My last message, I see, was completed just beforeChristmas, which seems quite a while ago now. Here I amwriting this in glorious sunshine, which has come upon usin what is turning out to be the best couple of days we have

had so far this year.Spring may be hereat last. Lookingback, it has seemedto me to have beena long and dismalwinter, not so coldbut damp andgloomy for most ofthe time.

However, rain or shine, cold or hot, Bluebird carries onand, as ever, my thanks go out to all our helpers who strive,whatever the weather or circumstances, to keep us goingand to maintain the service we provide.

Let us hope now for a glorious Summer.

Harry Steer

Chairman

Message from the Chairman

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The long, dark days of winter take their toll but Spring is here with thecoming of warmer days, flowers appearing in the gardens and birds singing.We begin to feel better and look forward to new times.

Every year I ask for contributions to the newsletter and this year isno exception. It is YOUR newsletter and should reflect things that interestYOU. Please leave any notices or items for me at the office and they will bepassed on to me.

I am very aware of the reduction in the number of members of the Societyas the number that I print has reduced from over 100 to around 80 copies. Ifyou have a friend who would like to come toone of the clubs then bring them along, letting the office know ifthey would like to have lunch.

Jenny Shippam

Editor

Message from the Editor

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Message from Marian Varney,Office Manager.

As there is little to report on Transport, Clubs and thegeneral running of the Society, this is a combinedreport. Transport continues to be under the watchfuleye of Dave Sargent, ably assisted by Siro Sollai.Since Christmas there have not been many requests

for transport for outings by the nursing homes and care homes which have used our buses. No doubt they will pick up in the next few months with, hopefully, better weather.

In the run up to Christmas Dave Sargent organized a list of outings but unfortunately several were cancelled due to lack of support.

Transport for the clubs is covered by our drivers, Siro Sollai for theMonday Club and Thursday Club, Mary Hobden for the ThursdayClub and the Sunday Club, Nick Taylor also for the Thursday Cluband Maureen Hawkins and carol Winn also for the Sunday Club.Carol Winn also covers the requests for transport to hospitals alongwith Sired Sollai. Thank yo u to all these people.

The clubs are all still functioning but could do, as always, with anincrease in numbers. All clubs enjoyed their Christmas Celebrationswhich were excellently organized by their leaders.

The shop continues to receive ample donations and be the main sourceof income for the Society. The goods are received by our willing bandof volunteers who sort and display everything that is suitable for sale.Some goods are considered worth sending to auction where theycan raise more money for us than they would in our shop.

There are some memorable characters who regularly visit our shopsand likewise amongst our volunteers who work in the shop. We arethankful for them all, as they make the character of the shop.

The office deals with the day-to-day running of the Societyand continues to fulfil its purpose.

The Life of a Dog (As a Carer)

My name is Jewel and I am a workingdog which I love and I would like to tellyou my story. I have been trained tohelp disabled people. I have been

partnered with Ann. I start the day withhelping Ann out of bed to get dressed,get her slippers and coat so we can setoff for my short walk to toilet and havea sniff around the grounds of thegardens. Returning home I take offAnn’s coat and hat, then I have mydinner (all my meals are calleddinners!)In the mornings we go up to the downsor a park and I have my off-lead run. Ilike this because I meet other dogs, but Ialways keep Ann in sight as I look afterher. This walk takes about two hourslong in the summer as we talk to people.

Ann is treasurer of the ResidentAssociation so we often go to meetings,when there I am always on hand to pickthings up, open doors, and I can get aquick sleep as I always take my blanketto lie on.

When the hone rings, if it is the mobilephone, I find it and bring it to Ann. If itis the land line, I tap Ann’s knee to lether know. I empty the washing machineand take the washing to the tumble drier.When we go shopping I get the tins andpackets off the shelves. I like doing thisas I get treats for it. When Ann falls, Iam able to help her up.

It is so nice I don’t mind what time Anngoes to bed. When Ann had a humancarer she had to go to bed early. Whenwe go to bed I help Ann undress andhelp her take off her shoes and socks,then help her into bed.

I think this is a good life for me and Iknow Ann is happy. I help to give hermore independence, and I am hercompanion, and we are always together.

Written for me By Anne Packham

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