APRIL 2010
FOREWORD
Written by Lorna M. SEWELL
Written by Lorna M. SEWELL
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am very pleased to tell you that our recent bid for funds from the Big Lottery has been successful. This will mean that we will be able to increase our Staff and increase the number of Drop-in Days. The Trustees have been very concerned at the level of stress our present Staff experience and the long hours they work, and the length of time our Service Users have to wait before they are able to see a Support Worker. We hope that with two more Support Workers and an increased number of Drop-in Days, this situation will improve. We also plan to employ two other Staff members: one to provide access to English lessons and to give outreach support to help our Service Users to access vital services. The fourth additional Staff member will provide access to health and leisure facilities and, if a need is found, to include women's activities.
The funding we will receive will be over the next four years and we will be required to find other funding ourselves amounting to between £70 and £80,000 each year. So you can see that this project has heavy responsibilities on our part, both financial and practical, as we are also expected to report on the outcomes of the project on a regular basis. The Funding Group of the Trustees will continue to bid for further funds where ever possible. The Trustees are confident that we can meet these obligations with the support also, both practically and financially, of our Friends and Supporters to ensure that the advice and help we give to a very vulnerable section of the Plymouth community will continue.
Yours sincerely,
Lorna M Sewell
Chair, DCRS Board of Trustees
CONTENTS
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
|
Just run your mouse over the blue links and click... | |
| Activities Group | Page 5 |
| Advertisements | Page 8 |
| Clothing Store | Page 6 |
| Diary Dates | Page 18 |
| Food Programme | Page 6 |
| Foreword | Page 1 |
| General Matters | Page 3 |
| Greetings & Best Wishes | Page 2 |
| Information | Page 8 |
| Internet Suite | Page 7 |
| Letters to the Editor | Page 2 |
| News | Page 8 |
| Reception Desk | Page 8 |
AN URGENT APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Written by Elizabeth A HARDINGE
Written by Elizabeth A HARDINGE
V
OLUNTEERS NEEDED URGENTLY. The good news
about our funding situation mentioned in the Foreword, means that we shall be opening the Centre for Drop-in on more days; eventually five days a week. We've calculated that we will need at least seven people volunteering each day to maintain our current level of service whilst increasing our hours of opening. So we will be needing more volunteers! Anyone who is interested in exploring the possibilities please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Centre or by email: lizhardinge@btinternet.com for more information. Or contact Geoff (details at the foot of the page).
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
From: Margret
To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Tue, 2 March, 2010 8:43:43
Subject: DCRS NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH 2010
Thanks Geoff.
Thank you very much!
Kind regards
Margret
Placement Co-ordinator –
Community and Youth Studies
UCP Marjon
From: George
To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Tue, 2 March, 2010 9:27:05
Subject: Re: DCRS NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH 2010
Geoffrey,
I really enjoy receiving all your news and updates. Thank you very much. Kind regards and the best of health for you my friend.
George
From: Art
To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Tue, 2 March, 2010 9:50:36
Subject: Re: DCRS NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH 2010
Dear Geoff,
Thanks for the copy of the Newsletter; glad the photo was useful. As I think I've said before, the Newsletter is great; I find it difficult to see how you can produce most of it yourself!
Art, South Molton
From: Richard
To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Tue, 2 March, 2010 12:16:41
Subject: Re: DCRS NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH 2010
By the way Geoff - Thank you for the Birthday Wishes in the March Newsletter.
Sincerely yours,
Richard
GREETINGS & BEST WISHES!
