Your voice in Gateshead - Winter 09

Visit our website www.gatesheadolderpeoplesassembly.co.uk

Assembly honours their 1st member Mrs Ruth Goulbourn

and their 2000th member Mrs Eunice Bowman

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Message from the Chair

Dear MemberDear MemberDear MemberDear Member

INTRODUCING OUR NEW INTERGENERATIONAL

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Message from the Chair

Meet our new staff

member

Your Voice in Gateshead

The Looking Forward

Festival

What’s on in Gateshead

Spotlight on Dunston

Pushing the Possibilities

Help to quit smoking

Purse Dippers beware

F.A.S.T Campaign

Members Pages

I would just like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the new Generations Together project. My name is Rachel Norman and I am the new Intergenerational Volunteer Coordinator for the Assembly. Prior to being appointed in this role I worked for Age Concern North Tyneside as a Volunteer Support Officer for just over a year. I have also worked for Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council as a Volunteer Recruitment Officer on a project around volunteering in Health and Social Care. My post with the Assembly has been funded through Generations Together and is

primarily to promote intergenerational activity within the Borough of Gateshead, through

an exchange of technology skills. We will be recruiting lots of new volunteers and will

have exciting opportunities for you to attend events and become more actively involved

in the Assembly. We have a whole host of different volunteer opportunities to suit your

skills, time commitment and motivations. If you would like to find out more about how

you can get involved then please contact me on 0191 438 17 21.

Once again it is time for another Newsletter. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy putting it together for you.

We were very pleased with the success of the Festival, we hope you were able to attend some of the many events that took place throughout October. It started with the Annual General Meeting and launch of the Festival. This was attended by over 300 members and friends. We were very pleased to reach our 2,000th member.

Dear MemberDear MemberDear MemberDear Member

We were also able to reach out to many more older people at the stand we had in the Civic Centre foyer. We ended the month with a Tea Dance in the Civic Centre which was attended by over 100 members. We are now looking forward to the launch of the Older People’s Strategy, this will make quite a lot of changes in how your ‘Voice’ is heard. Thank you all for your support during the Festival month and we hope we can repeat it again next year. My very best wishes to you all for Christmas and the New Year. Look after yourselves throughout the coming winter.

Esther Ward, ChairEsther Ward, ChairEsther Ward, ChairEsther Ward, Chair

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT COMPUTERS?

Then come along to Gateshead Older People’s Assembly office on the

2nd Friday of each month. Drop in to our coffee and computer mornings

from 10.30am to 12pm, starting from Friday 8th January 2010.

Join us for a general chit chat in a friendly environment with the chance to learn about computers

at your leisure. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Everybody welcome. Please call Rachel for more

information on 0191 438 1721.

Assembly News

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Your Voice in Gateshead by Chris Barker In each edition of ‘The Voice’ we list some of the various meetings and conferences that we attend on your behalf. You may wonder what takes place at these meetings. Well, this depends on which area of service the meeting board covers. Over the next few editions I will focus on one of these meetings and explain what takes place there. In this edition we look at Gateshead Older People’s Partnership.

Gateshead Older People’s Partnership is perhaps one of the most important strategic boards for older people in Gateshead, because it is the monitoring group for all agencies and organisations in Gateshead that provide services for older people. Its board consists of higher level officers, committee members and service users from Gateshead Council, the Primary Care Trust, The Housing Company, NHS South of Tyne & Wear, Age Concern, Sight Service to name just a few, including of course, The Older People’s Assembly. The partnership meets regularly to report on, discuss and if necessary take action on issues that may affect older people. These are fed back through the Health and Social Care Partnership and if necessary up to Gateshead Strategic Partnership, which is the board responsible for delivering Gateshead’s Vision 2030, the Sustainable Community Strategy for Gateshead. Older people feature strongly in the borough due to the relatively high population of people over the age of 60, which means that the Older People’s Partnership’s role in Gateshead is a very important one.

