13 replies to this topic

[steve219]

Christmas is coming, and the leaflet announcing the Round Table’s collection for good causes raises a couple of questions. Two of those listed are ‘community transport’ and ‘good neighbours’.

What, or who, are they? Who benefits and how from whatever community transport is, I wonder? The ‘good neighbours’ appear to be paid, what do they do, and how?

Let me amplify…. I have lived in Burley now for almost 6 years, I am a pensioner, I have been registered blind for almost 20 years and I live alone. My immediate neighbours know of my eyesight - I do have some sight but can’t see to recognise people, so, perhaps thinking I am rude, folk rarely say even hello.

And I have no access to a car, and no family (except my dad), so a country pub, for example is a long-distant memory. Supermarkets are all but impossible, stores even more so. I can only go where bus or train can take me. (And I am sure many others are far, far worse off.)

But, while I would never ask for help and may well not accept it if it were offered, to know where help might be would be a comfort, if that's what these two, or others I know not of, do - just so I know what's out there should I need something.

So, in the absence of old-fashioned neighbourliness, – it’s not a Burley issue, that’s the way of the world, isn’t it – is this where these two causes come in? How do folk find out about such things? How do these good causes know who to offer help to, who keeps the register of candidates?

(I do stress, nothing against Burley, my dad has the same "problem" in another pert of the country.)

If anyone wants to contact me outside this forum, please use candle943@googlemail.com

[Grumpy]

"Good Neighbours" arranges transport to hospitals, doctors surgeries etc for the elderly or infirm. The drivers are volonteers but get their petrol etc costs reimbursed.
The users are invited to make a donation (in a sealed envelope).
I suggest you contact Gaile Boole on 862388

[ex-user]

Poor man's freemasonary.
A group of people
motivated more by socialising
and social climbing
than fund raising.

I think the Red Lion benefits
the most.

[PhilD]

greenhowleadman, on 15 December 2011 - 09:16 PM, said:

Poor man's freemasonary.
A group of people
motivated more by socialising
and social climbing
than fund raising.

I think the Red Lion benefits
the most.

unbelievable - I agree !
always thought RT was for blokes who reckoned they'd never get away with just saying "I'm off out for a pint"

[marygill]

The nasty comments made by some forum members never cease to amaze me.

[catbazza]

marygill, on 16 December 2011 - 02:28 PM, said:

The nasty comments made by some forum members never cease to amaze me.

& Me Too!.

[PhilD]

marygill, on 16 December 2011 - 02:28 PM, said:

The nasty comments made by some forum members never cease to amaze me.

oh dear - so a comment that you don't agree with is automatically "nasty"

I would have thought that you should be more concerned with the genuine plight described by Steve 219 than simply reaching out for the offended button

[steve219]

PhilD, on 16 December 2011 - 08:34 PM, said:

oh dear - so a comment that you don't agree with is automatically "nasty"

I would have thought that you should be more concerned with the genuine plight described by Steve 219 than simply reaching out for the offended button

Well, thanks for the one sensible response and also to James who emailed me personally, I think that indeed sums up my plight... James mentions there is a senior citizens' lunch in February, and while that would not appeal, I ma grateful for the message, James, and only ask rhetorically how are the old folk selected to go on this outing, clearly not every over 65 is asked, nor can every over 65.disabled by expected to either have web access or know there is something ca;ed "Community Transport" who might be of help.

I am sure I shall really enjoy the Spirit of Christmas...there seems to be three categories, those who have family and friends to surround them, those who somehow get to know about social events such as the SC lunch or supportive good causes, and the rest.

Steve

[marygill]

Steve219
If you log on to the Burley Website, click in information then social groups you will find lots going on.
Some not applicable but one for an organisation called The Hockney Group set up to "provide friendship & fellowship for the visually handicapped" and they meet fortnightly. Also the Probus Club and quite a few more that may be of interest.

To PhilD
I was making the point about your comments about the Round Table, which I thought considering they are a charitable concern rather below the belt.
You & others were using the plight of Steve 219 to launch an attack on them when he asked about them, and I felt it was very unfair, inrrespective of if I agree or not.

Edited by marygill, 19 December 2011 - 09:24 AM.

[PhilD]

marygill, on 19 December 2011 - 09:08 AM, said:

Steve219
If you log on to the Burley Website, click in information then social groups you will find lots going on.
Some not applicable but one for an organisation called The Hockney Group set up to "provide friendship & fellowship for the visually handicapped" and they meet fortnightly. Also the Probus Club and quite a few more that may be of interest.