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Jean HINTON for her birthday on Thursday, 1st April. Jean is one of keen Supporters. Have a great day Jean!B
EST WISHES FOR A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Thursday, 1th April to Sophie JOYCE. Sophie is one of our paid part-time Staff Members responsible for assisting with our administration. Enjoy your special day Sophie!H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Aris KAKONDE for Saturday, 3rd April. Aris is one of our former volunteers and still a keen Supporter. Have a great day Aris!W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Hadi AL-ZUBAIDI for Wednesday, 7th April. Hadi is a former volunteer and although he's moved away from the area he remains a Supporter. Happy Birthday Hadi!H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Hercule MIKUBU for his birthday on Monday, 12th April. Hercule is a Supporter. Have a great day Hercule!W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lauren REDDINGTON-SMITH for Tuesday, 13th April. Lauren is one of our Student Placement volunteers. Enjoy your special day Lauren! B
EST WISHES FOR A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Saturday, 24th April to Trish BAXTER. Trish is our Lead Project Support Worker without whom our organisation would simply collapse! Thank you for your loyalty and hard work Trish - enjoy your special day! W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tyler SUNDERLAND for Wednesday, 28th April. Tyler is a relatively new Volunteer and is already assisting us by helping out with our Activities Group. Happy Birthday Tyler!H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Hermione MARSHALL for her birthday on Thursday, 29th April. Hermione is one of our Supporters. Have a lovely day Hermione!
H
APPY BIRTHDAY
to Heather SABEL for her birthday on Tuesday, 4th May. Heather is a former Project Manager of DCRS and still a keen Supporter. Have a great day Heather! B
EST WISHES FOR A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
on Wednesday, 5th May to Paul RICKARD. Paul is one of our Volunteers assisting on our Group Activities Team. Enjoy your special day Paul!
2
H
APPY BIRTHDAY
to Liz HARDING for Friday, 7th May. Liz is one of our Trustees with especial responsibility as our Personnel Officer for both Staff and Volunteers. Have a great day Liz! W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to Pat JOYCE for Tuesday, 25th May. Pat is a member of our Paid Staff; our Administrative & Financial Officer. Pat fills in some days as our second Project Support Worker. Happy Birthday Pat! B
EST WISHES to Joan REID who had to spend a couple of days in Derriford Hospital recently after suffering a fall! Joan is one of our founder Volunteers and more recently a very keen Supporter. We're very pleased to announce that Joan is looking as sprightly as ever and is well on the road to recovery.F
AREWELL. We said farewell to Sophie JOYCE on Wednesday, 24th March. Sophie has been our paid part-time Assistant Administrator for a number of months. We wish her well in her future employment in Exeter.F
AREWELL. We say farewell to Reza SOHEILY who has moved on to pastures new! Reza was a keen supporter and a big help to us as a member of our Food Team. We wish him well in his future endeavours.W
ELCOME. We wish a very warm welcome to two new prospective volunteers: Theresa CROUCH
Khosoro FALAH
Linda HARDING
Irena ONIONS
Sidiq TAHMASEBI
Peter RIDER
DCRS GENERAL MATTERS
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
(except where stated)
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
(except where stated)
A
NNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2010. DCRS will hold an Open Day in the Centre between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, 18th June during Refugee Week. The business side of the AGM will be held later on the same day. A
NNUAL REVIEW FOR 2009.
We're currently assembling and editing our Annual Review for 2009 which will hopefully be ready for publication in time for our Open Day on Friday, 18th June. We're now calling on all our Friends and Supporters to send us articles and photographs for inclusion. Please submit any articles directly to me, Geoff (contact details at the foot of the page)
You can see our earlier reviews by visiting our website at: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org/.
If you wish to know more about the Baptist Assembly please visit: http://www.baptistassembly.org.uk/home.asp?=1
Submitted by Christine REID
The purpose of the event was to launch the DVD which can be used as tool to raise awareness about the added stigma and discrimination facing many Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people within our mental health services.
Christine REID and Geoff Read attended this event on behalf of DCRS and it was held in the Levinsky Building of the University of Plymouth on Monday 29th March.
Following introductory talks participants were divided into discussion groups and shown the DVD. There were four scenarios each depicting people who had come up against barriers of accessing mental health issues. Useful discussions followed after each scenario. Each followed a similar theme of mental health issues for whatever reason, people were becoming stigmatised and we have to help them overcome this. Further information may be obtained from Geoff (contact details at the foot of the page).
