Forth Valley Sensory Centre
May / June News Bulletin
We have replaced our newsletter with a regular News Bulletin; copies will be
available via email, from the centre reception, distributed in social groups and
on our Facebook and website. Our News Bulletin is being included on
Newsline Talking Newspapers, Falkirk and Rocktalk Talking Newspapers in
the Stirling area. If you would like to register for Newsline contact
info@newsline.org.uk 01324 228313 for Rocktalk contact
ellakennedy22@gmail.com 01786 472309
Forth Valley Sensory Centre Great British Bake Off Competition
The first Forth Valley Sensory Centre Bake Off competition took place on
Tuesday 19th May. Entries included Guinness cake, lemon drizzle cake,
scones, chocolate chip cookies and jam tarts. All attending voted on their
favourite, the winning baker was Daniel, who works in Café Tiki, with his tasty
Scones. The event raised over £140. Thanks to all who baked and all who
ate.
Lawson’s Big Tattoo Challenge
Lawson Eades has so far raised £420 for the Centre, she also featured in the
Falkirk Herald. Lawson would like to thank all who have supported and
donated, your generosity is much appreciated! We hope to use part of the
money for our Choir the Sensory Singers.
Cakes and Coffee
We are having a very informal coffee and cakes at the Centre on Thursday
28th May, 2.00 – 4.00pm, drop in anytime, it is a chance to say goodbye to
Joanne. Joanne has given us strict instructions no fuss!
Centre Manager
Jackie Winning, the new Centre Manager will start on 8th June 2015.
Dining Group
Our Dining Group is proving popular If you would like to join us please contact
Centre reception to book your place. A £5, non returnable deposit is required
to confirm your place, payable at reception. Transport may be available.
May Meeting: Friday 29th May, Westerton Arms, Bridge of Allan, 12.00pm
June Meeting: Friday 26th June, Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, Falkirk,
12.00pm
Wednesday Group
Local Historian Ian Scott will be speaking at the next Wednesday Group.
Next meeting: 17th June, 10.30 – 12.00pm. BSL Interpreter Booked.
Guitar Group
Have you ever wanted to play the guitar and wondered how to go about it ?
Guitar tuition is now available for those service users who are registered blind
or partially sighted through R.N.I.B Scotland at the Forth Valley Sensory
Centre.
Lessons are completely free, donations are not compulsory but most
welcome. Classes are designed for beginners but those with some experience
are welcome too. Guitar lessons take place on Wednesdays from 12 p.m until
1 p.m approximately.
We only have a few guitars at the moment so if you have your own please
bring it along, if not we shall share the equipment. Learning by touch and ear
will allow us to progress by learning some chords to begin with before we
progress to other styles of play.
One of the students David Black said ,"I never thought I would be able to play
the guitar until this came up".... "I sometimes sing for my niece and nephew
and always imagined that it would be nice to play the guitar for them too, now
I feel that's possible".
If you are interested in joining the class, want to meet new people and have a
lot of fun please contact us at the below address to reserve a place in the
class as numbers are limited at this time:
Marc Bozza MBozza@rnib.org.uk Telephone: 01324590888
Blazing Saddles
We have been working with Blazing Saddles and held our first cycling session
on 12th May, on an unseasonably wet and windy day. The session gave those
taking part a chance to learn about and try several different styles of adapted
bikes. The sessions are being run as ‘Tasters’ Blazing Saddles hope they will
have the capacity to offer something in our area on a more regular basis in
the future, but cannot give a definite date as they are trying to develop new all
ability cycling hubs across the country. We have another session on 2 nd June,
Sighted Guide Volunteers will be available, cost £5 per session, if you are
interested in attending contact Fiona via reception.
Qigong
We are planning to start a new Qigong Class, the class tutor will be Justine
Lim. Justine describes Qigong as “the art of working with Qi, your "life
energy". It is the movement of the Qi through focus, relaxation and intent. To
the observer it may look like slowed down aerobics but it is so much more
than that. The external movements are there to assist the practitioner to
prompt internal movement in their Qi. This is an art that is steeped in Chinese
history, legend and myth and has many claimed benefits such as stress
reduction, increased vitality, stronger immune system and improved balance
and co-ordination”
We are going to run a taster session on 8th June, 12.30–1.30pm. We plan to
start the class in August on a fortnightly basis. There will be a cost for the
class to cover the cost of the tutor. We need a minimum number of people in
the class for it to take place, if you are interested in attending then please let
us know.
Facebook page
If you would like weekly updates about what is happening in the Centre, visit
the Centre's Facebook page and add the Centre as a friend. We also share
articles from Action on Hearing Loss, RNIB & Guide Dogs and Café Tiki’s
weekly specials menu.
Art and Craft Group
The Art & Craft Group will no longer be meeting every second Monday we
would like to thank volunteer Alison Lynas for all her help in running this group
over the last year. Unfortunately the uptake for this class has been
disappointing. We would be very keen to restart it if more people come
forward who are interested in attending. If you are interested in attending an
art or craft group and would like to see this re started please get in touch with
reception.
Community Police
“Hello! I am one of nine Police Officers who form the Falkirk South Community
Policing Team. It is a pleasure to be involved in a community engagement
initiative with Forth Valley Sensory Centre and everyone who uses the
facilities there.
Each month, members of my Team and I hold 'drop-in surgeries' at the
Centre. These surgeries allow you to obtain information on a variety of police
and crime prevention topics or to have any relevant questions answered.
Where needed, BSL Interpreters will be available and our intention is to create
a relaxed environment for engagement with the Police, with any needed
support available.
We will also be available to deliver presentations on suitable topics to specific
groups upon request (please see Brenda at the Centre for more information).
Can I take this opportunity to highlight our Text Relay Service for general
enquiries (for those who need it/BSL users). Text 18001101 or Text Phone
18000.
I look forward to meeting you in the near future.”
Blair Rennie, Community Police Officer
Next Date – 16th June 1-3pm An Interpreter is booked from 1 – 2pm
Theatre Group
The Theatre Group recently went to Shrek at the Kings Theatre Glasgow,
those who attended really enjoyed the performance. The group go to
performances which are audio described and go on a touch tour prior to the
show. The touch tours are led by Theatre staff, and give an opportunity for
people to feel costumes and props, those attending previously have said it
has added to their enjoyment of the show. If you are interested in coming
along to future shows please contact Alison, via reception
Forth Valley Sensory Centre
Redbrae Road
Falkirk
Camelon
FK1 4DD
Tel: 01324 590888
07803897928 TEXT ONLY
e-mail sensory@forthvalleysensorycentre.org