Middleton Elderly Aid Newsletter November 2019 Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road, Leeds, LS10 4LF. Email: info@middletonelderlyaid.org.uk Facebook: facebook.com/middleton.elderlyaid Website: middletonelderlyaid.org.uk

Tel: 0113 2721050

MEA Charity Shop, 18 Middleton Park Road, Leeds, LS10 3ST Tel: 0113 2713999

Welcome to your Newsletter

November – January 2019

We have had a busy few months here at MEA. We have enjoyed Trips out with our members to Llandudno, Whitby, Boundary Mills and Wetherby Whaler. Look out for our new Trips for 2020 in the newsletter. We have had singers Steve Rose and Tony Fletcher at our Entertainment Afternoon. The NCS project joined us and entertained 30 of our members, they organised crafts, bingo, dancing, ping pong and games. We attended events at Middleton Park, Intake Square Event and Leeds Market. In October, we held a coffee morning for Macmillan at our centre and raised a whopping £145. All buns baked by our own members!! Every penny raised helps make a difference to people affected by cancer so we are very proud to have participated in this event.

International Day of Older People To Celebrate International Day of Older people 2019 we had an exhibition at our Social center of Middleton Memories, these are the pictures we chose for our 2020 Calendar. The Calendars are on Sale at our Social Centre at a subsidised cost of £3.00 to members for 1st copy then £4.00 and £5.00 to non members. If you would like to purchase one and are unable to get to us just give us a call and we will drop it off.

Christmas Party

Our Christmas party will be at the Conservative Club on Wednesday 18th December 12.00-4.00. The cost is £3.00 each. We have entertainment from Comedian/Singer Paul Holt and also provide a buffet. There will also be Bingo and a Xmas raffle. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 4th November

NCS Project The NCS Project joined us at our Social Centre in August where they entertained our members with singing, crafts and games. All the members had a great time. We are looking forward to them coming back next year.

Poem from a Member Wise Words by Jean Nothers Christmas tree, glossy and green Baubles that shimmer and shine Sit, relax with a hot mince pie And sip from a glass of wine Parcels are packed and beribboned Tags are attached with gold cord Gifts that are given with love To friends and family adored Garlands and twinkling lights Add interest, colour and cheer The winter fire ablaze in the grate For nights that are frosty and clear Christmas morning, early and bright Smiley children give you a glow Draw the curtains, gaze in wonder I believe it is starting to snow

News Café

We have a News café running on Wednesday mornings at our Social Centre 9.00-11.00. Please call in and see our Volunteer Reporter Ken to give him your local news stories to go in the South Leeds Life Newspaper and Blog. We would love to hear your local news so if you have anything interesting to tell us please come along.

Chair Based Exercises

We have a fun exercise programme for you to enjoy. These classes will run on a Friday 1.45-2.45 at a cost of just £2.00. Exercise is not only good for your body but it is also good for your well-being and state of mind. Regular exercise can help to ward off illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Why not give it a go? You might be surprised how great you’ll feel. No need to book turn up. First session is FREE.

Trips for 2019/20 Our trips so far this year have proved very popular we have filled a 47 Seater coach every Day Trip so far. We have been to some interesting places like Bury Market, Ironworks Centre, Port sunlight, Teesside River Cruise, Mablethorpe, and Scarborough. To secure your seat you must pay in full for the Trip. The details of our next Trips are:- Wednesday 20th November-Millstones 9.30am pick up, £26 (Includes Meal) Wednesday 4th December-Newly built Warrington Market, 9am pick up, £10 Wednesday 22nd January-Liverpool, 9am pick up, £10 Wednesday 19th February-Cleveley then on to Rycroft Hall for Meal & Entertainment Afternoon, 8.30am pick up, £27 (Includes Meal) Wednesday 18th March-Black Country Museum, 8.30am pick up, £24 (Includes Admission) The coach we book has a lift, but if the attendance is low for the trip in some circumstances we may have to change coaches which means there will be no longer a lift on the smaller coach. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Outreach Service

Meet our Community Outreach Workers Tracey and Michelle if you

haven’t already had a visit from them.