The key aim of the Older People’s partnership is to help improve the lives of older people, and one of the ways they are going about this is through the development of the new Older Person’s Strategy, which will be launched next spring. This strategy is the document which covers all of the service provisions for older people, and shows the various targets and achievements that are to be met by the organisations providing those services. There will be more news about this in the next edition of ‘The Voice’

There are often opportunities for our members to become involved in these higher level

meetings. If you think you might be interested in getting involved and would like to discuss

this, please contact me on 0191 438 1721.

Assembly News

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The Looking Forward Festival & Annual General Meeting 2009The Looking Forward Festival & Annual General Meeting 2009The Looking Forward Festival & Annual General Meeting 2009The Looking Forward Festival & Annual General Meeting 2009

October was a very busy month for us here at the Assembly, as I am sure many of you who attended our

events during the month will vouch for.

On 1st October we held our Annual General Meeting at Felling Social Club. We would like to say a big

thank you to everyone who came along to help us celebrate another successful year and to help launch the

second Looking Forward Festival. We had our largest attendance to date, with 300 members and invited

guests joining in the revelry.

We were honoured to be joined by The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor John Eagle who is a keen

supporter of the Assembly, Micheal Lang Gateshead Council’s Director of Adult Social Care and Housing,

Older People’s Champion Councillor Peter Mole and former Newcastle United and Scotland’s football

captain Bob Moncur.

The day was also made special for the Assembly as we honoured our

very first member Mrs Ruth Goulbourn. Ruth was once a Treasurer

with the Assembly and was instrumental in helping the Assembly locate

it’s first office in Lynholme Community Centre in 2003, Ruth is still a

volunteer with the Assembly.

We were also delighted to celebrate our 2000th member Mrs Eunice

Bowman. Eunice is a star in her own right as she is now the 2nd oldest

person in Britain at the fantastic age of 111th !!

Eunice who lives in Hillside Grange Care Home in Felling, was our

Guest of Honour on the day along with her daughter Mrs Berry and

granddaughter.

There was plenty to entertain our visitors, with 27 information stands, dancing to music provided by

Jarrow based folk/ rock band The Gas Lighters and a wonderful buffet lunch. There was even a chance to

meet up with old friends, with two members meeting again after 40 years.

We would like to thank everyone who volunteered

during the A.G.M and throughout the festival

month; we could not have done it without your

help.

We would also like to say thank you to those of

you who attended the Quiz at Last Orders.

If you are interested in helping with any future

events or have any ideas for events for next year’s

Looking Forward Festival please contact Kerry

Pattison or Rachel Norman at The Assembly on

0191 438 1721 or email

admin.assembly@btconnect.com

Councillor Peter Mole warns

Eunice not to cause any mischief !!

Assembly News

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Antiques ‘Style’ Road Show

St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead Quayside was the venue for our Antiques ‘ Style’ Road Show on 22nd October. The event was planned as part of the Looking Forward Festival. Members were invited to pop in with their heirlooms to be appraised by Auctioneers from Millers Auction House, Byker, Newcastle. We saw a variety of items including collectable Horror Comics, souvenirs from the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin, gold and silver Jewellery, Victorian Ruby Glass to items from the Boer War. If you missed the event and think you could have valuable treasures hiding in you attic then contact Millers Auction House on 0191 2650 8080.

Silver Tea Dance @ Bewicks Restaurant The finale to the Looking Forward Festival was our Silver Tea Dance which took place on 29th October. It proved to be our most popular event by far !! Our apologies to those of you who were not able to obtain tickets for this event, unfortunately numbers were

limited due to the dance area space and funding. Those who were lucky enough to attend, waltzed the afternoon away with music provided by Mrs Shirley Keeble, followed by a lovely cream tea served in Bewicks Restaurant in Gateshead Civic Centre. We hope to be able to repeat this event again next year, and if so we will try to look for a larger venue.

