July 2010
FOREWORD
Written by Lorna M. SEWELL
Written by Lorna M. SEWELL
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As you may be aware we experimented with our Annual General Meeting this year, and instead of organising a big affair in Sherwell’s Church Hall, as we have done for a number of years, the Trustees decided to hold an Open Day followed by our AGM, during Refugee Week and on home ground. We had a few reservations about this for a number of reasons, not least the space available, but from all accounts it proved to be quite successful. If there were complaints, they haven’t reached me!
Although it was a much smaller event, it still had to be organised, as these events don' organise themselves, so I would like to thank all those involved.
At the AGM, we took the opportunity of welcoming our new auditor who had spent some time making sure our finances were in good order for 2009, and he was elected for the coming year. We are really grateful to John WARN for giving up his time to DCRS. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I highlighted the various aspects of the support we gave to the asylum seekers and refugees during 2009. Details of this can be found in the Annual Review.
We shall shortly be adding to our staff with a new Finance & Administration Officer to take the place of Pat JOYCE who will then concentrate on advising and supporting our Service Users.
During the next few months, our Funding Sub Committee of Trustees will be making every effort to obtain funds to support our Reaching Communities Project, which will not be an easy task in the current economic climate. We anticipate that all funding bodies will be reducing the money that would be available for Projects such as ours. The Trustees are committed, however, that the work we do must continue.
Yours sincerely
Lorna M. SEWELL
Chair of the DCRS Board of Trustees
Lorna M. SEWELL
Chair of the DCRS Board of Trustees
CONTENTS
Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ
Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ
Just run your mouse over the blue links and click...
you'll be taken straight to your page!
| Activities Group | Page 4 |
| Advertisements | Page 7 |
| Clothing Store | Page 5 |
| Diary Dates | Page 20 |
| DCRS General Information | Page 3 |
| Editorial Comment | Page 1 |
| Food Programme | Page 5 |
| Foreword | Page 1 |
| Information | Page 7 |
| Greetings & Best Wishes | Page 2 |
| Internet Suite | Page 7 |
| News | Page 7 |
| Reception Desk & Volunteers | Page 7 |
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
A
NEW EDITOR IS NEEDED! I believe a Newsletter becomes stale and boring if the Editor is too long in the chair. I therefore intend to stand down after five years as Editor of the DCRS Newsletter and my final edition will be the September issue. So... we're now looking for new editor! Would you like to do the job? If so, please contact the DCRS Personnel Officer, Liz HARDINGE at the Centre.
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EBSITE CONTROLLER. One of the tasks of the Newsletter Editor is to maintain the DCRS Website. Ideally both tasks should be done by the same individual but it doesn't necessarily have to be so. If you have the experience to take this task on then please contact the DCRS Personnel Officer, Liz HARDINGE at the Centre. W
ANTED URGENTLY!
We're still looking for someone to volunteer as our Clothing Store Coordinator. Could YOU do it? Please contact Geoff the Editor – details at the foot of this page – or speak to Liz at the Centre.T
HIS EDITION. This July 2010 edition is way longer than I intended. However, with a change of Government, Refugee Week and just because it is Summer... there's been a lot going on... hence the length of this Newsletter. I make absolutely no apologies!J
UST A COMMENT! The King of Bhutan has famously declared that 'gross national happiness is more important than gross national product'.
As a result, the country is full of wonderful people who smile at foreigners and are graciously welcoming. Most of them speak English.I think I would like to visit Bhutan! Ed.
GREETINGS & BEST WISHES!
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Geoff READ for Saturday, 10th July. Geoff is the Editor of this Newsletter and beavers away in the background! Happy Birthday Geoff!H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Loreno S. ROBALINO for her birthday on Sunday, 11th July. Loreno is a relatively new Volunteer with us. Have a great day Loreno!B
EST WISHES FOR A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
on Sunday, 11st July to Betty MCARTHUR. Betty is a local Supporter. Enjoy your special day Betty!
F
AREWELL. We bid farewell to Amir KHALAGHI on Tuesday 13th July to return to his homeland. Amir only joined us as a volunteer in April but certainly made his mark in that short time! Thanks for all your help Amir and best wishes for the future.H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Sylvia HAMLEY for Thursday, 15th July. Sylvia is one of our longest serving volunteers who valiantly keeps our Clothing Store together. Have a great day Sylvia and thank you so very much for all your efforts!H
APPY BIRTHDAY
to Marion BENNETT for Tuesday, 20th July. Marion is also one of our longer serving Volunteers who is one of the mainstays of the Food Team. Have a great day Marion and thank you for all that you do!