They are here on hand to discuss any help you may need no matter how large or small. They can help with arranging gardeners, cleaners, help with adaptations and equipment to help you around the home. Any financial issues or claim any benefits you may be entitled to. We work with the Fire Service for smoke alarms and Police for safety Checks. We also have a FREE handyman service if you need any small jobs doing around the home, you just pay for the parts. They will also give you any information on what’s going on in the Social Centre and explain activities and lunch clubs. Nothing is too small for our Outreach Workers. Please give us a call to arrange a visit.

Middleton Elderly Aid AGM Our annual AGM is taking place this year on Tuesday 3rd December at 11.00am. We would like to invite you all to be there. This is where you have your say on the future of your charity and we encourage everyone to attend.

Holiday 2020

We have been busy planning the Annual Holiday for next year and we are all set to go to Newquay. We will be staying at the Beresford Hotel with trips out to Truro and the excellent resort of Penzance. Our holiday will be for 5 Days from the 11th-15th May 2020. There will be Breakfast and evening meal plus 4 free drinks vouchers per person per day are included in the price.

Deposits will be £65 per person to secure your place. Total cost of the holiday is £274 for a single room and £254 per person for a twin or double room.

There are only 11 single rooms so if you can share, this would help the people who need the single rooms as they are limited. You can pay your deposit to secure your place from Wednesday 6th November at our Social Centre from 9.30am

There are limited spaces for mobility aids so we will do a draw who can take theirs the others will have to be hired when we get there.

New Textiles Class

Our Textile Class is on every Wednesday morning at our Social Centre 9.30-11.00. Our volunteer Narinder will be your instructor, she will be making clothes, doing alterations and crochet. No need to book just turn up on the morning. FREE ACTIVITY

Live Entertainment

We have Live Entertainment at our Social Centre. This is on every month on a Wednesday 2.00–3.30 and the cost is just £3.00, which includes the entertainment and a free food. We have the one and only Elvis Tribute on 6th November. The December one will be at our Xmas Party. On January 8th we have Jonny Dee and February 5th will be Hayley J If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch to book your place.

Christmas Fair Our Annual Xmas Fair will be on Saturday 30th November 10.00-2.00 at our Social Centre. There will be plenty of stalls to check out and of course Santa will be in the building. We would appreciate any unwanted gifts or donations for our Raffle and Tombola Stalls. If you could drop them off at our Social Centre that would be greatly appreciated.

Flu Jabs Boots Chemist at Middleton are now giving Flu Jabs to anyone over 65. There is no need for an appointment just call into the Chemist. They can also give you advice on minor medical issues. The vaccine is there to help protect from catching flu and developing serious complications.

Local Police News

If anyone would like a full security check by your local PCSO then contact us here and we will arrange a member of the Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team to carry out the checks. Our PCSO will be giving out free safety bags on their visit.

PCSO Surgery We now have a regular surgery at our centre where our local PCSO’s will be attending on the last Wednesday of every month at 1.30-3.00. Please pop in and see us.

The nights are becoming longer and we urge residents to lighten up your property and keep a light on when not at home.

Christmas Opening Times at our Social Centre

Christmas Eve as normal

Christmas Day Closed

Boxing Day Closed

Friday 27th Open as normal

Saturday 28th Open as normal

Monday 30th Open as normal

Tuesday 31st Open as normal

January 1st Closed

January 2nd Open as normal

Solicitor

Free Legal Clinic

We are still running the free Legal Clinic in our Centre. It is on the last Wednesday of every month from

9.00 –11.00.

Ison Harrison Solicitors will be attending to give free legal advice. The clinic will be manned by Ison Harrison partner, Dominic Mackenzie, who specializes in wills, probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney. He also spends a lot of his time advising people about asset protection and preservation. They will however be able to deal with any other legal queries including family advice, personal injury, conveyancing and property matters. No appointment is required and there will be no charge for the consultation.