B
APTIST UNION OF GREAT BRITAIN. This Union will be holding its Annual Assembly in Plymouth Pavilions from Friday, 30th April – Monday, 3rd May. DCRS has been honoured as being their selected charity for the event. We hope to be manning a Display Stand / Stall and the timings are currently being worked out. If you are still interested in helping out... please give your names to Christine REID or Geoff READ (details at the bottom of the page) If you wish to know more about the Baptist Assembly please visit: http://www.baptistassembly.org.uk/home.asp?=1
Submitted by Christine REID
B
OARD OF TRUSTEES' MEETINGS. A meeting of the DCRS Board of Trustees was held on Thursday, 25th February. The next meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday, 1st April 2010 at 2.30 p.m but later changed to Thursday, 15th April at 2.30 p.m. Should anyone wish to have a particular matter discussed then please contact a Trustee of DCRS.B
REAKING THROUGH BARRIERS – DVD LAUNCH. This event was hosted by Plymouth & District Racial Equality Council (PDREC) on behalf of Community Development Workers (CDW) in Plymouth, Cornwall, Devon, Exeter and Torbay, and the South West Regional CDW Network. The purpose of the event was to launch the DVD which can be used as tool to raise awareness about the added stigma and discrimination facing many Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people within our mental health services.
Christine REID and Geoff Read attended this event on behalf of DCRS and it was held in the Levinsky Building of the University of Plymouth on Monday 29th March.
Following introductory talks participants were divided into discussion groups and shown the DVD. There were four scenarios each depicting people who had come up against barriers of accessing mental health issues. Useful discussions followed after each scenario. Each followed a similar theme of mental health issues for whatever reason, people were becoming stigmatised and we have to help them overcome this. Further information may be obtained from Geoff (contact details at the foot of the page).
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C
ITIZENSHIP CEREMONY.
It was indeed an honour for me and others to be invited by the Plymouth City Council to attend one of these ceremonies in March. One of our DCRS Service Users took the Oath of Allegiance and a Pledge of Loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and received their Certificate of Naturalisation at The Plymouth City Council House. A very moving experience! T
HE COAT OF ARMS OF THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH. The motto is 'Turris fortissima est nomen Jehova' translating as "The name of Jehovah is the strongest tower" and is taken from the Proverbs of Solomon. 
The present coat of arms was designed by Mr. Arthur COCKRANE, Clarenceux King of Arms, and was authorised in 1931. It consists of a silver spade-shaped shield with a green St. Andrew's Cross (the dedication of the
Mother Church of Plymouth) and four black towers representing the towers of the original Plymouth Castle.
The crest is a blue naval crown, which replaced the inaccurate crown on the earlier arms, and a red anchor held aloft by a golden lion's paw: this is taken from the old Devonport arms and represents the naval connection.
The two lion supporters have red medallions charged with a silver boar's head: these are taken from the arms of the Mount Edgcumbe family, who held the Manor of East Stonehouse.
These colours are used in the design of the Plymouth Data Website: the green from Plymouth, the navy blue from Devonport and the red from East Stonehouse.
For further information please visit:The crest is a blue naval crown, which replaced the inaccurate crown on the earlier arms, and a red anchor held aloft by a golden lion's paw: this is taken from the old Devonport arms and represents the naval connection.
The two lion supporters have red medallions charged with a silver boar's head: these are taken from the arms of the Mount Edgcumbe family, who held the Manor of East Stonehouse.
These colours are used in the design of the Plymouth Data Website: the green from Plymouth, the navy blue from Devonport and the red from East Stonehouse.
http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/coatofarms
C
OMMUNITY VISION SYMPOSIUM 2010.
This year's Community Vision Symposium, initiated by the Improving Reach Project through the community development programme was held at the Holiday Inn on Friday, 19th March.