To PhilD
I was making the point about your comments about the Round Table, which I thought considering they are a charitable concern rather below the belt.
You & others were using the plight of Steve 219 to launch an attack on them when he asked about them, and I felt it was very unfair, inrrespective of if I agree or not.

can anyone please help me out here - where have I "used the plight of Steve 219"?

and without wishing to enter into a tiresome debate I'd hardly call my comments "an attack" - I was merely expressing a view that RT seemed to attract a certain sort of individual

Steve I hope you have a really good Christmas

[marygill]

Yep you're right it was a bad choice of words, apologies

[PhilD]

marygill, on 19 December 2011 - 07:06 PM, said:

Yep you're right it was a bad choice of words, apologies

accepted let's move on

[weirdmusic]

Steve219 has hit on major bug-bear of mine with regard to organisations within Burley, who keep their activities a secret or perhaps the more prosaic reason is the lack of the means to distribute the knowledge of their presence to a wider audience.

Burley Parish Council - have a number of noticeboards dotted around the parish - but these seem to get used only for BPC business & minutes of meetings.
The Burley Handbook - has some info - the basics, but as it only comes out every 2-3 years, so it can't be expected to be up-to-date.
The quarterly newsletter could do with being developed into something more informative & meaningful.
The library has some info, leaflets & posters but they tend to be a bit of a hotch-potch of things.
Post Office & Parish Rooms windows - problem of relevance.
The village website is good, but for some reason people don't submit their events &/or details of their services to it. It can't be left upto the webmaster to chase organisations to update their details / events etc, it has to be upto the organisations themselves.

Clearly there's a need for a central resource plus a need to then distribute the information as widely as possible.

I'm quite happy to be the repository of any & all the information that people have on organisations, events, activities, services etc that take place in Burley & the surrounding district.
(Don't worry if the organisation doesn't have an online presence - I'll find a way round it, Just send me the info).

email: events@burley-in-wharfedale.org or send a private message to "weirdmusic"

Details required:-
Name of Organisation:
Address:
Contact Name:
Contact method: i.e. phone number, post, email address, website with contact form.
Service(s) / Event(s) / Activity etc:
If people have the details of National and/or District Organisations that might be relevant - please pass those on as well.

Distribution:
Online via the village website - I'll talk to the webmaster about this.
Offline: Printed leaflets / brochure - there's a number of possibilities as to how to get the information printed up & distributed.

[steve219]

weirdmusic, on 19 December 2011 - 11:13 PM, said:

Steve219 has hit on major bug-bear of mine with regard to organisations within Burley, who keep their activities a secret or perhaps the more prosaic reason is the lack of the means to distribute the knowledge of their presence to a wider audience.

<>
.

Thanks again for the serious input into this thread. The comments directly above are particularly welcome, but of course, while on the one hand I would feel very out of place in a "visually handicapped" group, because I don't see myself as handicapped, equally I cannot see to read notices on notice boards, etc... but yes, I am one in a very large number! (as in 1 in 10,000). (and since first posting this reply, someone has kindly explained what the Parish Rooms are.)

But it isn't a Burley issue - the problem of how to disseminate such information, even with the internet, is one all manner of activities face. The shotgun approach, or the more expensive direct targetting, as in leaflets. Fine to put stuff on the web or anywhere, as long as everyone knows it's there, and can access it, and that's the problem, not everyone has the net, not everyone can read small notices.... Impossible!!

And yes, Burley has a great many groups, but when you take out those that are for those with religious conviction or sporting ability, and those for youngsters or families, and those which, like Round Table, feels it right to discriminate by age or sex, there is not much left, and of course someone has to have the time to organise whatever group it is they want to start. many groups are closed to newcomers, and many, from experience, are run for the benefit of the "Chairman". I did try to join a couple of groups that did appeal when I moved here and was told where to go, lately someone suggested U3A, and I looked at that but the groups that are applicable there are "full up" - how can a social group be full??

Enough!! Christmas Day is here and the fish fingers need de-frosting. I have had two cards put through the door by neighbours too timid to knock, and one delightful, if short, singing of a door step carol. But there is no sign of 'Railway Children' on the box! Those of you with 12 round the table for dinner, or a place booked in a restaurant live in a different world. Perhaps the 'good causes' which started this thread should help balance this, as clearly, nation-wide, neighbours aren't.

Enjoy!!

S (Please excuse any typos)

Edited by steve219, 25 December 2011 - 03:22 PM.