Garden Club

Our Gardening Club is on every Saturday Morning 9.30-11.00 at our Social Centre. Our Poly tunnel

is now up and we have started growing a variety of plants inside it. We are growing tomato, peppers, beetroot, onions, lettuce and much more. If anyone is interested in being a part of it, just turn up on Saturday morning.

Leeds Hearing and Sight Loss Service

Previously just called our Hearing Aid Clinic, this new service is still running on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, the next ones being next ones being 12th November, 10th December and 14th January 10.00–12.00 at our centre.

If you would like to attend please call us to book your place and confirm the clinic is on. The clinic can help with: Maintenance of NHS hearing aids, supply and fitting of new tubing, supply and fitting of new batteries, and support on using your hearing aid. They also offer information, advice, and guidance to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, sight impaired, severely sight impaired or deafblind.

Online Help Classes

We are now offering Online Help Classes for anyone interested. The

courses are running every Friday 9.30–11.00. We now have tablets we can provide you with when you’re here. You can learn many new skills to help you message, email, online shop, Skype, whatever you would like to know about using technology. If you would be interested in taking part in in the next classes please call the centre or pop in to register your interest.

Massage/Aromatherapy

Lynne our qualified Aroma therapist and Masseuse will be in our Social Centre once a month on the first Tuesday of every month 10.00-12.00. She can provide a 15 minute massage for £5. The next sessions are 5th November, December is cancelled, 7th January and 4th February.

Massage and aromatherapy can help alleviate aches and pains and is useful for de-stressing. You will be able to have a full consultation on aromatherapy and there will be a range of essential oils for sale that you can purchase for use in your own home. Please book your place.

Arm in Arm Memory Café

Come and join us for a monthly social afternoon in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cake & Refreshments provided.

(Last Wednesday of every month) Guests include Alzheimer’s Society, Carers Leeds and our local PCSO’s

27th November, cancelled in December and 29th January.

1.30-3.00 at our Middleton social centre. No need to book, just turn up.

WHY NOT JOIN US - IT’S FUN AND FREE!

Tea Dance

We are having a Tea Dance at our centre once a month. It will be 1.30-3.00 and refreshments and cakes are included. The next dates are Wednesday 13th November, 11th December and 15th January. You will be able to listen to all the oldies and we have our instructors Roxanne and Keith on hand to show you a few moves.

No need to book, just turn up. It’s a lot of fun!

This is a FREE event and there’s plenty of Cakes and Buns provided.

In Loving Memory

Our thoughts go out

To the family and

Friends of:

Walter Binns

Barry Smith

Bill Pycock

Dennis Baraclough

Doris Houlgate

Shelia Parker

Donald Duncanson

Peter Haswell

We would like to thank Charlie Ledbeaters family for the collection for our charity, it is greatly appreciated. Thank You

Access Bus

We have the Access Bus for our Tuesday Lunch Club, Friday Lunch club and Saturday Afternoon Bingo. If getting to our Social centre is an issue and you would like to attend on these days, just give us a call and we can arrange the transport for you.

If you need the Access Bus for other journeys you need to be a member. We can help you fill in the appropriate form for this. Just get in touch with us.

Hairdresser

Dawn our Hairdresser has been at our social centre once a month for a few months now. Due to this being so popular and in demand we are now increasing this to Fortnightly on Thursdays from now on. Dawn will be doing cut & blow dry’s £10 and men’s haircuts £5. Some of you may know her already as she has worked at Partners Hairdressers for over 10yrs.

If you would like to book in, please give us a call.

Activity & Centre Snaps

Thursday Fun with Walter-New Why not join us Every Thursday and take part in our afternoon of fun and games with Walter 1.30–2.30.