W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to Svetlana ZAKHAROVA for Sunday, 1st August. Svetlana is a former volunteer but still a keen Supporter! Happy Birthday Svetlana!H
APPY BIRTHDAY
to Jo HORSEY of the BBC for her birthday on Sunday, 1st August. Jo is a keen Supporter. Have a great day Jo!H
APPY BIRTHDAY
to Emily CANNON for Thursday, 5th August. Emily works for BTCV but is a keen supporter of DCRS. Have a great day Emily and thank you so very much for all your efforts!H
APPY BIRTHDAY
to Svetlana STOUPNIKOV for Friday, 6th August. Svetlana is also one of our longer serving Volunteers and Trustee. Svetlana is also our hardworking Treasurer. Have a great day Svetlana and thank you for all that you do!W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to Beatrice NANA for Sunday, 22nd August. Beatrice is a former volunteer and still a keen Supporter! Happy Birthday Beatrice!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
(except where stated)
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
(except where stated)
B
OARD OF TRUSTEES' MEETINGS. A meeting of the DCRS Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, 2nd June 2010. The next meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, 13th July at 2.30 p.m. Should anyone wish to have a particular matter discussed then please contact a Trustee of DCRS.F
ARESHARE. Christine REID and Geoff READ travelled to the FareShare set-up at Bristol on Thursday, 17th June to see for themselves how things are run there and to meet the personalities involved. Our sincere thanks to Jacqui REEVES, the Project Manager for making us so welcome and for passing on so many secrets! The next meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, 28th June 2010 in the Circle Bar of the Theatre Royal in Plymouth. For those who wish to know more about FareShare, please visit: http://www.fareshare.org.uk/F
RONTLINE REFUGEE FORUM. A meeting was held on Wednesday, 9th June at the Refugee Action offices in Plymouth. The next meeting is scheduled to take place at a venue yet to be decided, on Wednesday, 28th July 2010. If anyone has anything they wish to raise would they please mention it to one of our Project Support Workers (either Trish or Pat). P
LYMOUTH ASYLUM SEEKER & REFUGEE CONSORTIUM (PASRC). The Consortium held a meeting on Thursday, 18th March 2010. No further information has been received by the Editor. Should anyone wish to have further information please contact a Trustee of DCRS. R
EFUGEE WEEK 2010. Once again the week started off very well... with a bang... a footie bang as it was also the start of the World Cup" This was celebrated with our own World Cup matches and a report of that evening follows:On Friday evening Plymstock School became the home to football teams from across the city as Refugee Week kicked off with a World Cup-style football tournament. The teams all played their hardest, battling it out to reach the final become the winner.
Three of the teams entered were comprised of keen and enthusiastic players from DCRS. Each player revelled in the opportunity to play football in a tournament setting and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the games despite not walking away with the ultimate victory.
There were many spectators including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. Both players and spectators had a really great time in the sunshine and a lot of fun was had by all who attended.
On the Sunday afternoon, there was a short Afternoon of Reflection from different Faith perspectives. This was simply illustrated with quotes and visual displays which gave us food for thought. Unfortunately it wasn't well attended, but we had our DCRS Display Boards in evidence.
The official launch of Refugee Week took place in the form of a Musical Celebration Council in Chamber of the Civic Centre. This again was attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. Many of our Service Users were there lending support and it was pleasing to see how the Lord Mayor had "our boys" on the steps with her posing for the official photograph – this subsequently appeared in The Herald – and is shown in the article immediately after this one.
Trish BAXTER, our Lead Project Support Worker was one of the main speakers , who spoke very movingly about Asylum Seekers and Refugees from an operational point of point of view. The evening was very atmospheric.
Various other events were undertaken and attended throughout the week including film shows, music, food, etc. Many attended the 7th Birthday of the Cultural Kitchen at Sherwell.
On Friday, 18th June, DCRS held an Open Day and food and refreshments were provided. It was so good to see so many Service Users visiting, from past and present. We also had visitors to our Centre including our friends from the Amnesty International Group from Totnes. Staff from partner Refugee Agencies in Plymouth also showed up. It was a very enjoyable occasion and the day ended with our Annual General Meeting with 20 individuals attending.
Plymouth is a sanctuary to Refugees from all over the world. Refugee Week gives us all an opportunity to celebrate together and discover more about each other. Perhaps next year you may wish to visit an event and find out what it is all about.
Refugee Week will be held in 2011 at a similar time to this year because 20th June is the United Nations World Refugee Day.
