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17 members of the Blidworth and Rainworth W.I. went on a
mystery trip organised by Max and Stephen Dakin. After a drive through beautiful
countryside they ended up at the Cheshire Cheese Inn Longnor Staffordshire,
where they partook of a delicious meal and were entertained with tricks and
Jokes by Chris. Stevenson the landlord an award winning magician. A donation was
given to the local close up charity .The August meeting is at our presidents
home and the September, October and November meetings will be held at the
Blidworth Methodist Chapel whilst building work is carried out at the community
centre. The meetings start at 7..30 p.m .and new members will be most welcome
Below is a photo of veterans from Blidworth and Rainworth who visited the National Arboretum and Armed Forces War Memorial at Alrewas. The visit was organised by Blidworth parish Councillor Terry Hurst, ex Sherwood Forester/Worcester Forester to commemorate Veterans Day. Thanks to County Councillor Yvonne Woodhead and Blidworth Parish Council for funding the visit.
May I through the FOCUS thank everyone who has telephoned me and written thank
you letters and notes for the trip to Alrewas for the First Veterans Day event.
It was my pleasure to have funded the day after Cllr Terry Hurst contacted me
with the idea.
I didn't realise how much the day meant to everyone, and I am glad I jumped at
the chance to send them on their way.
Other things I have funded recently is the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and the
Jam Club in both Blidworth and Rainworth.
I am sure the money will be used for the benefit of all who attend and enjoy the
groups.
Yvonne Woodhead County Councillor Blidworth Ward
I would like to thank the members of Blidworth Surgery and the staff of the
chemist for their work of the past few months.
There have been hiccups as was expected, , during such a major building
programme but in spite of floods, cold winds and occasional hot spells I think
they have done brilliant and the new booking system seems to be a great one,
already. Good luck in the next phase, may you have a smooth change-over to the
new premises
Some years ago my son gave me a wishing well for my garden. It was only a two foot square, reddish, wooden structure, but with a plant in it. I liked it.
Last night I noticed it was gone. Why can’t some folk leave things be?
Parish Clerk’s Corner1. Parish Office - I suspect by the time you
read this report the Parish Office will have been demolished as part
of the renovation contract to accommodate the various leisure
facilities transferred from Rainworth Leisure Centre.
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On Tuesday 15th July 2008 Queen Elizabeth threw a garden party for 3000 people
at Buckingham Palace. It was the second of three garden parties to take place
there this summer.
The queen was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Earl of Wessex, the
Princess Royal, the Duke of Kent, the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and
Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy.
A band marked The Queen's arrival with a rendition of the National Anthem as she
stood on the steps. She then spent an hour mingling with guests over tea,
sandwiches and cake.
Among the guests was Mavis Wood of Blidworth and Lynne White of Ravenshead.
Mavis was invited in recognition of her 40 years of voluntary work. She is
regarded as a shining example of a volunteer by colleagues and peers at the
Daffodil Service at King’s Mill Hospital, where she was a dedicated volunteer
for four decades.
Lynne’s invitation came about as a result of her brave efforts tin overcoming a
severe disability to swim the equivalent of the English Channel in lengths and
the Leisure Centre, raising over £1000 for the Cornwater Day Centre.
Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s, when Queen
Victoria instituted what she preferred to refer to as 'breakfasts' although they
took place in the afternoon.
In the 1950s the number of garden parties held at Buckingham Palace was
increased from two to three a year.,taking the place of debutantes’ presentation
parties.
Nominations for invitations are made through Lord Lieutenants, and organisations
such as the Civil Service, Armed Services, Diplomatic Corps, charities and
societies. Invitations are sent out by the Lord Chamberlain on behalf of The
Queen and the arrangements are planned by the Lord Chamberlain's Office.
Some of the parties mark special events, for example in 1997 The Queen and The
Duke of Edinburgh hosted a garden party for couples sharing their Golden Wedding
anniversary (50 years) with them. In 1998 a special garden party celebrated the
50th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service. The guests were
all serving, or part-serving, members of the Health Service.
In 2002 special garden parties held at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of
Holyroodhouse included as guests individuals born on the day of The Queen's
Accession, 6 February 1952.
Mavis Says
The sun shone and the band played on my wonderful day at the royal garden party. The Queen, Prince Philip and many more royals were there. I received this honour for the voluntary work I have been involved in. I worked in the hospital forty years, also the Darby and Joan for twenty five years. I am on the Community Committee and also Rainworth over 50s. I enjoy helping anyone , young and old, and have joined in lots of things in the village. I would like to thank the people who nominated me, including my husband, Arthur, who has also encouraged me in everything.