There were over one hundred delegates representing more than fifty different agencies.
Following the success of last year's aim to consolidate and increase the community development work of partnerships in the city, Improving Reach Project and Generations Together organised a programme which included various workshops; two performances from the Barbican theatre youth group; and two main speakers: John MILLER& – Plymouth City Council's Head of Integrated Youth Support and Robbie NAIRN, OBE – Chief Executive Officer of The Elder Tree & Plymouth Befriending Umbrella.
Last year START & DCRSC jointly led a workshop with the theme of serving the Asylum Seeker & Refugee (ASR) community, but this time we facilitated one ourselves, with the assistance of volunteers from our Service Users and others who serve on a regular basis at the Masiandae Centre.
The theme for this year was "Bridging Culture & Generations" which gave us clear opportunity to share the gaps in understanding between the myths, ignorance of public opinion and the realities of everyday life as a person seeking sanctuary in our British culture.
Following the success of last year's aim to consolidate and increase the community development work of partnerships in the city, Improving Reach Project and Generations Together organised a programme which included various workshops; two performances from the Barbican theatre youth group; and two main speakers: John MILLER& – Plymouth City Council's Head of Integrated Youth Support and Robbie NAIRN, OBE – Chief Executive Officer of The Elder Tree & Plymouth Befriending Umbrella.
Last year START & DCRSC jointly led a workshop with the theme of serving the Asylum Seeker & Refugee (ASR) community, but this time we facilitated one ourselves, with the assistance of volunteers from our Service Users and others who serve on a regular basis at the Masiandae Centre.
The theme for this year was "Bridging Culture & Generations" which gave us clear opportunity to share the gaps in understanding between the myths, ignorance of public opinion and the realities of everyday life as a person seeking sanctuary in our British culture.
"Bridging gaps and building positive communities" was the theme for our workshop, which illustrated the personal skills of those who come seeking sanctuary ready to invest into society wherever they are welcomed to volunteer and be part of their local community.
Tom BANNAN, Trish BAXTER, David FEINDOUNO, Pat JOYCE and Chedi SHAEDI participated together in an interactive workshop where the few attendees heard the testimonies of what life is really like as a destitute person with no choice and restrictions that govern their residence, budget, activities and freedom of life.
Thanks go to all who made the time and effort to be part of the day. We witnessed an ongoing awareness and recognition of increasing achievements amongst the partnerships represented by the many delegates and the variety of display stands they brought with them.
Improving Reach intend these Symposiums to be an annual event to which we will no doubt be welcome to attend next year.
Submitted by Mrs. Trish BAXTERTom BANNAN, Trish BAXTER, David FEINDOUNO, Pat JOYCE and Chedi SHAEDI participated together in an interactive workshop where the few attendees heard the testimonies of what life is really like as a destitute person with no choice and restrictions that govern their residence, budget, activities and freedom of life.
Thanks go to all who made the time and effort to be part of the day. We witnessed an ongoing awareness and recognition of increasing achievements amongst the partnerships represented by the many delegates and the variety of display stands they brought with them.
Improving Reach intend these Symposiums to be an annual event to which we will no doubt be welcome to attend next year.
E
ASTER HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS. Please note that the Centre will be closed on the following dates:Friday, 2nd April 2010 (Good Friday Holiday)
and
Monday, 5th April 2010 (Easter Monday).
I
N DEFENCE OF YOUTH WORK. Christine REID and
Geoff READ attended an 'In Defence of Youth Work' 
seminar at the Marjon University College on Friday, 5th March 2010. This is a national campaign which is attempting to promote and defend youth work's unique educational practice. For further information please visit the website:http://indefenceofyouthwork.wordpress.com
O
PEN DAY. It was agreed, at the February Board of Trustees'Meeting, that DCRS will hold an Open Day in the Centre between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, 18th June during Refugee Week. The business side of the AGM will be held later on the same day.O
UR WEBSITE. There's is a new feature on our website... a month-by-month Calendar. We've taken 
a lot of time adding dates to this calendar so we really hope that you will use it and that some of you will find it really useful! Just go to http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org/ and then click
"Calendar" in the left hand column. Alternatively, click on this link and it will take you straight to our Calendar: http://dcrsc-archives.webs.com/Calendar.htm. If there are any dates that you think should be added then do please send them to me (details at the foot of the page).
