Knaphill Group
Where we meet: The Vyne, Knaphill |
| When we meet: Thursday morning during term time |
Sessions are held from 10 am until 12 noon every Thursday during School Term Time at The Vyne, Knaphill to help Stroke Recoverers with dysphasia. |
Visit to RHS Wisley by TALK Knaphill On 31st July a party of 25 comprising 9 Recoverers (7 in wheelchairs), 10 Volunteers and 6 Carers met at RHS Wisley for a conducted tour of the Garden followed by lunch in the Cafeteria. Despite a forecast of unsettled weather, luck was with us and it was neither wet nor too hot. Having gathered at the outside cafe for coffee, we then moved into the Garden in ‘less than military style’ but fortunately facilitated by very obliging staff in the entry kiosk. With the combination of RHS memberships and free entry for Carers, only 3 entry fees were charged. Our guides, Averil and Heather, divided us into two groups and off we set. Not for us the flat and gentle way, but instead our route was to include Wisley’s highest point, the fruit garden. The ‘pain’ of the ascent was all but forgotten, as we admired the delights of Wisley whilst our excellent guides explained the history, concepts, horticulture, geology, educational schemes and entertainment events, etc. Up past the mixed borders, Battleston Hill, model gardens, on to the fruit garden and then down by the alpine display houses and rock garden. The descent to the New Glasshouse had its moments for our wheeled members (all strictly Health and safety compliant of course Jane!). However we arrived intact and had a brief meander through the tropical and temperate areas before heading back to the Cafeteria. Our route back took us via the Chinese pagoda and the lake with a bit of avian fauna included amongst the flora for added interest Two members who had strayed from their group, absorbed in the vegetable garden, reappeared for lunch, despite mobile phone exchanges with bad reception, confusing each others’ whereabouts. The Cafeteria’s oversight to reserve a promised tables for our party was offset by a compensatory gesture of free (non-alcoholic) drinks for everyone and we managed to obtain a fairly close set of tables. All seemed very content with the food and we departed somewhat tired but, I think, happy having seen just a little of RHS Wisley. As the RHS members would I’m sure agree, even if you were to go every day you would never manage to see all of its ever changing displays. |
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| Working with one hand and thinking around problems At a recent session Ann Brand, one of our volunteers, explained how she coped working with one hand. She had had a stroke herself which had left her without the use of her left arm and weakness in her left leg, but free of speech or cognitive impairment. A recent fall had resulted in a fracture to the bone of her already weak leg, exacerbating her disability She said she was nevertheless lucky to have lost the use of her left hand as she was right- handed. Some of the stroke recoverers were less fortunate in this respect. With special adaptations to her car and domestic appliances, particularly in the kitchen – and also with any amount of willpower - she was able to drive and cope with most day to day activities. She stressed the need to allow extra time and to think things out carefully, preferably before starting a job. The other volunteers and the recoverers were then asked to join in a discussion on the problems. Amongst the intriguing gadgets mentioned as aids was a battery-powered tin opener demonstrated by a recoverer, Jean Raisey.  photo: Ben Parker She is pictured with her Culinare ‘One Touch Can Opener’ on the table, alongside a tin of baked beans, which it had just opened (available from Robert Dyas at £17.99 or from Healthy Living Direct, Cat. No.13781 at £9.99 plus packing and postage of £4.95 – Tel. No. 0871 472 4250). Anna Oatley, our nonagenarian volunteer, is pictured holding her battery-powered jar and bottle opener – the ‘One Touch Jar Opener’ (available from Lakelands, Guildford at £19.99; also expected to be stocked by Robert Dyas by Christmas ’08).  photo: Ben Parker These gadgets all need batteries. Prices should be checked to ensure up to date. After a refreshments break, Avril O’Brien, who is the guiding hand behind many of our sessions, invited volunteers to do some specified art work and writing with their non-writing hand. They struggled with this, but found a further exercise, to convey a request without speaking or writing it down, even more challenging. The recoverers, carrying out the same exercises, were considerably more proficient! To ease the frustration the session concluded with a Bob Marley recording of ‘3 Little Birds’ with everyone joining in the much repeated lines of ‘Don’t worry about a thing, ‘cos every little thing is gonna be alright.’ Perhaps website visitors who know of useful devices for those whose handling is impaired would provide details. July 2008 |
| Who's who ? |
 Ben Parker joined the Knaphill Group as a volunteer when it started in 2000. He also served on the Talk Committee as fund raiser until 2006.He took over as Leader of the Group from Diana Lober in Spring 2007 but regards the running of the Group as a cooperative effort. Ben originates from Chesterfield (church with the crooked spire), Derbyshire. He spent several years in mixed practice before moving to Woking in 1970 to work at the Government Laboratories at New Haw, from which he retired in 1996, though continuing part time for a further 5 years. He is married to Elizabeth and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren who all live quite near so figure prominently in their lives. His interests include sport and art. He is lefthanded and ‘a bit’ colourblind but these are not regarded as valid excuses for not washing up or weeding the garden! |
Guildford Voluntary Grants Panel