Newsletter

NSF

Nottingham

Group

Rethink

WINTER 2008/ 2009  

Secretary’s Report: Part one

 With 12 people present, Margaret reminded us of the talks we have enjoyed and thanked the speakers for giving their time so freely. As October 2007 saw the 30th Anniversary of the Nottingham group, we had our meeting one week early to be part of Mental heath Weeks. Gerry Carton told us  of the Nottingham Institute of M/H; this a collaboration  between the University and the Healthcare Trust for research into mental  illnesses. Our Celebration was in January  - a party with cake, a quiz, music, Tom & Jerry cartoons: - many thanks to Judith, Rosemary, Bob and Rodney for making it a very happy evening. Recently we met Mike Cooke – Chief  Executive of Notts. Healthcare Trust; Eileen Murphy – National Lead for Rethink Groups;       Dr Seedat – Consultant Psychiatrist.

  The Committee met 4 times to plan the meetings and outings, 3 news    letters went to 90 members and 100 staff addresses. Thank you Rodney and John for the Computing, John also keeps our Web site up to date. Alan Hall received the Achievement Award.

  This year we are  campaigning about the reducing number of acute in–patient beds due to the upgrading of wards to single en-suite roods.

  Our current concern is the plan to close the Broad Street centre next March.    

Treasurer’s Report:

Jean reported a healthy balance in our funds, we had a one-off extra grant from Notts. County Council of £2200 to support internet access and the Website for the group; about £500 of this was spent on a laser printer etc, £1000 was spent on the summer outing, 10 panto tickets, 24 birthday gifts to service user members, catering at 2 meetings, room hire, secretary    expenses.

  The balance in our funds on 31/03/2008 stood at £3197. Jean thanked everyone for supporting the group.

Our summer outing was a lovely day at Teversal Manor. We were welcomed with a drink in the characterful  café of the ancient manor . We then explored the four terraced gardens at the back of the house. The lowest of these contained a garden of exotic plants and grasses needing little watering. It had a pretend stream of pebbles with bridges of railway sleepers. There was a large carved wooden gazebo in the Conner – we had our photos taken in it.

  It was a useful place to shelter during the odd shower, but the weather was mostly sunshine. The lowest terrace looked out over the countryside . The best part was the garden beside the top terrace – it came as a lovely surprise.

  There were different sections; gorgeous smelling roses and dazzling array of exotic poppies. There were plenty of seats from which to take in the garden. 

There was a  beautiful Japanese style area with waterfall, pond and gazebo.

  The manor contained a very tasteful gift shop. We finished the afternoon sitting out whilst being served hot drinks and temping, homemade cakes.

  Many thanks to those who organised the day, to John for discovering such a gem of a place and to Bob for getting us there and back safely.

Social Secretary’s Report:

John told us of the fun evening in December at the Playhouse pantomime, the summer outings in July and the picnic in Wollaton   Park in August when 7 member met. We had coffee in the café, ate our picnic among the flowers overlooking the lake, walked round the hall and the Industrial   Museum – all in perfect summer weather.

Here are Alice &  Kathy's memories of Saturday July 5th

Our summer outing was a lovely day at Teversal Manor. We were welcomed with a drink in the characterful  café of the ancient manor . We then explored the four terraced gardens at the back of the house. The lowest of these contained a garden of exotic plants and grasses needing little watering. It had a pretend stream of pebbles with bridges of railway sleepers. There was a large carved wooden gazebo in the Conner – we had our photos taken in it.

   It was a useful place to shelter during the odd shower, but the weather was mostly sunshine. The lowest terrace looked out over the countryside . The best part was the garden beside the top terrace – it came as a lovely surprise.

   There were different sections; gorgeous smelling roses and dazzling array of exotic poppies. There were plenty of seats from which to take in the garden. 

 There was a  beautiful Japanese style area with waterfall, pond and gazebo.

   The manor contained a very tasteful gift shop. We finished the afternoon sitting out whilst being served hot drinks and temping, homemade cakes.

   Many thanks to those who organised the day, to John for discovering such a gem of a place and to Bob for getting us there and back safely.

Annual Review Meeting Continued:

Secretary’s report: part two

After the reports, Jean and Margaret made an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:- THEY  ARE TO RESIGN  as Honorary Treasurer &     Secretary before the Annual review meeting 2009. To remind you of the group’s history – it was founded in the late 1970’s by Doris and Jim Sykes when their daughter became ill.   Doris was voted as Coordinator ( to link with Head Office in London ) and Jim as Secretary. In the next year or so Jean joined and became Treasurer, also Rosemary who was Chairperson from     1980 – 88. Margaret joined in 1982,Becoming Secretary after the sudden death of Jim in 1984. Doris remained Coordinator + Chairperson until May 2003.   Jean, Margaret and the committee members ( John, Bob, Rodney, Sarah and  Judith) have continued  the work of the group but . WE A NEED  COORDINATOR

   Some suggestions of ways forward were made by the meeting and we hope readers of the letters will be able to help.

   DO  WE WANT NOTTINGHAM NSF (Rethink)  TO CONTINUE as a group for the people with psychotic illnesses. Their carers and families?

                                   PLEASE TELL US 

1.        Pantomime at Playhouse – 7.30pm on Thursday 4th December Aladdin  this year with Kenneth Alan Taylor as the dame. Jean has the list –  we have ten ticket.

2.        Rethink Head Office has moved – the new address is: -   89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP. Phone 0845 456 0455 ( 0ffice Hours )