This is a FREE ACTIVITY. We start off with a music quiz and sing along with some great tunes from the 50s and 60s and then finish with some fun chair based games. The activity is great for anyone and any ability and we promise you’ll have tonnes of fun!!! Ideal for anyone with memory problems.

Lunch Club We are still running

4 lunch clubs a

week Monday,

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at our

Centre. The cost of our meals is still

just £4.00 each. It’s a 2 course hot

meal and there is a vegetarian option

available upon request. It’s always

great value as we continue to

subsidise the overall cost. Please

note, if you have a lunch booked for

a particular day and for any reason

you need to cancel, you must let us

know before 9.30am on the day so

that we can cancel it, otherwise you

will still be charged.

Social Centre Shop

Don’t forget we have a Shop in our centre selling a wide variety of items. We have recently topped up the shop with many brand new items. They are bought in when we see particularly good offers that we think you may like and we sell them to you at cost. We are also selling Craft Items made by our Crafts class on a Monday. We have a supply of Radar Keys for sale at £2.00 each. If you would like to purchase any items, please come into the Centre and take a look.

Walking Group

Our walking group is

very popular. It starts at

our Centre and runs weekly

on a Wednesday from 11.00-1.00. It’s

a nice

relaxed

walk

meeting

new friends

as you

walk.

Xmas Lunch Our Xmas Lunches will be served Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th. Once again if you need to cancel please do so before 9.30am on the day otherwise you will be charged for your meal.

Saturday Fun Don’t forget we have our Breakfast Club on Saturday mornings 9.00– 11.00 where we cook a full breakfast for you for just £3. Just turn up. We have Saturday Afternoon Prize Bingo starting at 12.30–3.00. Where we also provide sandwich platters for £2. No need to book just turn up.

Middleton Elderly Aid Update Just a little information on what sorts of things we have been doing recently here at MEA. We have made 9 housing bids for members, renewed 4 bus passes, 11 hearing aid referrals, 9 Blue Badges applied for or renewed, organised many fire and police safety checks, 6 gardening referals, 8 to the Green Doctor, 3 to welfare rights, 2 care and repair, 3 Social Services, 2 passports and also made 2 hospital visits.

This is just a taster of the kinds of things we can help with. Just a reminder that if there is anything that you are struggling with, no matter how large or small, please give us a call and let us try to help. Even if you would just like a friendly chat just give us a call.

Winter Friends List

It is that time of year again when the nights are long and the bad weather kicks in. We cannot be sure what this winter will have in store for us but one thing is guaranteed, cold and damp weather can affect anyone.

If you have any winter concerns such as keeping your house warm, dealing with fuel bills, slips or falls or getting regular hot meals and drinks, or if you or someone you know such as an older neighbour, family member or friend may need a bit of extra help over the winter months, then just contact us and we can identify any support that may be available to you.

Here at Middleton Elderly Aid we have a Winter Friends List which means in severe snow conditions if you urgently need basic shopping supplies or prescriptions, we will give you a call to make sure you are ok and have everything you need. If you would like your name on our Winter Friends List just give us a call on 0113 2721050 for further information.

Opening Hours for the Charity Shop over Christmas:

Christmas Eve 10.00 – 2.00 Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day Closed 27th Dec 9.00-3.00 28th Dec 9.00-1.00 30th Dec 9.00-3.00 New Year’s Eve 10.00-2.00

2nd January Normal 8.30-3.30

Pie & Peas

Our Pie & Peas evening are Fortnightly on Wednesdays 5.00-7.00. There will be plenty of Bingo and Hoy! and also good company.