4
S
TORAGE SPACE. When the circumstances of our Service Users change, there is often a requirement for them to move from one lot of accommodation to another. You can imagine the turmoil this can cause, especially if the Service User involved has a family. We then need a storage space to store their belongings which might include household items and / or furniture, etc. This is usually just a temporary situation. So... if anyone has any sheltered space, perhaps in a garage or similar, then do please let us know at DCRS. You could be saving someone an enormous amount of anguish! Please contact Geoff (details at the foot of this page).T
ALKS AND PRESENTATIONS (1). Christine REID and Geoff READ gave a formal presentation to students of the Saltash College on Monday, 1st March. The students were very attentive and Chris and Geoff were made very welcome and warmly received. Our especial thanks to Ms. Becki LEWIS for inviting us! For further information on Saltash College, please visit: http://www.cornwall.ac.uk/T
ALKS AND PRESENTATIONS (2). Christine REID and Geoff READ gave a formal presentation to members of the Lyme Regis Amnesty International Group on Monday, 15th March. The Talk was warmly received as shown by the email below. Our especial thanks to Guy and Tilly for making us so welcome! For further information on Amnesty International, please visit: http://www.amnesty.org.uk/.
From: Tilly
To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Tue, 16 March, 2010 13:45:48
Subject: Re: Amnesty International
Hi Christine & Geoffrey,
I''m so glad you talked at our meeting last night. Several people told me today how much they'd learned from your presentation. You really cleared up some misconceptions such as the definitions of asylum seeker vs refugee. I'm just sorry that more people weren't there, but at least five active members were out of town.
Thank you very much for coming all this way. At least it was a lovely day so you saw Lyme at its best.
I'll look forward to seeing you here sometime this spring, Christine. And Geoffrey, I do hope your health continues to improve.
Best wishes,
Tilly
The picture in the next column shows members of the Lyme Regis Amnesty International Group together with Christine REID and Geoff READ.
Photograph courtesy of Guy OTTEWELL
V
ISIT TO DCRS. Mr. Andrew LEIGH, the UKIP Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, made an informal visit to our Centre on Tuesday, 30th March. Unfortunately both our paid part-time Project Support Workers were on other duties elsewhere but Lorna SEWELL, the Chair of our Board of Trustees and Christine REID, our Food Programme Coordinator managed to field his questions!For more on UKIP, please visit:
http://ukindependenceparty.ning.com/profile/AndrewLeigh.
V
OLUNTEERS' MEETINGS. The most recent meeting was held on Thursday, 25th March and the minutes are available at the Centre. All volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the next meeting (presumably) scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, 29th April. Volunteers who find they are unable to attend are requested, as a matter of courtesy, to inform our Volunteer Coordinator (Liz HARDING) prior to the meeting.THE DCRS ACTIVITIES GROUP
Written by Bill BUDGE
Written by Bill BUDGE
C
RICKET TRAINING. A young Service User is still attending the winter training, really enjoys the sport, and has made a lot of new friends. But he is desperate to have his own cricket bat! If anyone can help do please contact me at the Centre or Geoff (contact details at the foot of the page).M
OTOR MECHANICS COURSE. This course finished at the end of March. The young man who has been attending this course has been a credit to our Centre he has come out top, achieving a Pass in all 20 diplomas. Congratulations!N
EW EVENTS. There are two courses starting in May:• The first one is for females who are interested in singing, dancing and / or acting.
• The second is a mixed course for males and females. This also is for anyone interested in singing, dancing and and / acting.