Local News

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What’s on.. In GatesheadWhat’s on.. In GatesheadWhat’s on.. In GatesheadWhat’s on.. In Gateshead

Are you over 55? Are you fed up of sitting in the house all of the time? Come along to Brandling Community Centre, Church Place, Felling, NE10 0HT.

Lift Off meet every Tuesday 1pm to 3pm. With activities from hand massages, trips, very light exercises, bingo, lunch trips to help and advice on offer.

Sessions cost £1.00 tea & scones available. Contact 0191 421 4515 for details.

Martial Arts Centre North East. Leam Lane Community Centre

Tai Chi Classes . Tuesday Evenings from 6pm to 7pm. Contact Mick on 4206286 or mobile 07760151389

or email markriley848@btinternet.com

CANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLECANE AND ABLE———————————— FREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONSFREE TASTER SESSIONS

Go Maru Defence are holding two free taster sessions in Cane Defence and Health and Fitness with the walking stick.

The Cane ( Walking Stick) is no longer just a crutch, but an aid to Health and Fitness as well as the only legal Self Defence tool you can carry almost any where. The sessions will be held at Go Maru Defence’s Martial Arts Centre in

Fewster Square, Lean lane, Gateshead. (Walking sticks provided)

Sessions are : Thursday 7th January 11am & Monday 11th January 2.30pm

Places are limited. To book call: 07828431349 or 0191 4206286 (leave a message)

Now and Then

Intergenerational visit to Colegate Primary

School, Leam Lane

Do you remember the introduction of Mr Potato Head,

Barbie Doll, and Rock and Roll? If so you were possibly

a child growing up in the 1950s.

Volunteers from the Assembly were given the chance to

share their childhood memories with children from

Colegate Primary school.

From playing with marbles and slingshots, yoyos and tin

toys to having to cut up newspaper to use as toilet roll

and visiting the outside ‘Nettie’. With objects borrowed

from Tyne and Wear Museum and Tynemouth Toy Museum, the children were able to gain an insight of

what it must have been like to live in the 1950s.

Local News

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Spotlight on ........DUNSTON Dunston was originally an independent village on the south bank of the River Tyne. It has now been

absorbed into the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead in the English county of Tyne and Wear. Much of

Dunston forms part of the inner Gateshead regeneration area.

The Dunston area is serviced by the Dunston railway station, along the Tyne Valley Line and is now split

into two distinct areas separated by the A1 dual carriageway. Much of the area south of the A1 is known as

Dunston Hill.

To the west of Dunston is the site of Dunston Power Station, now demolished. The site is

now home to the MetroCentre, the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe. Another

Dunston landmark is the Derwent Tower, commonly known as the "Dunston Rocket", a

tower block that was once the highest in Gateshead, and was designed by the Owen Luder

Partnership and completed in 1973. Luder also designed the Trinity Centre Multi-Storey

Car Park in Gateshead town centre, both of which are now in the process of being

demolished.

On 6 June 1993 the IRA attacked a gas holder in the nearby area of Low Team. The damage was limited

and no one was injured.

Dunston is particularly known for its wooden Staiths (or Staithes), first opened in 1893 as a structure for

loading coal from the North Durham coalfield onto ships. In the 1920s 140,000 tons of coal per week were

loaded from the Staiths, and they continued to be used until the 1970s. They were finally closed and

partially dismantled in 1980.

The staiths were restored and reopened for the Gateshead Garden Festival in 1990. Following similar

events in Liverpool (1984), Stoke on Trent (1986) and Glasgow (1988), the

Garden Festival occupied a large area of Dunston and Team Valley. Though

other parts of the Garden Festival site, such as the Eslington and Norwood

areas of Team Valley, gained an immediate spur for regeneration, the area

around the Staiths remained derelict and inaccessible for the whole of the

1990s.