If you like the idea of this and would like to join us please call us or pop in to book your place. The dates are:

Wednesday 13th Nov, Wednesday 27th Nov, Wednesday 11 Dec, Wednesday 15th Jan,Wednesday 29th Jan and Wednesday 12th Feb

Its only £1.00 for the food

PLEASE BOOK YOUR PIE

Online Shopping

If you’re struggling getting to the shops or getting your shopping home, especially with the winter months coming up why not try online shopping. The staff at MEA can order your weekly/monthly shop online for you. All you need to do is drop in at our Social centre and we will help you do your shopping. The minimum spend at Asda is £25.00 and delivery costs around £3.00. The payment would need to be by a debit or credit card. Pop in and see us if you would like to give it a try. Membership

Do you know anyone who is not yet a member with us? Why not bring them along to the shop, Centre or one of our activities and we can sign them up. Membership is FREE and they will have access to day trips, holidays, lunch clubs and so much more!

Leaving a Legacy to Middleton Elderly Aid

Leaving a legacy to MEA is one of the most effective ways that you can support people in later life to live independently. You can help us to carry on with the service we give and help run activities, trips, lunch clubs and holidays at a subsidised cost. You can leave a specific sum of money – any amount can make a difference to what we do here at MEA. Thank You

Pop Up Shop- New We now have a Pop Up Shop at our Social Centre once a month. Our Charity shop will be bringing items up to sell to our members. They will be selling various items of clothing including coats and footwear at a reasonable cost. The Pop Up Shop will be here the last Wednesday of every month 9.30-11.00. The next dates are 27th November, cancelled in December and then 29th January. Why not pop along and grab yourself some bargains.

5minute fun

Here’s a Word search for you to try when you have a few spare minutes…… eyes down and get searching!!

S H R M Z W Y B F G C J J L O

N G C J V L H I N J K J A V L

E F Z T L O R S W I N T R Y O

T O B I O E L Y R E T S U L B

T G H D P I D V K Y D U A U N

I C I L P Z O D D O Y Z Q B D

M E A P S E A R M U F F S R E

F C E T A N R E B I H U A O K

E R N T S U H S Q V Y Z I V A

Y A E I O L Z O Y C Z G C E L

I Y A E K W E G J I U V I R F

T A N Y Z P V D L G W C C C W

F R A C S I M B G Z N O L O O

L N R B H X N U A E S O E A N

R F V J T X H G P S U X L T S

BLIZZARD

BLUSTERY

CHILLY

EARMUFFS

FIREPLACE

FREEZING

HIBERNATE

HOODIE

ICICLE

LONGJOHNS

MITTENS

OVERCOAT

PUMPKIN

SCARF

SLEDGE

SLIPPERY

SNOWFLAKE

WINTRY

Ping Pong Ping Pong has loads of benefits and it can be adapted to any ability. Its easy on the joints, burns calories, improves flexibility and keeps your brain sharp. Why not join us Thursday mornings 10.00 -11.00. No need to book just turn up and it’s FREE. The winner also receives a FREE lunch. Wednesday Breakfast At our centre every Wednesday we will be serving a Full Breakfast or Bacon Sandwiches 9.00-11.00. Its only £1.00 for Bacon Sarnie and £3.00 for a Full Breakfast both are served with a cuppa. Please come and join us, all members and carers welcome. It’s a laid back atmosphere where you can just pop in and enjoy some friendly company.

Boxing Day Xmas Dinner

We did this event last year and because the demand was so high. We at MEA will be doing this again at our Social Centre. Our staff & volunteers are giving up our time on Boxing Day to host an Xmas Dinner with games for people of Middleton who are spending Xmas alone. If you are one of these people please contact us with your details. We will confirm attendance as there are limited spaces.

Blue Badge

If you are disabled you can apply for a Blue Badge to help you park close to your destination. You can use a blue badge as a driver or as a passenger, you don’t need to own your own car.

A Blue Badge is valid for up to three years and works throughout the UK and Europe. We can help you to apply for your first blue badge or a renewal if you are having problems.

To complete the form we will need the following:

Your contact details National Insurance Number Your driving license number if

you have one If you already have a Blue

Badge, the number, expiry date and the name of the issuing local authority.

proof of eligibility Proof of address. Proof of identification. Passport-size photograph taken

within six months of the date of application.