Written by Christine REID with a contribution from Bethany BUCK
On the Sunday afternoon, there was a short Afternoon of Reflection from different Faith perspectives. This was simply illustrated with quotes and visual displays which gave us food for thought. Unfortunately it wasn't well attended, but we had our DCRS Display Boards in evidence.
The official launch of Refugee Week took place in the form of a Musical Celebration Council in Chamber of the Civic Centre. This again was attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. Many of our Service Users were there lending support and it was pleasing to see how the Lord Mayor had "our boys" on the steps with her posing for the official photograph – this subsequently appeared in The Herald – and is shown in the article immediately after this one.
Trish BAXTER, our Lead Project Support Worker was one of the main speakers , who spoke very movingly about Asylum Seekers and Refugees from an operational point of point of view. The evening was very atmospheric.
Various other events were undertaken and attended throughout the week including film shows, music, food, etc. Many attended the 7th Birthday of the Cultural Kitchen at Sherwell.
On Friday, 18th June, DCRS held an Open Day and food and refreshments were provided. It was so good to see so many Service Users visiting, from past and present. We also had visitors to our Centre including our friends from the Amnesty International Group from Totnes. Staff from partner Refugee Agencies in Plymouth also showed up. It was a very enjoyable occasion and the day ended with our Annual General Meeting with 20 individuals attending.
Plymouth is a sanctuary to Refugees from all over the world. Refugee Week gives us all an opportunity to celebrate together and discover more about each other. Perhaps next year you may wish to visit an event and find out what it is all about.
Refugee Week will be held in 2011 at a similar time to this year because 20th June is the United Nations World Refugee Day.
Written by Christine REID with a contribution from Bethany BUCK
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M
USIC BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER. This article was published in the Herald on Wednesday, 16th June 2010:CELEBRATION: The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary ASPINALL, and Lady Mayoress, Kate ASPINALL,
meet people from Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support who have received asylum from Afghanistan. DANCING and music helped launch Plymouth's Refugee Week – part of a nationwide celebration of their contribution to life in the UK.
Plymouth City Council has teamed up with the Theatre Royal and other partners to organise a programme of events, beginning with the Celebration Evening at the Council Chamber. There were performances by drummers, belly dancers and singers from the city's international and refugee community as well as talks about the difficulties encountered by refugees.
The annual celebration, now in its 12th year, aimed to bring people together to encourage a better understanding between different communities.
For more details about the week's events please visit: www.theatreroyal.com/refugeeweek
S
UMMER BANK HOLIDAY. Please note that the Centre will be closed on Monday, 30th August for the Summer Bank Holiday.T
ALKS AND PRESENTATIONS. There were no talks or presentations given in June. We do know there is still a misconception about Asylum Seekers & Refugees (ASR) and their rights. The presentations we make do help to give a better understanding regarding the truth about ASR – which is not always what the media and those without knowledge report!If you or your organisation would like to receive a presentation, do please contact the Editor...details can be found at the bottom of this page.
Written by Christine REID
T
HANK YOU!
Following last month's article regarding David FEINDOUNO I would like to say how grateful the volunteer Project Support Workers are for his commitment to this most important part of DCRS'a work. Since starting this activity he's taken on more responsibility but has also committed so much more time to the Centre. He's averaging at least three full days a week and is flexible enough to fill in when emergencies occur. He brings to the
role his considerable computer skills, for which I'm personally grateful, and also his understanding of the
African issues as well as his ability to interpret. He's very much
involved with the African Community outside of the Centre and this year has followed up his Individual Volunteer of the Year sports award of last year by being in a team that was nominated for that award this year.
David is not alone because we have so many volunteers of quality and commitment with us but I just wanted to express our thanks following his giving up his computer work.
Written by John SHINNER
David is not alone because we have so many volunteers of quality and commitment with us but I just wanted to express our thanks following his giving up his computer work.
Written by John SHINNER
V
OLUNTEERS' MEETINGS. The most recent meeting was held on Thursday, 24th June and the minutes are available at the Centre. All volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the next meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, 29th July. Volunteers who find they are unable to attend are requested, as a matter of courtesy, to inform our Volunteer Coordinator (Liz HARDINGE) prior to the meeting.W
ELCOME!
Robert (Rob) NEWELL has been appointed to the position of Finance & Administrative Officer and will commence his duties on Thursday, 1th July 2010. We all wish Rob every success in his new job and welcome him to our Centre.T
HANK YOU! Rob will be taking over the Administration & Finance Officer position from Pat JOYCE who will take up her new position as a full-time Project Support Worker. We congratulate Pat on her new permanent role and thank her for all her work and achievements in her former role. It should be noted that Pat has in fact been performing both roles for quite some time. She will now be able to concentrate on the one.
