Meetings Snapshot
December 2023
Speaker – Church Gresley Colliery Band
The band played a selection of Christmas songs. An interesting explanation of the instruments and what each one did was given. How the band members began their journey with their instruments and in the band were also covered. There was singing by all members too.
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November 2023
Speaker – Adrian Cross, Expedition Leader
Adrian leads expeditions to Antarctica regularly. He was born in Ashby Hospital, brought up in Heather and educated at Ibstock School. Adrian joined the Royal Navy where he met the King, visited Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. He later worked for British Midland and in finance.
Adrian answered an advert for Antarctica and met Robert Swan who had walked to both poles. Now leads expeditions taking mainly university researchers from 28 nations to Antarctica. In 2000 he was awarded recognition from UN as a special envoy.
Adrian showed us a film and slides of the work they do. He is a safety officer, zodiac driver, logistics person as well as expedition leader. 2041 is the year when a new Antarctic treaty needs to be ratified to protect the area from mineral exploitation and over tourism.
Adrian was a very humorous speaker and his talk was enjoyed by all.
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October 2023 AGM
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September 2023
Speaker – Glynis Myall, Canine Partners
Canine Partners opened in Osgathorpe in 2012. They visited local groups to spread the word. Glynis, a member of a local WI group was inspired to volunteer from the beginning and has now helped with the development of 23 dogs.
There are approximately 50 working dogs nationwide, enabling disabled people to live their lives to the full, both physically and emotionally. All expenses are paid during the training program, and there is plenty of support but lots of volunteers are needed for each stage of the dog's development. Would you be interested?
Brood Holders nurture the puppies from birth to 8 weeks. Then puppy parents take over until they are 14 months old. They are taught 3 core skills tugging, retrieving and touching. Then foster parents take over from 14 to 18 months. They work with a trainer who tailors the dog's new skills to match the specific needs of the future Partner. Eg medical…the dog can be alert for breathing difficulties or social where a dog was trained to sit quietly in regular long church services.
Towards the end of training the future partner comes to Osgathorpe, stays on site for a week and eats, sleeps and works with the dog, sharing the training. Once everyone feels confident, the dog goes home with its new owner, with the assurance that support will be there for up to two years. After 18 months there is a ceremony where the new dogs and partners receive an official certificate. Everyone involved with the training is also there and with maybe 14 dogs.
Partners have the opportunity to talk about the difference the dog has made to their life. Glynis says this is a wonderful day and is a bit tearful. If a dog fails its training or retires, they are rehomed or can sometimes become a companion dog.
The list of things these dogs can do is endless but includes helping their partner to undress, picking up things from the floor, loading the washing machine, pressing buttons on lifts, picking up items in a shop and placing them in a basket or opening and closing a door. A dog's working life is 12 years and the funding needed for this is approx £30,000. If you want to see them in action or could help in any way look at www.caninepartners.org.uk
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August 2023
Speaker – Stewart Shepherd, Chair of Hospice Hope
Stewart explained the purpose of Hospice Hope to meet the needs of people in NW Leicestershire. 25% of houses have someone living there who has a long term limiting illness. The area also has an ageing population. He outlined the position since Covid. The support cafes have reopened, although the day centre has not, but there have been new services needed e.g. counselling, befriending and wellness. A new centre is being built on land leased from the council at a peppercorn rent and the building is being given by Bloor Homes. It will be known as Bright Hope House. The keys will be received on 16th October 2023. In November complementary therapy will move there with other services moving in when they can. The support cafes in Ashby, Coalville and Ibstock will continue. In December day care will start and will grow in 2024. The official opening will be in April 2024.
Hospice Hope will rebrand as Bright Hope. New volunteers are welcome.
The aim is to open 4 days a week. There will be space for other groups e.g. MND or MS to meet there. At present a fundraiser is being recruited as it costs £250,000 pa to run.
When Bright Hope House is open and needs assessed Stewart will tell Ashby Spa WI what our donation has been used for. Thanks to Stewart was given by Adele.