5
S
WIMMING. This is ongoing and we're now down to eight Service Users enjoying the course!W
ANTED URGENTLY... a Cricket Bat... but it must be in good condition. Please contact Bill at the Centre. Alternatively contact Geoff (details at the foot of the page).For further information regarding the Activities Group please contact Bill BUDGE direct or Geoff READ (contact details at the foot of the page).
THE DCRS CLOTHING STORE
R
EPORT. Thank you again for all your support! Our Tuesday Sorting Sessions have proved to be very successful with four or five of us working to sort the donations. Storage continues to be a major problem. We have enough women's and children's clothes to last for the next six months! The YMCA Charity Shop in Royal Parade, St. Vincent de Paul and other charities are very happy to take such donations.Monetary donations in lieu of items of clothing are always acceptable and would be used to put together our Rough Sleeper Kits.
The only items we need at the moment (and this can change from month-to-month) are pillows, double-duvets (in good condition) and young men's jeans and shoes.
Thank you all for your cooperation.
Submitted by Margaret E. SHINNER
C
LOTHING STORE COORDINATOR. Margaret SHINNER, who has been coordinating the Clothing Store on and off for the last few years, has decided for a number of reasons that it is time to step down from this role. We're really sorry about this and will miss her knowledge and expertise but she has done a good stint and understandably needs a rest from it all! We should like to give Margaret a huge Thank You for all she has done. She'll not be leaving our band of Volunteers totally so we hope to still have her around the Centre.
In view of this DCRS is now looking for a new Volunteer to coordinate the Clothing Store and its Team. It needs to be someone who can be available on a fairly regular basis so as to have an overall view of the situation and needs in the Store, and to keep an eye on the stock etc. If you would like a challenge and feel up to it please contact Liz HARDINGE at the Centre for further information. Alternatively email Geoff (details at the foot of the page).
Submitted by Elizabeth A. HARDINGE
Donations for the Food Programme are still being received and we are really thankful for these as it helps to supplement the Food Budget and also gives our Service Users a little variety with some Nice-to-Have items as there is no monetary provision for this.
Our Food Budget is currently covering our food purchases each week, but we are always pleased to receive donations.
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup margarine
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 6 cups chocolate crispy rice cereal
Method
1. Melt margarine and marshmallows over medium heat in a large pot, stir in vanilla and chocolate crispy rice cereal.
2. Using your hands (butter them first or moisten with a little water), shape into eggs, or use hollow plastic eggs to mould into shape.
3. Refrigerate
Enjoy! For this and other superb recipes please visit:
www.mydish.co.uk/recipe/3358/Crispy%20Rice%20Easter%20Egg
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
Submitted by Elizabeth A. HARDINGE
THE DCRS FOOD PROGRAMME
Written by Christine REID
(except where stated)
Written by Christine REID
(except where stated)
R
EPORT BY THE FOOD PROGRAMME COORDINATOR. The Food Programme continues at a steady rate with the distribution of food parcels. There's certainly no let up in the demand for our services and the members of our Food Team are kept very busy.Donations for the Food Programme are still being received and we are really thankful for these as it helps to supplement the Food Budget and also gives our Service Users a little variety with some Nice-to-Have items as there is no monetary provision for this.
Our Food Budget is currently covering our food purchases each week, but we are always pleased to receive donations.
C
RISPY RICE EASTER EGGS.
As it's Easter this month we've found a good recipe for very good and easy-to-make Easter Eggs. This makes ten:Ingredients
• 1/3 cup margarine
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 6 cups chocolate crispy rice cereal
Method 1. Melt margarine and marshmallows over medium heat in a large pot, stir in vanilla and chocolate crispy rice cereal.
2. Using your hands (butter them first or moisten with a little water), shape into eggs, or use hollow plastic eggs to mould into shape.