THE DCRS ACTIVITIES GROUP
Written by Bill BUDGE
Written by Bill BUDGE
M
ONTHLY UPDATE. There's not really a great deal going on at the present time although we are collecting names for a day trip to Dartmoor Wild Life Park which is being organised by Federick Street and we're also hoping to run a one-day Rock Climbing session for a few at Mount Batten soon. Watch this space for further details!C
RICKET TRAINING. The young Service User who attended 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).
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V
ISIT TO THE LORD MAYOR'S PARLOUR. On Tuesday, 1st June we arranged a visit to the Lord Mayor's Parlour at the Civic Centre in Plymouth. Three of our Service Users made the visit along with three DCRS Volunteers. On arrival they were met by the Lord Mayor's official Mace Bearer who then introduced everyone to the Lord Mayor Councillor Mary ASPINALL. The Lord Mayor then invited everyone to the Function Room for refreshments of tea and biscuits and then held a Question & Answer session. Our three Service Users asked her so many question and showed great interest. We should like to thank Mohammad QURESHI who did the interpreting for us when it was necessary. 
The party were then invited into the Council Chambers and the Lord Mayor invited our three Service Users to sit with her at the Head of Chamber and then the Lord Mayor's official Mace Bearer explained the procedures used at Council Meetings. He also explained a lot about the interior design of the Chamber.
On leaving the Lord Mayor's Chamber we thanked her for a most informative and rewarding visit and Councillor ASPINALL then asked if she could be invited to our Refugee Centre to see how the DCRS operates.
http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/councilanddemocracy/
lordmayoralty/lordmayor.htm.
Written by Bill Budge.
THE CLOTHING STORE
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
M
ONTHLY UPDATE. We still need donations of duvets and duvet covers, etc., and kitchen stuff too. But please, nothing else for the moment! We hope that we'll be able to take in donations of clothing once again, very soon. We're still looking for someone to volunteer as our Clothing Store Coordinator. Could YOU do it? Please speak to Liz at the Centre.
THE DCRS FOOD PROGRAMME
Written by Christine REID
(except where stated)
Written by Christine REID
(except where stated)
M
ONTHLY UPDATE.The Food Team. The Volunteers on the Food Programme Team are still being kept busy dispensing refreshments and preparing food parcels.
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The Food Programme. There's been an increase in demand for food parcels which shows the level of destitution is still around through varying circumstances. Currently the budget provision is being stretched, but it is hoped this will level out in due course. You'll see that we still need and value your support with your donations towards the Food Programme.
FareShare. We're progressing gradually with our investigations into being part of the FareShare Network. This will enhance the opportunities for food in the region of Devon & Cornwall. We'll be keeping you informed of the progress being made through this Newsletter. Meanwhile, you may wish to visit: http://www.fareshare.org.uk/
Toiletries. The toiletry stocks we supply to our Service Users on the permanent Food Programme have built up and are now in quite a healthy state, but we can always take more!
Question: When we buy grapes, we wash the entire bunch at once, even though our family won't finish them for several days. By then, quite a few are always spoiled. Is this the best way to store grapes?
Answer: No, you should always hold off on washing grapes until you're ready to eat them. The reason, as the California Table Grape Commission points out, is that the excess moisture created by washing speeds up the grapes' decay. To keep grapes at their freshest, store them unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. As noted here, fresh grapes usually keep well for up to a week in the fridge; you can also freeze grapes for future snacking or use in cooking. Have a question? Click here.
FareShare. We're progressing gradually with our investigations into being part of the FareShare Network. This will enhance the opportunities for food in the region of Devon & Cornwall. We'll be keeping you informed of the progress being made through this Newsletter. Meanwhile, you may wish to visit: http://www.fareshare.org.uk/
Toiletries. The toiletry stocks we supply to our Service Users on the permanent Food Programme have built up and are now in quite a healthy state, but we can always take more!
F
OOD TIP OF THE MONTH. Should You Wash Grapes Before Storing Them?Question: When we buy grapes, we wash the entire bunch at once, even though our family won't finish them for several days. By then, quite a few are always spoiled. Is this the best way to store grapes?
Answer: No, you should always hold off on washing grapes until you're ready to eat them. The reason, as the California Table Grape Commission points out, is that the excess moisture created by washing speeds up the grapes' decay. To keep grapes at their freshest, store them unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. As noted here, fresh grapes usually keep well for up to a week in the fridge; you can also freeze grapes for future snacking or use in cooking. Have a question? Click here.
