to fund permanent moorings I travelled studying including availability of several food products relating to certain medical conditions. I visited “Crick” festival had to have a new starter motor, plus through Leicester and river sour a new drive plate was needed. I met people from all walks of life, took on board many stories , experiences how these people came to be on the canals.

This information was provided to “Kinmel Bay Town council” with a view to setting up a purpose food project but was un- successful in securing funding at that time or sufficient interest despite spending some three months with consultants.A number of presentations, lectures, and information put together. However eventually the “Community fit club” was found and the healthy eating project which I was influential in being able to provide relevant information within my role as a community town councillor between 2004-2008

2006-2008 I spent time living temp on the boat whilst judging the “National training awards” interacting with several organisations responsible for training and development in both Cardiff and Swansea, those responsible for funding new projects within Wales. Without accommodation facilities this would not been possible.

I spent time at festivals with the Shropshire Union Canal Trust attended “Braunston Historic boat festival” over 400 historic

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working boats. Spending time with organiser and personal friend Tim from the marina.

I visited Birmingham visiting the Cadbury factory and several other organisations later in Oxford purchasing a new engine whilst on route following £500 of previous repairs. Being without engine in a town centre is no joy for seven weeks without use of being able to use the water or power, thankfully it was summer months.

I attended a ILM leadership management course in Northamptonshire for appoximately ten weeks during the winter travelling weekly from Stoke on Trent during the early hours to arrive at 8am. I spent time obtaining funding for this from North Wales community project within the job centre who were trying to help me gain employment. No financial assistance was provided for funding accommodation. I visited “Burslem” china factory making suggestions about future weight of china for Disabled people.

I became secretary for “North East Wales Veterans” association visiting London to obtain funding for national veterans day event, responsible for setting up bank account and help organise the day in North Wales. Networking with historical organisations provided useful.

I met the secretary of National Lambretta scooters with a view to them becoming involved in a possible fund raising event. I felt I was instrumental in gaining them to engage history, promote health and wellbeing and develop there own organisations activities.

2008. I spent several months with “Hillingdon narrowboats association” (HNA) and the Pisces project spending three months as a volunteer spending most time on accommodation on the boat in “Harefield” The boat needed ballast adjustments and a complete repaint completed prior to sailing back to Llangollen for festivals attending Whitchurch markets and community project in September and Ellesmere festivals.

I learnt how charitable organisations operate, developing skills for submitting grant applications for training, development of volunteers. This experience was invaluable . No financial assistance has been provided for this.

2009.After travelling to London I returned to Wales during late 2008 more time needed to be spent to continue the project to develop and

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grow. The sale of Charles the first and purchase of “Serenade” made following the death of my mother Mrs Muriel Hawes. Additional funds of £4,000 made purchase of “Serenade” possible and with the further loan of £1,000 side doors and log burner installed. This was sent to London for several months to continue research, developing the project further. With a view to marketing the project and having a future floating shop for fundraising.

During 2009 and to 2010Time has been spent in both London and North Wales, putting together business plans, and the necessary paperwork to start up as both companies and social enterprises. Now being NWAS North Wales advice and support for people and families with disabilities and diseases and “Maywen Projects” I visited the “Royal College of Surgeons” and the “Circulation foundation to name just a few. Over in Oxford I spent time at “Cherwell Valley College” and had a meeting with people from the National Childbirth Trust, Oxford United Reformed Church, and Oxford County Councillor.

A bank of Information and support has been found including networking, databases, web information, leaflets, handouts, chat groups etc etc. Additionally I have spent increasing time providing and presenting presentations to groups of people. We now have for the first time a leaflet and web site contacts for people suffering from “Henoch Schonlein Purpura” it has taken fifty years to gain this information and share experiences with fellow sufferers.

Additionally advice has grown members nationally becoming interested and involved with the project. It is hoped to both develop a further project within North Wales obtain major funding and develop web based information further.

The possibility of a floating shop from “Serenade” during the summer months is a distinct possibility.

A future business plan is being put together to gain major funding for the purpose of developing a stand alone business as a social enterprise in North Wales which includes the purchase of a premises. This will hopefully include a building of six offices, a information centre, café-bistro and function room.

Major interest has been found from welsh assembly government, local authorities, mp’s college’s and businesses. It has now become therefore essential to become more business minded and develop.

Hopefully this long standing Legacy will Live on and I am currently writing a book of the story and experiences to date.

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“Maywens Projects

To Provide:- Enjoyment away of engaging people and volunteers in social activities promoting health and wellbeing, history of the canals.