3. Refrigerate
www.mydish.co.uk/recipe/3358/Crispy%20Rice%20Easter%20Egg
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
6
E
XETER FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL:Friday, 9th – Monday, 11th April 2010. The Festival is held in the regal courtyard of Exeter Castle and the surrounding Northernhay Gardens, in the centre of Exeter. Click here for a map of the festival location.
Exeter Castle Courtyard: Here you will find the Festival Cookery Theatre, the Festival Bar in association with Ales from Devon and the Well House Tavern, and a host of stalls serving delicious food and drink through the day and during The Festival After Dark.
Northernhay Gardens: Food Pavilions, the Darts Farm Food is Fun Tipis, the Festival Cafe in association with Posh Nosh, the Festival Barbecue Restaurant by Cole Henley and so much more await you in the gardens. Northernhay Gardens is not open during the Festival After Dark.
Get a feel for the site layout by downloading this map or scrolling down this page.
Opening Times: The festival takes place over three days, with two evening Festival After Dark Events sponsored by Gaymer Cider Company and Sharp's Doom Bar:
FRIDAY
Main Festival: 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Festival After Dark: 6 p.m. till 10.30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Main Festival: 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Festival After Dark: 6 p.m. till 10.30 p.m.
SUNDAY
Main Festival: 10 a.m. til 4 p.m.
http://www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk/index.php.
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
F
OOD TIP OF THE MONTH: . Is it OK to put hot food directly Into the Fridge? Question: Can I put hot food in the refrigerator?
Answer: It's fine to place hot food directly in the refrigerator. Don't worry about overheating the fridge – as the US Department of Agriculture points out, the refrigerator's thermostat will keep it running to maintain a safe temperature of 40° F or below.
What you do need to worry about is whether the hot food will cool off quickly enough to reach a safe temperature once it's in the refrigerator. So never put deep containers of hot food in the refrigerator – instead, place the hot food in shallow containers so it will chill quickly.
A large pot of soup or stew, for instance, should be divided into smaller portions and placed in smaller containers before being refrigerated. A large cut of meat or whole poultry should be divided into smaller pieces and wrapped separately or placed in shallow containers before refrigerating.
If you prefer, you can also quick-chill the food in an ice water bath before refrigerating it. Either way, be sure you refrigerate the food within two hours of cooking it.
If you would like to learn more, please visit:
http://stilltasty.com/questions/index/24
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
H
AVE A GUESS! Guess how many tins of Baked Beans we had to buy in February? Answer: 158 tins.
T
OILETRIES. We're always in need of Toiletries for men but we have no requirement for Toiletries for women just at the moment. Here's a list of what we currently need most:
THE DCRS INTERNET SUITE
Written or submitted by John JEBB
(except where stated)
Written or submitted by John JEBB
(except where stated)
M
ONTHLY REPORT. Paul RICKHAM and Falah KHOSRO (a new volunteer) will share the Coordinator's role between them. The Internet Suite is now working well, is very busy and extremely popular!W
ANTED! We now have a TV and Video Cassette Player up and running with its methods of supervision currently being discussed. So what we need now are some suitable video cassettes to play. If you have any to donate then do please bring them to the Centre, or contact Geoff (details at the foot of the page) and he will arrange collection.
THE DCRS RECEPTION DESK TEAM
Written or submitted by Geoffrey N. Read
(except where stated)
Written or submitted by Geoffrey N. Read
(except where stated)
V
OLUNTEERS NEEDED URGENTLY. The good
news about our funding situation mentioned in the Foreword,
means that we shall be opening the Centre for Drop-in on more days; eventually five days a week. We've calculated that we will need at least seven people volunteering each day to maintain our current level of service whilst increasing our hours of opening. So we will be needing more volunteers!
Anyone who is interested in exploring the possibilities please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Centre or by email:
lizhardinge@btinternet.com for more information. Or contact Geoff (details at the foot of the page).