If you would like to learn more, please visit:
http://stilltasty.com/questions/index/74
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
CHEESE IN A COUSCOUS CRUST
From a Middle-Eastern menu in an old Sainsbury's Magazine issue (July 1996). It goes perfectly with the Spiced Lamb dish that follows.
Ingredients
• 3 Granny Smith apples. each cored and sliced into
eight wedges
• 75g watercress
• 2 x 100g Somerset goats' cheeses, sliced in ½ to make four
rounds
• 50g couscous
• 120ml grape seed oil
• 40g walnuts, coarsely crushed
• 10g plain flour
• 1 medium egg, beaten
• 25g butter
• 2 tsp caster sugar
• 2 tbs cider vinegar
• 120ml dry cider
• olive oil
• 1 tbs balsamic vinegar
• salt
• black pepper, freshly milled
Method
First, prepare the watercress oil. Place half the watercress, including the stalks, in a food processor, and reserve the remainder for the salad (seal the bag and refrigerate). Add the grape seed oil and process until the watercress is finely chopped. Pour the mixture into a container, cover and leave to infuse overnight in the fridge.
Strain the infused oil through a muslin-lined or fine-meshed sieve, discard the residue collected in the sieve and keep the flavoured oil to dress the salad.
To prepare the goats' cheese, start by placing the couscous in a shallow bowl and cover with boiling water, no higher than the level of the grains - make sure you don't swamp the couscous. Leave to soak for a few minutes and then fluff up with a fork. Spread the grains out on a baking sheet and leave to dry in a warm place for about 20 minutes - they shouldn't be dried out. Season, then mix in the crushed walnuts.
Tip a little flour on to a plate and place the beaten egg into a small, shallow bowl. Roll each slice of goats' cheese in the flour, then dip into the egg and finally roll thoroughly in the couscous mixture. Make sure that all sides are well covered, you might find it necessary to pat on extra crust to cover any gaps. Wrap each one tightly in Clingfilm and refrigerate for at least an hour. (This step could be done the day before.)
Melt the butter in a large, non-stick pan over a gentle heat. Add the apples and coat with butter. Turn up the heat, sprinkle the apples with the sugar and caramelise. Add the vinegar, gently stir (without breaking the apple slices) and evaporate.
http://stilltasty.com/questions/index/74
Submitted by Geoffrey N. READ
S
ALAD OF SWEET PICKLED APPLE, WATERCRESS & DEEP-FRIED GOATS' CHEESE IN A COUSCOUS CRUST
From a Middle-Eastern menu in an old Sainsbury's Magazine issue (July 1996). It goes perfectly with the Spiced Lamb dish that follows.
Ingredients
• 3 Granny Smith apples. each cored and sliced into
eight wedges
• 75g watercress
• 2 x 100g Somerset goats' cheeses, sliced in ½ to make four
rounds
• 50g couscous
• 120ml grape seed oil
• 40g walnuts, coarsely crushed
• 10g plain flour
• 1 medium egg, beaten
• 25g butter
• 2 tsp caster sugar
• 2 tbs cider vinegar
• 120ml dry cider
• olive oil
• 1 tbs balsamic vinegar
• salt
• black pepper, freshly milled
First, prepare the watercress oil. Place half the watercress, including the stalks, in a food processor, and reserve the remainder for the salad (seal the bag and refrigerate). Add the grape seed oil and process until the watercress is finely chopped. Pour the mixture into a container, cover and leave to infuse overnight in the fridge.
Strain the infused oil through a muslin-lined or fine-meshed sieve, discard the residue collected in the sieve and keep the flavoured oil to dress the salad.
To prepare the goats' cheese, start by placing the couscous in a shallow bowl and cover with boiling water, no higher than the level of the grains - make sure you don't swamp the couscous. Leave to soak for a few minutes and then fluff up with a fork. Spread the grains out on a baking sheet and leave to dry in a warm place for about 20 minutes - they shouldn't be dried out. Season, then mix in the crushed walnuts.
Tip a little flour on to a plate and place the beaten egg into a small, shallow bowl. Roll each slice of goats' cheese in the flour, then dip into the egg and finally roll thoroughly in the couscous mixture. Make sure that all sides are well covered, you might find it necessary to pat on extra crust to cover any gaps. Wrap each one tightly in Clingfilm and refrigerate for at least an hour. (This step could be done the day before.)
Melt the butter in a large, non-stick pan over a gentle heat. Add the apples and coat with butter. Turn up the heat, sprinkle the apples with the sugar and caramelise. Add the vinegar, gently stir (without breaking the apple slices) and evaporate.
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