Mavis Wood
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Hi guys |
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In the last issue I mentioned some events that the churches of Blidworth and
Rainworth are planning in the Summer and into Autumn. As this is the August
edition, I will give more details as a couple of these will run in August.
The first is a Holiday Club for children of Primary school age. This will run on
two mornings:
Wednesday 20 August St Simon & St Jude's Church, Rainworth
Thursday 21 August St Andrew's Mission Hall, Blidworth
The programme will be different on each day and we hope that children from
Blidworth and Rainworth will be able to come on both days. The club will run for
around two hours from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The best news is that the event is
free; it is an event that the churches wish to offer you. Look out for posters
and flyers - there will be an upper limit on numbers. We hope everyone who comes
will have a fun morning. If the club is successful, we may be able to expand it
in future years.
The second and biggest event will be on
Saturday 30th August and will be a Fun Day for the whole community. This will be
held on Rainworth Miner's Welfare grounds from noon and is open to all (but I'm
afraid you'll have to leave your dogs at home). We are planning to have stalls,
food, entertainment, games basically fun for all the family. And it will be as
free as we can make it, but we may have to charge for some of the food at cost,
but we are working on sponsorship to cover as much of this as we can. Once
again, look out for the adverts and posters as the event draws near.
Together we grow and learn|
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 Hello my name is Chantilly and I attend Blidworth Oaks Primary School. I really like a clean and tidy school. I reward the children who have the tidiest classroom, each week by joining them in their classroom for the week. I look froward to seeing you. |
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Hello my name is Hartley Bear and I attend Blidworth Oaks Primary School. My hobby is to visit and explore exciting places at weekends and school holidays. If you would like to tame me with you on a trip, please put your suggestion in my box, near the school office. I will enjoy reading them all and I will ask all the children in Friday Assembly, to help me choose which one I will go on. |
In the first Ofsted inspection of the
newly merged Blidworth Oaks Primary School, Blidworth, inspectors recognised the
excellent progress being made since amalgamation and its capacity for further
development.
Inspectors highlighted the strong leadership and management of the school,
acknowledging the team spirit of the senior leadership team, subject leaders and
governors and their commitment to continued progress. The inspectors comment
that the continued development of the school is in safe and accomplished hands.
The report praises the headteacher for her very good leadership saying she has
played a significant role in bringing about improvements to key aspects of
school life. As one pupil commented “the head can change anything”.
During the inspection, parents spoke well of the school and its efforts to make
a unified community of the previous infant and junior schools.
Describing some teaching as outstanding, inspectors saw pupils' learning moving
along at a cracking pace. The quality of other teaching was seen as good,
encouraging children to be independent and initiate their own learning.
Chair of Governors, Carol Wright commented “Ofsted have recognised and
complimented the hard work done by the whole school team since the amalgamation
just over a year ago. A great deal has been achieved, the school has been
transformed and has a solid base from which to raise standards further.
Headteacher, Celia Lasseter said “Blidworth Oaks has been on an incredible
journey over the last year and I am delighted that the inspectors have
acknowledged that the seeds of success have been sown! “
 V.Leach www.lakehead@aol.com |
Blood PRESSURE |
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the circulation.
When the heart beats, that is called systole, the pressure rises. In the resting
phase of the heart beat, called diastole, the pressure falls. Of course the
circulation continues as the heart continues to fill. The systolic pressure
ideally is 120 mm. of mercury and the diastolic 80 mm of mercury. An abnormally
raised blood pressure is referred to as hypertension. However, the blood
pressure is not constant but varies with exercise, anxiety, even during sleep.
Even attending the surgery may cause the B.P. to rise. The pressure should be
taken several times and on several occasions before deciding a blood pressure is
raised and needs treating.
Usually the cause of hypertension is unknown there is a connection with kidney
disease. A damaged kidney raises the blood pressure but a raised blood pressure
damages the kidney. Some hormonal conditions raise the blood pressure. The
commonest hormonal condition to cause hypertension is diabetes. This is due to
diabetic kidney damage. Some treatments such as steroids may raise the blood
pressure.
There are no symptoms to make one suspect a raised blood pressure unless the
pressure is dangerously high. People often associate headaches, dizziness,
faintness and many other symptoms with blood pressure. If there are symptoms
they are probably due to the damage the hypertension has caused.
What are the reasons for treating a raised blood pressure?
Damage to the kidney leading to kidney failure and dialysis and possibly
transplant must be mentioned. Routine kidney checks are carried out when
hypertension is diagnosed.