Today, the staiths are reputed to be the largest wooden structure in Europe and are protected as a Listed

Building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

In 2002, work began on a development of stylish riverside apartments and houses designed by Wayne

Hemingway. Known as Staiths South Bank, this development celebrates the area's heritage as well as

improving the setting for the historic structure. Unfortunately, in the early hours of 20 November 2003, a

section of the Staiths was destroyed by fire . As a result, access onto the Staiths themselves is not possible,

but the structure can be viewed from the new riverside walkway constructed as part of the Staiths South

Bank development.

For Activities in Dunston contact:

Dunston Community Centre, Railway Street, NE11 9EB on 0191 460 4270

Dunston Swimming Pool, Dunston Bank, NE11 9PY on 0191 433 5757

Information and Services

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The Pushing the Possibilities project offers opportunities for Gateshead residents aged 50 or over the chance of undertaking outdoor activities. The project aims to help address people’s isolation in the community as a result of bereavement, illness or poverty. The Pushing the Possibilities project is funded through a charitable donation and enables participants to access activities for a very low cost. Activities can include rock climbing, canoeing, hill walking, mountain biking and sailing. If you would like further information then please contact: Nick Coates – Senior Instructor Pushing the Possibilities Coordinator Wayout in Gateshead, The Courtyard, Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5AW Telephone: 0191 487 9356 Email: nick.wing@btconnect.com

Helping Others to Quit Smoking

Most older smokers start smoking in their

teenage years and are at greater risk as they

have been smoking for so long a period, and believe that stopping will not help their health!

Stopping Smoking is Everyone's Business. If you

wish to learn the skills to assist others quit

smoking and be able to point them to their local NHS Stop Smoking Service then Sector 3

Solutions has the training for you. (Smokers are

four times likely to stop smoking with NHS

support)

If you quit smoking at 60 and have been

smoking since you were 16, you would have

spent £92,883 on your addiction.

If you wish to know more or book onto one of our FREE training sessions commissioned by the

South of Tyne and Wear PCT (available Mon -

Sat) contact Chris Allen on 07931 438 317

“Cigarettes are killers that travel in packs”

Jeanette “ I don’t want my

grandchildren associating

the smell of cigarettes with their Grandma. “

Cigarettes are the only

known killer of 1 out of

every 2 users, when used exactly as the

manufacturer intended!

Put purse dippers on the spot

We all know how easy it is to get distracted while out shopping, especially at this time of year. But if you let your attention wander too far, you could find your purse or wallet goes with it.

We call it purse dipping - thieves will look for a purse on open display in a shopping basket or easily reached in a handbag or pocket and

sneak away before you know it.

“Although crime in Gateshead is generally low, we know there are purse dippers in the town centre and other shopping areas. That's why we've got police officers out and about in these areas, trying to stop these thieves in their tracks” says Inspector Peter Storey, head of the Gateshead Central Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“We've also got the shopkeepers on our side, asking them to hand out 'cat bells' to shoppers. These are small bells which can be attached to purses or wallets and provide an early warning that someone is after your valuables”.

This is how the police work to prevent crime - and you can play your part also.

By following these simple crime prevention tips you can help us make life even more difficult for thieves:

• Keep your purse or wallet secure at all times

• Never leave your purse on open display in a shopping bag

• Go for handbags with a front flap - and carry it with the flap on the inside

• Never keep your wallet in a back pocket where it can be easily reached by someone else

• Purse dippers are usually only interested in cash, but will take credit cards if they are there, so don't keep cash and cards in the same purse or wallet.

They also need to know if any empty purses are found in the street. They could have fingerprints or possible DNA traces on them which could lead us to the thieves. So if you find a discarded purse, hand it into your nearest police station.

And if you would like any advice about how to keep criminals at bay, or want to talk to anyone about policing in your area, please contact Inspector Peter Storey or members of his team on 03456 043 043 ext 64057. ‘Catbells’ are also available, while stocks last, from Gateshead Older People’s Assembly, just pop in to our office and pick them up.