If you would like us to help you with an application, please just call in and ask.

Need a new or renewal Senior Bus

If you are aged 65 or over and a West Yorkshire resident, you can apply for a Metro Senior Pass. To find out if you are eligible, give us a call and we can arrange to sort out new or renewal passes for you. We just need your old bus pass and a recent photo (which we can take for you)

NHS Physiotherapist Surgery Mondays 9.30 – 11.00 (Starting 11th November) A physiotherapist is available to discuss exercises and help you to remain active or increase your activity levels. No referral is required. We are targeting people who may consider themselves frail or at risk of falls. We can assess for indoor and outdoor walking aids and refer for wheelchairs and telecare within the clinic at the above times. No appointment needed

Dementia and Council Tax

If a person has been diagnosed with dementia they may be exempt from paying council tax.

If a spouse has dementia then the other half of the marriage or partnership can then be charged as a single person and should receive 25% discount.

For further details please get in touch with us.

Seriously NHS Antibiotic Campaign.

If everyone makes just one simple pledge we can stop bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics and keep them working for future generations.

Always use the full course prescribed by your doctor even if you are feeling better.

Table Top Sale

On the First Wednesday of Every Month we have Laura from Living Well Pharamacy who will be having a Table Top Sale at our Social Centre. This will be a one-stop shop for all your toiletry and cleaning needs. From Bubble bath and shower gel, to washing up liquid and everything in between. They have all you daily essentials as well as travel sized toiletries. They will be here 6th November, 11th December and 8th January 9.30-11.30. Why not pop along and get some bargains.

Dancercise Class We are working in partnership with Dance On a new scheme with Yorkshire Dance. The sessions will be gentle movement to music.

Mondays 2.00pm-3.00pm

£3.00 per session, come join in the fun with us! First session FREE. No need to book

Keeping your power on

We have some information from Northern Powergrid for keeping you connected during the cold weather:

Investments in our network mean the chances of power cuts have reduced dramatically in recent years, but in winter, storms, floods and other extreme conditions can sometimes cause damage to your local power network. Northern Powergrid make sure the electricity you buy from your chosen energy supplier gets to you safely and, if your power supply ever gets interrupted, we're here to fix things 24/7, 365 days a year... whatever the weather. We keep the lights on, the kettles boiling and the phones charged for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. Call 105 Remember, if there's a power cut visit our power cut map www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts or CALL 105 free of charge. We can help you and keep you informed throughout the power cut. Do you, or someone you know, need a little extra support this winter? If you have any concerns about how you, or someone you care for, would manage during a power cut due to your personal or medical circumstances, please give us a call and we can fill in the relevant form for you to get you on the Priority Services Register.

.

Housing Advice On the last Tuesday of Every month we will have Helen – Housing Officer from Leeds City Council here at our Social Centre to be on hand to give any advice or Information on Housing needs. She will be here 10.00 – 11.00. The dates are Tuesday 26th November and 28th January.

Take Away Sarnies We are now selling sandwiches freshly made at our Social Centre daily. They are sold at a subsidised cost of £1.00. This is another service which will benefit our members who sometimes miss meals. They are on Sale Monday– Friday at our Social Centre.

Mobility Loan We have some equipment that we can loan out for short periods of time. You may need it for a trip, an appointment or if you are awaiting your own equipment being delivered, or if you just like to have a trial run first. We have wheelchairs and walkers at the moment but will be adding to our collection. Please give us a call if you need to loan any item Free of Charge.

New Activity

Beginners Drawing Class

Come and Learn Basic drawing skills with Our Volunteer Alan

The class will be on once a month on a Wednesday 9.30-11.00 starting 13th November, then 11th December and 15th January. This is a FREE activity, no need to book just turn up.

Generous Donation We would like to say a big Thank You to one of our members for your generous donation of £1,000. I know you want to stay anonymous but you know who you are. .

Thank You So much

.

From All our Staff and Volunteers xxx