The increased pressure means the heart has to work harder and can cause
breathlessness and ultimately heart failure. With a raised blood pressure there
is much greater risk of angina and major heart attacks and even sudden death.
The greatest risk with significant hypertension is a stroke. That is a clot or
bleed, into the brain often with disastrous consequences, may be death or severe
paralysis. There may be more generalised brain damage causing fits and dementia.
The eye is very sensitive to hypertension with bleeding or clotting in the eye,
and may be the sudden loss of vision in the affected eye. Examination of the
retina may give a good indication of the damage being caused by hypertension.
One condition is even more important. That is toxaemia of pregnancy. Usually the
first sign, without symptoms is a rise in blood pressure. There may be bleeding
into the womb, damage to the placenta with stunted development and may be death
of the foetus. In some cases the mother's life is at risk. The routine checking
of the blood pressure during pregnancy is a vital examination. It is essential
that all expectant mothers attend for their examinations.
Treatment is very effective. The patient can do much for them selves to reduce
blood pressure. A change of life style to reduce tension, weight reduction,
reduced salt intake, adequate exercise, stopping smoking and reduction of
alcohol all help. Drug treatments are very effective. Side effects are minimal,
with few exceptions, and it should be possible to find a medication to suit an
individual. Do not be afraid, we may not be able to prevent hypertension but we
can do a great deal to prevent the complications and the hypertensive can have a
normal expectation of life.
Get your blood pressure checked and do not stop the medication
Charities and voluntary organisations including Help the Aged fund a wide range
of local activities. These include many designed to help older people maintain
their independence, such as home visiting and befriending, relief for carers,
meals on wheels, home repair services and home security, as well as support
projects that tackle isolation by offering access to buildings and transport.
There are a number of reasons why many older people end up feeling isolated from
their local community., One of the most obvious is the decline of local services
such as banks, post offices and shops. Many are moving to out-of-town locations
accessible only by car, yet only half of over-70s hold a driving licence. For
many older people this could mean the loss of an important source of social
contact and a reason to get out of the house. Many other services are shifting
online: The government must take steps to tackle the digital divide and ensure
that older people are not excluded from the opportunities offered by the
Internet.
Even when services are still available locally, they may not necessarily be
accessible to older people. If pavements are broken, public toilets shut down
and benches removed, some older people will opt to stay at home. Where services
are accessible by public transport, bus stops must be sited in convenient spots
and routes should be designed around users’ needs. For those older people who
cannot user public transport there must be alternatives such as taxi tokens or
door-to-door transport schemes.
Churches Together
We are aware that many of us have difficulties at times, and I am certainly
including myself in this. In the Autumn we will be holding a series of events on
Sunday evenings focussing on different topics and expert speakers are being
invited to give practical advice on how to cope. |
Footballing LadiesBlidworth Welfare FC are looking to set up a new girls’ team
next season and are prepared to offer the free use of on of their pitches for
any current established girls’s team. The team would have to play under the name
of Blidworth Welfare and become Club members, which currently costs £3 per
person. A kit is available for their use.
Blidworth's pre season fixtures to date are as follows: |
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Stepping DownDave Hughes has reluctantly had to step down as First Team Manager at
Blidworth Welfare. Dave came to the decision after spending time with
his brother Rob who has been in a coma since being attacked whilst on
holiday in Crete. Dave feels very sad at having to make this decision
especially now that Blidworth will play in the Supreme Division next
season but he feels it is the right decision to make at this moment in
time. Whilst in charge at Blidworth the Club won the Notts Intermediate
Cup and were unfortunate to lose in the final of the Quartet League
Challenge Cup to Dunkirk after an amazing run which saw his team beat
three Supreme Division sides including Championship winners Askern
Welfare.Everyone involved with Blidworth would like to wish Rob a speedy
recovery. |
The opportunity to gain computer skills & qualifications ranging from
beginners to advanced levels in a friendly informal atmosphere is now
available at Blidworth Library, starting on a Monday morning from September
15th. The session will run from 9.30am until 12.
Computer subjects covered are detailed below and employer-recognised
qualifications are available through awarding bodies; City & Guilds
(E-Quals07) and the British Computer Society (ECDL - European Computer
Driving Licence)
The initiative is a partnership between the Library and West Nottinghamshire
College and if successful then there is the potential to add more sessions.
Costs are from as little as £35 and many courses may be eligible to reduced
fees if you are over 65 and/or dependant upon your personal circumstances.