Information and Services

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Left to right: PC Geraldine Brown, PC Ian

Copeland, CSO Richard Kemp who cover the

Gateshead Town Centre Area

Information and Services

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Mental Health Matters out of hours Telephone Helpline is a free

confidential service available to people living in the Gateshead area.

They provide emotional support and information on local and national

services to people with mental health problems and their carers. They deal with a wide range of

issues including isolation and loneliness, relationship problems, family problems, depression,

bereavement, self-harm, abuse and hearing voices. All Helpline workers are trained to at least

certificate level in counselling, have experience in working within the metal health field and receive

in-house training covering all of the issues they deal with.

Helpline: 0800 085 1718

If you require any further information please contact 0191 516 3500

or email hwilson@mentalhealthmatters.co.uk

Gateshead Alcohol Link Project

Problems with Alcohol misuse in later life

Turning Point is the UK's leading social care organisation and now operates over 200 services. We are currently piloting a Alcohol link project and its

primary aim is to concentrate on working with people who are fifty years young and over as we have found that people in later life have been over looked and find it difficult to access or approach specialised Alcohol related services.

Sixteen percent of the UK population is currently aged 65 and over and this is projected to increase over the coming years. Although general population figures indicate that alcohol use decreases with age, other results have revealed that, older people drink more frequently than younger people. With this in mind, Turning Point’s Alcohol Link service uses its person centred approach, to engage people so they can promote active and healthy ageing and positive healthy behaviour. This in turn can not only extend longevity but also reduce the risk of losing mobility and independence in later life.

Alcohol related health problems may include;

• More frequent trips or falls lack of appropriate diet, Weight loss, Loss of self esteem and motivation, Depression or low mood, Increased social isolation, Physical and metal health deterioration

You do not have to “need” a drink first thing in the morning to be developing a dependency on alcohol and you may not want to stop drinking, just need some help to control it. Are any of the following applying to you?

• Finding alcohol consumption is a daily occurrence in your life?, All social activities revolve around alcohol?, Staying in more and more & drinking alcohol?, Feeling low and isolated?, Having any physical signs such as weight loss or feeling shaky?, Having increased trips, falls or trips to A&E after consuming alcohol?, Finding yourself wanting to start drinking earlier & earlier into the day?

These are just some things you should be aware of. If you feel either you or someone you know who is aged over 50, needs additional support or advice around alcohol then please give us a call. We are simply here to help and help you any way that best meets your needs as an individual.

Gateshead Alcohol Link Team 9-19 Jackson Street, Gateshead 0191 478 8880

Information and Services

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Time for a New Direction?

‘New Directions’ is aimed at people over 50 who would like to broaden their horizons and try something new. New Directions staff and volunteers could help you to think about some of the things you’d like to achieve and make a plan. They’ll then help you to find and access the opportunities you’re interested in whether it’s new social groups, classes, volunteering opportunities or other activities. To find out more, please contact Clare Cook at Age Concern Gateshead on (0191) 477 3559

Wrekenton Drop-in & Dance

Pop in to Wrekenton Community Centre every Tuesday between 1-3pm to find out more about services and activities for people over 50 in your area. Call in for information on a variety of topics including health & exercise, policing and community safety, volunteering and much more. While you’re there why not join our Sequence Dance group every Tuesday from 2-3pm? You

don’t need a partner and, even if you’re not able to join in, you’re welcome to come along for a cuppa and just enjoy the music. Sessions cost £1. For more information please contact Clare Cook at Age Concern Gateshead on 0191 4773559.

Bereavement Support Could you provide a listening ear in someone’s own home, for an hour or two each week? If yes, our Bereavement Support Service needs volunteers like you. We are currently recruiting bereavement support volunteers to work with older people in and around the Wrekenton and Springwell areas of Gateshead. You will have the opportunity to attend an informative Bereavement Awareness training course in January 2010 and will be given full, ongoing support by our Bereavement Service Co-ordinator. For more information please contact Val Jewitt or Audrey Wood at Age Concern Gateshead on 0191 4773559.