To Develop:- a social network of especially people and families suffering from Disabilities and or Diseases.

To Provide:- advise, support, information which will be of use or interest with assistance from third parties.

Future Aims

To set up a company and social enterprise as non for profit organisations Ltd by guarantee.

To build page and develop social networks nationally.

To promote achievements to date via marketing, fundraising and becoming sustainable.

To seek Partnerships to develop

ASSETS:- NARROWBOAT £35,000ACHIEVEMENTS AND GOOD WILL TO DATE £5.000EQUIPMENT £1,500

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----------- 41,500 -----------DEBTORS 16,000

SEEK RENUMERATION BY SLOW FEEDING PROCESS OR SALE OF SHARES/DONATION TO CHARITY PROJECT.

DRAFT BUSINESS PLAN DETAILS NWAS

North wales advice and support for people and families with diseases and

disabilities

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Provision of information, advice and support to people and families with disabilities or diseases.

Established by name in 2009 following several years of research studies and discussions.

Founded by Wendy Smith following some studies identifying a firm need within the locality of North Wales and UK.

Financially funded from me Wendy Smith and my late parents Muriel and Charles Hawes. No outside funding was given until small donations in early 2010.

The name NWAS will provide access to all for the cost of £1.00 per annum and no appointments will be necessary to obtain information from our resources.

Especially promote understanding into “Henoch Schonlein Purpura” and other “Purpura” illnesses as a way of thanking all those involved.

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DESCRIPTION HISTORY

The idea came following some personal family tragedy of both me Wendy Smith and my late father Mr Charles Hawes. My own a rare blood disease which put me in hospital for a year as a child and has caused problems ever since.My Late father who almost lost his arm in a plant trenching machine putting him in hospital over a four year period making him endure pioneering surgery at the time.

Then later my daughter married into a family locally who had lost several members of the family to a very rare form of Epilepsy.

Now I’ve found a cousin who has been struck down with an equally rare heart disease strengthening my argument for a service such as the one we aim to provide. I hope to in the long term act as a voice for the charity, become registered with trustee’s and perhaps maybe even a company by ltd guarantee .

My professional background in “Hospitality and Catering” and as community town councillor led me to researching some years ago health, eating trends and habits, looking at different community initiatives and studies into obesity in different areas of the country. I fed the information back to “Kinmel Bay” town council as part of a healthy eating initiative.

I have been lucky enough to be given opportunity to travel UK via a “narrowboat” purchased by late parents for purpose, so used time as constructively as possible.

This funded by me and has enabled me to both meet with sufferers, looking at availability of local resources in other parts of the country taking place between 2000-2008. I visited a number of projects including “Atherstone“ food project and met with a number of professional people from many walks of life gaining overwhelming support for this project.

In 2008-9 I put a firm action plan together purchasing a new computer and necessary equipment, scanner, camera, software, printer, projector, stationery etc. I decided I would work towards setting up a charity but continued to collect for other charities as at the time I was spending three months working with a charity dedicated to providing holidays.

This experience proved valuable to me as I was learning how the charity sector worked in London and the role of trustee’s, raising community grant funding. The charity was run solely by volunteers

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with the exception of one paid member of staff and had been running for many years.

In 2009 I found a suitable name for us being NWAS (North wales advice and support for people and families with diseases and disabilities) and in 2010 found sufficiently interested people to produce a constitution and open a bank account.

During early 2010 I then visited Rebecca Wilkinson at the circulation foundation based in London at “Royal College of Surgeons” discussing problems in both Wales and access to information relating to certain Vascular Diseases. I spoke of my links with a number of American sites in who had been able to provide me with more information and assistance on my own condition. I have now since had set up a face-book link with over 481 sufferers with the help of one lady in the London area.

I also, meet a number of other professionals including the minister “Rev Richard Wolff”in oxford and his wife Karen of the National Childbirth Trust gaining support and advice how to progress from them both.

Further meeting with several managers of “Hilton Hotels” with a view to putting together a strategy for the next twelve months.

NWAS Aims:- To provide information, advice and support thus promoting a North Wales based facility with a view to become a leader organisation and web site for other groups to link into.

To encourage and develop friendships amongst people seeking information.

To develop a community project that will enhance the well being of its visitors.

To provide holiday information via sister organisations. To work in partnership for the well being of its visitors with

other agencies. General advice and support is now being requested local

support has been obtained from GP’s and local health authorities.

SERVICE BENEFITS

Provide local interest to people and families suffering from a range of complaints improving accessibility to information and resources.