Subject areas include:
•Word-processing •Desktop Publishing
•Internet
•Computerised Accounts
•E-mail
•Database
•Web Design
•Digital Imaging
•Spreadsheets
•Email Using Outlook
•Presentation Graphics •I.T. Principles
•Integrated Applications
If you're interested and would like more information please call in or ring
the library on 0115 9652580 and speak to a member of staff who will be happy
to help you.
The college also runs a similar scheme in both Ravenshead and Calverton
Libraries please call David on 01623 793775 ext 8099 for further enquiries.
Jerry Green Dog Rescue are having their Open Day and Companion Dog Show on
31st August 2008. Please come and join us at the kennels in Warsop Lane.
Gates open 11a.m. Entry £1 on gate. Under 5's free. Free parking. Judging
starts 12 a.m.
Refreshments available all day. Raffle and Tombola - donations for these
always welcome.
Microchipping will be available on the day for your pet at a reduced price
of £10.
There is also be a stall to order engraved dog tags for the collar (as
required by law whenever your dog is away from the home).
There will be many stalls to browse. Also stalls to keep the children
amused. Some pitches still remain so whether you are a business, club, or
individual these can still be booked.(Tel 01623 792886). Charities also
welcome. There will also be a dancing dogs display.
And last but not least there will be current resident of the kennels who
will be hoping that they will each find their special someone. If you are
not in a position to adopt a dog perhaps you'd like to join the team of dog
walkers (adults only) who help give the dogs quality time between 1-3 each
day. Also donations of food, bedding can be left at the kennels on the day.
For more information on this charity and pictures of all the dogs patiently
waiting for their forever homes visit
www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk
The hard work
and commitment of two teams of two volunteers was recognised at the
Greenwood Community Awards Ceremony last Thursday evening held at Rufford
Country Park.
Bob & Barbara Clifford won the Team Awards for their work on Tippings Wood
in Blidworth and Tom Brewer and Tony Hart won Team Endeavour Award for work
on Oak Tree Heath.
Nominations were received from many groups and organisations for
environmental work carried out over the year 2007 working towards the
creation of Greenwood, Nottinghamshire's Community Forest.
Colin Barson, Chair of the Friends of Greenwood went on to present a review
of achievements by volunteers and organisations in 2007, while Cllr Veronica
Goddard and Cllr Ivor Walker, Greenwood Partnership Board members presented
the awards. Ten awards were presented on the night to volunteers from all
areas of Greenwood and included awards for individuals and teams of all ages
and abilities who take part in conservation tasks or work behind the scenes.
Sherwood Forest Community Ranger, John Wood nominated Bob and Barbara, but
declared the whole group as some of the finest people around. He said: “They
all deserve a medal, Brian Evans, Len Sprigg and Dave Perry too, but I feel
that Bob & Barbara should be rewarded for their considerable effort on
Tippings Wood.”
Speaking of Bob & Barbara, who won the Volunteer Team Award, Colin Barson,
said:
“No task is beyond Bob and Barbara who
are a driving force to be reckoned with. These two regularly give time and
effort to the management of Tippings Wood - sometimes several times a week.
They have undertaken many tasks that are necessary and worthwhile
countryside tasks, which keep this woodland looking healthy.”
Sherwood Forest Community Ranger, John Wood nominated Bob and Barbara, but
declared the whole group as some of the finest people around. He said: “
They all deserve a medal, Brian Evans, Len Sprigg and Dave Perry too, but I
feel that Bob & Barbara should be rewarded for their considerable effort on
Tippings Wood.”
Barbara Belford, Oak Tree Volunteer, praised Tom and Tony: “
Tony and Tom are two young men who stand out as model volunteers. Come rain,
shine, or even snow, they travel once a week, with their support workers,
from Hucknall to Mansfield by bus, to work on Oak Tree Heath.
They are not afraid of hard work, are always willing to help and are happy
to take on any jobs including the ongoing task of litter picking. They will
always have a laugh with you and are well respected by all the volunteers
and rangers. The entire group says it has been a pleasure to work with them
and they will always be welcome at Oak Tree Heath.”
Gill Grievson, Community Liaison Officer for Greenwood, said ”Volunteers are
thrilled to get recognition for the hard work they do, but it isn't all
about being recognised with an award. The whole evening allows groups to get
together and let all the other groups know what has been achieved”
Teeing off for RainbowsRetired footballing hero, Kenny Burns will be showing
his support for a local children’s hospice in September when he takes
part in their inaugural Golf Day. |
Come And Join UsAre you interested in what goes in the Focus? |
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