T
UESDAYS & THURSDAYS. Right now we particularly need volunteers to offer their time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a misconception that there is nothing to do on these days because these days are for Appointments Only Days. Not so! There is always something to be done and our Project Support Workers are always in need of assistance! Can you help? Please put your names down on the Duty Roster or contact Geoff (details at the foot of the page).
NEWS, INFORMATION & ADVERTISEMENTS
Written or submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
(except where stated)
Written or submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
(except where stated)
£
13,000 GRANT TO CHARITY. This article was published in The Herald on Saturday, 20th March 2010.A PLYMOUTH charity has received a grant of £13,000 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation's Community Programme.
Students & Refugees Together (START), based on Union Street, helps reduce the isolation felt by refugees with one-to-one support. The charity will use the money to help run its Housing & Employment project, which enables refugees to gain confidence and skills through volunteering, and improve their employment prospects through education and training.
Isaac KELLY, Administration Manager for START, said: "We're delighted that the Lloyds TSB foundation have been able to provide us with funding towards our housing and employment project.
"This will help to ensure that refugees within the Plymouth area can be provided with a package of individual support that best meets their needs in overcoming the barriers they face in becoming active and contributing members of the community."
The Lloyds TSB Foundation supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community.
Trevor SMALE, Grant Manager for Devon & Cornwall, said the foundation had supported a number of Plymouth charities working with refugees and was pleased to be helping START.
Isaac KELLY, Administration Manager for START, said: "We're delighted that the Lloyds TSB foundation have been able to provide us with funding towards our housing and employment project.
"This will help to ensure that refugees within the Plymouth area can be provided with a package of individual support that best meets their needs in overcoming the barriers they face in becoming active and contributing members of the community."
The Lloyds TSB Foundation supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community.
Trevor SMALE, Grant Manager for Devon & Cornwall, said the foundation had supported a number of Plymouth charities working with refugees and was pleased to be helping START.
For more information on START, please visit:
http://www.studentsandrefugeestogether.com.
For more information on the Lloyds TSB Foundation, please visit: http://www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk/.
FREE ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES. At 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. Everyone new to the English Language is welcome. Language classes have two
groups: Beginners and Intermediate and are especially aimed at refugees or asylum seekers who have been in the UK for less than six months; those who have had their applications rejected; or those who are on the waiting list for other provision in the city. We also welcome migrant workers on low incomes.
Ladies-only English Language Classes will be held every Tuesday and Friday. Class Sessions start at 12 noon and finish at 1.30 p.m.
Free Luncheon. At 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. Every Tuesday and Friday there are free lunches for asylum seekers and others in need.
Flyer. A flyer is attached at the end of this newsletter. Please place a copy on your Notice Boards.
SUMMER FAYRE. Sunday, 27th June: There will be a party in the theme of a Summer Fayre at About Time at Stoke Damerel Hall. Further details will be announced in due course.
Location: Both Lunches and Language Sessions are at Stoke Damerel Parish Centre, near the College of Further Education.
http://www.studentsandrefugeestogether.com.
For more information on the Lloyds TSB Foundation, please visit: http://www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk/.
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BOUT TIME.FREE ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES. At 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. Everyone new to the English Language is welcome. Language classes have two
groups: Beginners and Intermediate and are especially aimed at refugees or asylum seekers who have been in the UK for less than six months; those who have had their applications rejected; or those who are on the waiting list for other provision in the city. We also welcome migrant workers on low incomes.Ladies-only English Language Classes will be held every Tuesday and Friday. Class Sessions start at 12 noon and finish at 1.30 p.m.
Free Luncheon. At 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. Every Tuesday and Friday there are free lunches for asylum seekers and others in need.
Flyer. A flyer is attached at the end of this newsletter. Please place a copy on your Notice Boards.
SUMMER FAYRE. Sunday, 27th June: There will be a party in the theme of a Summer Fayre at About Time at Stoke Damerel Hall. Further details will be announced in due course.
Location: Both Lunches and Language Sessions are at Stoke Damerel Parish Centre, near the College of Further Education.
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