Will act as a link to push together a current very dis-fragmented system for charities providing a net-work with provider agencies.

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Will act as a central base in North Wales to provide both general information, specialist advice and support for many acting as a drop in facility and improving the understanding of so many conditions.

Make widely available information publicly and access to a range of services and equipment.

Membership will always remain at £1.00 per annum.

ANALYSIS

Research has proved little information is found locally on a day to day basis. General Practitioners don’t have time funds etc and simply often act as a referral to professional services and hospitals which is often lengthy.

Sufferers of many different health conditions often have a variety of different symptoms and support, understanding, and help for this is often simply not easily available.

Emotional and physical support is often required from family friends and organisations. This places further financial burdens and often more serious implications to its sufferers and families at difficult times.

General leaflets, where and how to purchase specialist items are often not easily readily available or at least people simply often have no idea how to go about getting them.

Internet search engines have proven to be a major advantage but not everyone has ready access to them. The library is often closed or unable to supply information easily as it takes time.

Different communities nationally have a range of different services. In central cities naturally more information and organisations are readily available.

Some area’s have good access to community support groups put on by churches and community projects. Many of these are related to Elderly or Mental Health patients .

Whilst these provide a place of friendship and support, there is still a necessary gap in obtaining relevant information ie on a certain health problem or product of use.

North Wales is particularly difficult due to its locality being known as so far away from Cardiff. It has high population of Elderly, retired,

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unemployed and disabled people.There is a distance to commute to major cities.

During the past 5-10 years services have improved,we now have widely publicised access to disabled wheelchairs, diabetic products can be found in some major stores.

Out local church provides many activities and certain charitable groups are now being formed.

In “Kimnel bay” a fairly new church has opened providing a place for social interaction which has increased the wellbeing of the local population and provides some support for people living alone.

HOW THE SERVICES WILL BE MET

Have access to a suitable building long term allowing other welfare organisations to be able to share use of. (Hopefully comprising of six offices,function room,café bistro,conference room,general information room)possibly Sun Inn Wellington road rhyl..

Development of organisation data base.

Provision of Web Page for NWAS acting as a central link to other welfare and information sites. (It would be a central first point of contact.)

Links to major organisations, providing information on health, support services,equipment.

Funding as part of community development programme for Wales.

Seek employment funding for one project manager, one care taker, one administrator, one project co-ordinator plus voluntary posts for three year period to gain stability.

Some funding could be gained by sponsorship, donations, short courses, room hire and café/bistro dealing with specialist foods.

ADVANTAGES

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Aim:- Secure funding from food organisations willing to sponsor.

Adaptions to premises for equal access for disabled people.

Improve natural environment of local people and improve the well being of our local community by improving healthy lifestyles bringing together a range of services under one umbrella roof.

Providing facilities or activities will reduce poverty, inequality, discrimination social disadvantage.

Encourage training targets excluded vulnerable people, assist jobs and increase incomes.

Stimulate social enterprise and involve people of all ages and abilities by addressing needs of socially excluded groups.

Strengthening cultural and linguistic identity.

Short term aims

Conduct studies, provide leaflet, seek support, gain web domain name. equipment See if sufficient support is from the local community, and major organisations. Evaluate and discuss. Plan name, constitution, gain members, open bank account and try to obtain funds writing to relevant community organisations.

MEDIUM AIMS

Visit national charities and groups, discuss and view how these are run. Seek out possible grant ideas and organisations learn how this operates. Gain further equipment and knowledge of equipment and services available. Networking with family, friends, supporters and organisations that would become involved. Discuss with council possibility of gaining some funding to cover the on going costs.

LONG TERM AIMSWeb site up and running, open building rental of six rooms to welfare community groups, fundraising room to be used by community groups, one bar to be converted to bistro café style specialising in certain food products.Raise profile nationally and locally of a north wales based organisation that discuss, shares information especially on rare conditions, provides presentations.

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Long term revenue providing talks, presentations to community groups and willing organisations. Bistro café will provide income as will rental from the rooms adjoining. However it is in-visage some community funding will be necessary to sustain the long term aims of the charity

WHY WE ARE DIFFERENTWith long standing bank of contacts we are in a good position to bring together organisations and information to provide centralised service, acting as a voice for sick, disabled with other organisations by having a central name for North Wales not excluding membership from other parts of the UK.Characteristics include a high level of low income individuals, families ranging from number of health problems. Statistics provided by Welsh Assembly.Our strategy also includes reduction in un-employment.

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