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Information and Services

Hello, Dave here. If you are looking for easy ways to

stop wasting energy and money then you have come to

the right place. The Energy Saving Trust is a non

profit organisation that provides free and impartial advice on how to stop

wasting energy. Check out some of my favourite tips below or contact

The Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or visit

www.energysavingtrust.orrg.uk.

Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills

by up to 10 percent and typically saves around £55 per year. If you have a programmer, set your

heating and hot water to come on only when required rather than all the time.

Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F.

Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts

around windows and doors.

Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on

charge unnecessarily.

Where possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less

energy than two half loads.

Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an

electric kettle).

A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a

bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off!

Use energy saving light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one

could save you around £65 over its lifetime if you're replacing a high wattage incandescent bulb,

or one used for more than a few hours a day.

Do a home energy check. Just answer some simple questions about your home and we'll give

you a free, impartial report telling you how you can save up to £300 a year on your household

energy bills.

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National News F.A.S.T Campaign

Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in the UK and the largest single

cause of severe disability. Each year more than 110,000 people in England

will suffer from a stroke which costs the NHS over £2.8 billion.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. A blood clot restricting the flow of

blood to the brain is the most common cause of strokes, but some are caused by bleeding in or around the

brain from a burst blood vessel.

What can I do to reduce the risks of having a stroke?

• stop smoking

• reduce your alcohol consumption

• eat a healthy diet. This means reducing your salt intake, eating lots of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain foods

and fish, and less fat, red and processed meat

• take regular exercise and try to keep a healthy weight

• maintain the right blood pressure and low cholesterol levels

What are the symptoms of a Stroke?

• sudden confusion

• sudden or severe headache with no apparent cause

• dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other symptoms.

What are the clear signs that someone has had a stroke?

• Facial weakness. Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

• Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms?

• Speech problems. Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

What should I do if I think someone has had a stroke?

• By calling 999, you can help someone reach hospital quickly and receive the early treatment they need

• Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery

• Delay can result in death or major long-term disabilities like paralysis, severe memory loss and

communication problems

What is a Transient Ischaemic Attack or TIA?

TIA (sometimes called mini stroke) is similar to a full stroke but the symptoms may only last a few minutes and

will have completely gone within 24 hours.

For further details please contact The Stroke Association Helpline on 0845 3033100

Or visit www.stroke.org.uk

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Member’s Pages DUST IF YOU MUST

Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better to paint a Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better to paint a Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better to paint a Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better to paint a

picture, or write a letter, bake a cake, or plant a seed, picture, or write a letter, bake a cake, or plant a seed, picture, or write a letter, bake a cake, or plant a seed, picture, or write a letter, bake a cake, or plant a seed,

ponder the difference between want and need.ponder the difference between want and need.ponder the difference between want and need.ponder the difference between want and need. Dust if you must, but there is not much time, with rivers to Dust if you must, but there is not much time, with rivers to Dust if you must, but there is not much time, with rivers to Dust if you must, but there is not much time, with rivers to

swim and mountains to climb. Music to hear and books to read, swim and mountains to climb. Music to hear and books to read, swim and mountains to climb. Music to hear and books to read, swim and mountains to climb. Music to hear and books to read,

friends to cherish and life to lead.friends to cherish and life to lead.friends to cherish and life to lead.friends to cherish and life to lead. Dust if you must, but the world’s out there with the sun in Dust if you must, but the world’s out there with the sun in Dust if you must, but the world’s out there with the sun in Dust if you must, but the world’s out there with the sun in

your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower

of rain, this day will not come around again.of rain, this day will not come around again.of rain, this day will not come around again.of rain, this day will not come around again. Dust if you must, but bear in Dust if you must, but bear in Dust if you must, but bear in Dust if you must, but bear in

mind, old age will come and mind, old age will come and mind, old age will come and mind, old age will come and

it’s not kind. When you go, it’s not kind. When you go, it’s not kind. When you go, it’s not kind. When you go,

and go you must, you yourself, and go you must, you yourself, and go you must, you yourself, and go you must, you yourself,

will make more dust.will make more dust.will make more dust.will make more dust.

Sent in by: Mrs Dee McIver, Low Fell.

As we are repeatedly being shocked by the amount of waste food

that is found in the bin, is it not possible for food to come in smaller

packaging??

Most bakery items come in packs of four or six which usually ends

up with the last ones going stale or mouldy. Fruit such as grapes and

strawberries also come in big packs.

I have already contacted two supermarket chains but their reply is

that smaller packs would not be cost effective. I know that food lasts

longer in the fridge, but fresh bread and scones just don’t taste the

same.

N Riley, Low Fell

If you would like learn more about how you can become involved shaping future

product deigns and services please contact Kerry or Chris at The Assembly.

Letters to theLetters to theLetters to theLetters to the

Editor.......Editor.......Editor.......Editor.......

Member’s Pages

LET’S HEAR YOUR VOICE

Would you like to submit a piece for our next Newsletter?

If so, we would love to hear from you.

Would you like to share your stories about your life, maybe you spent time in the services or

remember a historical event or have a precious memory to share.

It may be a family recipe or old photographs of places or people.

Do you have any tips or advice, poems, jokes, or points of view to share?

Whatever it may be, please contact: Kerry Pattison

Gateshead Older People’s Assembly, 65 High Street, Felling, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear,

NE10 9LU

Telephone: 0191 438 1721

Fax: 0191 469 5648

E-mail: kerry.pattison@btconnect.com

Disclaimer: Please note that some articles and advertisements are individual contributions and Gateshead Older People’s Assembly cannot he held responsible

for their accuracy or endorse any service or product.

Dear Editor....

I have been teaching Aquafit classes for over 10 years, mostly in private fitness clubs, which can be expensive but

now with the new governments scheme of free entry to swimming pools for the over 60’s there has never been a

better time to try exercising in water!! I worked as a nurse / midwife for 32 years which consequently left me with

back problems and further abdominal surgery meant that Aquafit was the only exercises I could do which did not

hurt!!. This enabled me to loose weight which also helped my health problems.

Top Ten Benefits of Water Exercise:

1. Strengthen heart and lungs

2. Lower blood pressure

3. No pressure on joints

4. Strengthen bones

5. Slow down osteoporosis

6. Exercise helps you feel good

7. More flexible joints, tendons and ligaments

8. Lose weight

9. Keep you mentally active

10. Socialise with others.

• Water workouts are safe, less likely for musculoskeletal injury.

• Water reduces the gravitational pull on the body by 70% when chest deep in water.

• Water keeps the body cool when exercising.

• The resistive quality of the water strengthens muscles. Water is 12 times more resistant than air. The arms and

legs can be moved in any direction with equal resistance, thereby allowing you to work opposing muscle

groups at the same time.

• A water workout recruits more muscle fibres for each movement, therefore more oxygen is used, which means

greater energy and caloric expenditure is required.

• Water provided as sense of playfulness and youthfulness in people. Workouts are fun.

Sent in by : Mrs Jenny Devine, Gateshead

Water workouts can be fun !!

Charity Reg No : 1101622

Please pass this on to people wishing to join, existing members need NOTNOTNOTNOT complete this form

Gateshead Older People’s Assembly

Membership Form

For Monitoring purposes could you please complete the following: Please tick which age band you are in:

50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+

Would you like to participate in any of the following?

Events Committee Office Focus Groups

Other ( Please State)

Vision Speech Hearing Mobility

Other ( Please State)

How did you hear about us? Many thanks, please return form to :

Gateshead Older People’s Assembly

65 High Street, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 9LU

Telephone : 0191 438 1721 Fax : 0191 469 5648

Do you have any special requirements?

Name: Mr / Mrs / Ms:

Postcode: Telephone:

Address:

What is your Ethnic Origin:

E-mail: Signature:

Address: