DCRSC title

DEVON & CORNWALL REFUGEE SUPPORT COUNCIL

DCRSC 10th anni logo

NEWSLETTER



NOVEMBER 2009


DCRSC Email

FOREWORD
BY THE
CHAIR OF THE DCRSC BOARD OF
TRUSTEES


Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am sure I have no need to tell many of you that the Masiandae Centre has had a facelift.   New floor covering and newly painted walls which has brightened up the Centre wonderfully.   This has been done by committed volunteers:   they won't want to be named I know, but we send our grateful thanks to them.

We have recently had the opportunity of meeting the Regional Director of the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), Jane Farleigh and two of our Members of Parliament, Linda Gilroy and Alison Seabeck.   This meeting was arranged by Peter Aley, the Assistant Director of Safer Communities, a part of the Community Services Directorate of the Plymouth City Council, and a good friend of DCRSC.   Arnold Melhuish (Vice Chair of DCRSC Board of Trustees) and John Shinner (Co-opted Member to the Board of Trustees) represented DCRSC and the other organisations of our Plymouth Asylum Seeker & Refugee Consortium (PASRC).   Students & Refugees Together (START) and Refugees First were also present.   This meeting was very welcome as there were a number of worrying issues that needed to be confronted by, in particular, UKBA, such as the recent alterations in where asylum seekers attend for interviews and the consequent costs and how deportees are treated in Detention Centres, and also the recent reduction in subsistence for the over-25s, amongst other concerns.   We have put these concerns in writing to Jane Farleigh who has promised to reply to those questions she had no answer for at the meeting.


The arrangements for DCRSC to become a "Company Limited By Guarantee" are continuing and the Trustees are hoping that we will become DCRS Co., Ltd. by Christmas.   This will relieve the Trustees of any financial liability.

As many of you will know, our Food Programme Coordinator and Editor of this Newsletter, Geoff Read has had serious health problems over the last few months, and is still having to attend hospital on a regular basis.   At our last Trustees' meeting he tendered his resignation as the Food Programme Coordinator.   We very reluctantly accepted it with our grateful thanks for all the work he has done in the past.   Christine Reid who has stepped in for the last few months, will formally take over as the Coordinator, with some help if needed, in the background from Geoff.   Our thanks to Christine for her part in stepping into the situation while Geoff as been away.   I'm sure the Food Team will support her in such an important service to our service users.

Yours sincerely,

Lorna M. Sewell
Chair
DCRSC Board of Trustees


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EDITORIAL COMMENT

C
ONTENTS.   I do listen to the comments made about the Newsletter.   Really I do! !   Some like a short newsletter, others prefer a full-blooded longer version.   Some like to read it straight from their PC screen, others like to print it off and read it in bed!   Some of the people some of the time!   This edition is quite long.   As my health has been slowly picking up so I have managed to include items that I missed earlier in the year.   Because of the length of this edition I have introduced a List of Contents.   If reading this on-screen... simply click on one of the underlined links and you will be taken directly to that paragraph.   I hope it works for you.   Do please keep your comments coming in! Ed.
CONTENTS
Foreword    Page 1
Editorial Comment    Page 1
Letters to the Editor    Page 2
Greetings & Best Wishes  Page 3
10th Anniversary of DCRSC    Page 3
DCRSC General Matters   Page 4
The Clothing Store    Page 5
The Food Programme     Page 5
The Internet Suite     Page 7
The Men's Development Group     Page 7
The Women's Development Group     Page 7
News, Information & Advertisements     Page 7
Diary Dates     Page 18

We could learn a lot from crayons...
Some are sharp, some are pretty, and
some are dull.
Some have weird names, and all are
different colours,
BUT THEY ALL LIVE IN THE SAME BOX!

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ONTRIBUTIONS.   We welcome all contributions from anyone to our monthly Newsletters.   Do you have something to include?   Please pass your article or comment to the  Editor whose contact details are at the foot of each page.   News, gossip, information, notices, advertisements, photographs…   anything will be considered for inclusion!   Ed.
Deadline for the December 2009 issue:
Friday, 27th November 2009

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D
ISTRIBUTION.   We would like to publicise our monthly Newsletters far and wide.  Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and to avoid postal charges, we can only send copies to those on email.  A few spare copies will be available at the Reception Desk at DCRSC.  The layout is designed so that it can be printed back-to-back, so do please print off a copy and pass it to your friends.  If you are reading this and not already receiving a copy then please get in touch with the Editor.   Ed.

I
MPROVE YOUR HEALTH!   The percentage drop in your risk of an early death is 30% if you do volunteer work.   It stimulates the "feel-good" hormones, says a study.   No   –   I didn’t make this up...   it appeared in the Health pages of a national newspaper in June 2009.   Ed.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


From: Fay W.
To: Geoffrey READ   saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk
Sent:   Monday, 5 October, 2009 23:38:33


Subject:   Re: PANORAMA


Thank you for your message.   I will watch it on Thursday.

Fay W.



From: Maria M.
To: Geoffrey READ   saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk
Sent:   Tuesday, 6 October, 2009 17:46:28


Subject:   Re: PANORAMA


Sorry Geoff, I rarely get time to watch TV.   However, I will try to watch it on iPlayer.

Maria



From: George T.
To: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk
Sent:   Wednesday, 7 October, 2009 11:32:31 10.5


Subject:   Re: PANORAMA


Yes Geoff, I think this is going to get worse, since for some reason most of these migrants are wanting to come to the UK.   The burden on the State is going to become intolerable and the cost of the humanitarian effort on our part to much to cope with.   I know of certain members of our group who came across hidden under lorries. It is really difficult to distinguish between good and bad.   This is where the selection process needs to be revised.   What potential terrorists are among those seeking asylum?
Frankly I don't know where to start and as sure as hell am glad it is not my job.
Regards,
George

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Trucks of travellers
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OOM FOR ONE MORE?   Well-laden trucks but I have no idea where or when!   Ed.

D
O YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?   Do please write and tell us.   Ed.


GREETINGS & BEST WISHES!

H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Sue TURNER for Tuesday, 3rd November.   Sue was a former Volunteer with us and even though she now lives farther away, she is still a very keen Supporter.   Have a lovely day Sue!

W
ISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sarah BESONG for Wednesday, 4th November.   Sarah is a Supporter.

H
APPY BIRTHDAY to Kevin MCKENZIE for Monday, 9th November.   Kevin is the Corporate Race Relations Manager with the Social Inclusion Unit at Plymouth City Council... and also a keen Supporter. Have a lovely day Kevin!

C
ONGRATULATIONS to Heather Sable and Ali GHORBANNIA on the occasion of their second Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday, 17th November .   Heather of course was our former Manager and is still a very keen Supporter.

B
EST WISHES to Alicia SMITH for Thursday, 19th November.   Alicia is one of our Volunteers who usually works on the Reception Desk... have a lovely day Alicia!

D
ECEMBER.   Does no-one in DCRSC have a birthday or another cause for celebration in December? I have none listed! Ed.


T
HANK YOU to each of you for all the work and support you"ve given.   We hope you'll all enjoy your special day!  By the way... have we missed anyone?   Do please let me know!   Ed.
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DCRSC

D
ECADE OF SUPPORT FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS:   This article was published in The Herald after our AGM and Festival Day in June:

THE DEVON and Cornwall Refugee Support Council has marked ten years of work helping people from around the world seeking asylum in Plymouth.
An anniversary series of talks and presentations showcasing the DCRSC's work was held at its annual general meeting.
The event was attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Councillors Ken and Wendy Foster, and by Sarah Kallon, whose late husband Sam founded the DCRSC.
Mrs. Kallon said:   "The anniversary went well and I was surprised to see so many people, despite the weather.   That shows that we are doing something good for the city, and I'm very happy with that.
"Sam would have been very proud. I'm sure he was looking down on us, pleased that our work has continued."
During the AGM in the morning, Lorna Sewell, chair of the board of trustees, praised the efforts of the charity's staff, who have carried out nearly 4,000 consultations during the last year.
Mrs. Sewell also thanked the volunteer workers, particularly the food team who prepared nearly 2,000 food parcels for destitute service users this year.   After an international buffet lunch, afternoon events included Tibetan music, talks, and a series of short plays performed by current and former refugees.
A DVD was shown, illustrating the background as to why a person needs to seek asylum and find sanctuary in another country.
Christine Reid, volunteer and co-coordinator for DCRSC anniversary events, said:   "It was a day to meet old friends of DCRSC who were there at the beginning with Sam and Sarah ten years ago.
"I personally felt there was a lovely warm atmosphere, which repeats itself each week at the office when dealing sympathetically with our service users."
DCRSC has provided ten years of practical support to refugees and asylum seekers in the community.   The charity is currently looking for a chartered accountant who would take on the task of examining the books each year.   Contact the DCRSC office on 265952.

P
LYMOUTH RESPECT FESTIVAL.   DCRSC had a presence at the festival in the Guildhall on 24th and 25th October 2009.   Several of our volunteers were on hand to man our Stall, to give out DCRSC Leaflets and other goodies.   This was multicultural extravaganza and will be reported upon in more detail in the December edition.
Written by Christine R.

R
AISING OUR PROFILE.   We're still continuing to raise our profile at every opportunity during this 10th Anniversary year.   Following the full-page spread feature on Isatta KALLON in the Herald recently (see last month's Newsletter), Christine R. was contacted by Radio Devon and recorded an interview to promote DCRSC to listeners county-wide.
Heart FM (formerly Plymouth Sound) also contacted us and Christine was able to make a further appeal for Harvest Festival Food on air.
This was indeed a new and exciting experience for Christine.   She was originally told that she would be informed as to when the interview would be broadcast but... alas, this did not happen.   So... did any of you hear the broadcasts?
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Christine was accompanied by Geoff R. at both recordings... really just for moral support and the occasion prompt to keep things moving!
Written by Christine R.

DCRSC GENERAL MATTERS

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OARD OF TRUSTEES' MEETINGS.   A meeting was held on Thursday, 22nd October.   The next meeting has not yet been scheduled for but will probably take place towards the end of November.   Should anyone wish to have a particular matter discussed then please contact a Trustee of DSCRSC.

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HARITIES COMMISSION – The Regulator for Charities in England and Wales.   DCRSC is registered with the Charities Commission.   Click on this website for further details:   http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/
ShowCharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithoutPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1092992&SubsidiaryNumber=0

Xmas ShoesXmas Shoes

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HRISTMAS / NEW YEAR OPENING TIMES.   Opening Times for the Centre over the festive week will be as follows:

Thursday, 24th December (Appointment Day):
Open for pre-booked appointments and Food Parcel collections only.

Friday, 25th December (Closed Day):
CLOSED

Monday, 28th December (Drop-In Day):
CLOSED

Tuesday, 29th December (Appointment Day):
CLOSED

Wednesday, 30th December (Drop-In Day):
Open for normal Drop-in services.

Thursday, 31st December (Appointment Day):
CLOSED

Friday, 1st January (Closed Day):
CLOSED

Normal opening times will resume on Monday, 4th January 2010.

N
OTRE DAME SCHOOL.   Christine R. and Geoff R. were delighted to accept an invitation on behalf of DCRSC to attend a Harvest Festival Liturgy at Notre Dame School in Plymouth on Tuesday, 20th October 2009.   The Harvest Festival goodies were shared between the Plymouth Foodbank, the Shekinah Mission and DCRSC.   Monsignor Canon BARTHOLOMEW gave the Blessing.
P
LYMOUTH ASYLUM SEEKER & REFUGEE CONSORTIUM (PASRC).   The Consortium held a meeting on Monday, 21st September.   The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, 9th November 2009.   Should anyone wish to have further information please contact a Trustee of DSCRSC.

Painting

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EFURBISHMENT OF DCRSC (7, WHIMPLE STREET).   The refurbishment of the Centre was completed on schedule.   A small team of volunteers used emulsion on the walls and professionals were brought in to remove the old carpet and replace it with a light coloured vinyl which has really transformed our Reception Area.   It has created a desire to tidy up other parts of the Centre and also resulted in the Staff looking at changing some of our Storage Areas.   In particular the filing cabinet containing Personnel Files has been moved to another Interview Room where it is now more secure.
Written by John Shinner.


T
ALKS AND PRESENTATIONS.  


• Do you know the correct definition of an Asylum Seeker?

• Do you really know what a Refugee is?

• Do you know what happens to an Asylum Seeker when they arrive in the UK?

• Are you aware of any support and / or assistance given to Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the counties of Devon & Cornwall?

If you answered "No" to any of these questions, then DCRSC could help you to understand more about this topic.   Volunteers are available to give a PowerPoint Presentation to groups, no matter how large or small and no matter how close or far from Plymouth!   These presentations are free of charge and we would be only too happy to dispel some of the myths and rumours that surround Asylum Seekers and Refugees.   Please get in touch with the Editor in the first instance.

Are you a School, Group or Organisation that wouldwelcome a
Talk about the work of DCRSC?

Please get in touch with the Editor in the first instance.
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V
ISIT TO THE CENTRE.   A group of four individuals from the Shebbear & Sheepwash Parishes came to the Centre on Wednesday, 23rd September.   David F. acted as their host and gave them a tour of the premises and introduced them to our Service Users and Volunteers.   At the end there was a lively Question & Answer session.   I think they enjoyed their visit and hopefully have a better understanding of the work we do.
Written by John Shinner.

V
ISIT TO THE CENTRE.   Ms. Gill TISHLER, the Director of the Plymouth Citizens, Advice Bureau (CAB) visited the DCRSC on Thursday, 15th October where she had a conducted tour and discussions with our Chair, Mrs. Lorna SEWELL.   For information on CAB please visit: http://www.adviceuk.org.uk/projects-and-resources/resources/collaborativeresources/casestudies/a4a

V
OLUNTEERS' MEETINGS.   The October meeting was held on Thursday, 29th October and the minutes are available in the Centre.   All volunteers arestrongly encouraged to attend the October Meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, 26th November.   Volunteers who find they are unable to attend should, as a matter of courtesy, inform our Volunteer Coordinator (Liz H.) prior to the meeting.

THE DCRSC CLOTHING STORE

R
EPORT.   The Clothing Store continues to be used regularly by our Service Users on Drop-in Days (Mondays and Wednesdays).   Our greatest need at the moment is for more Volunteers!   We are really stretched to provide the correct cover, i.e. two Volunteers per open session.   Sorting is carried out each Tuesday at a time to suit Sylvia H. and Margaret S.   When the sorting is not done, the Volunteers sort some bags of clothes at the beginning of the Wednesday session, but this delays the Opening Times!   This all seems to be working very well.   Our present needs are:

Needed items for Clothing Store

Margaret is still searching for a permanent Coordinator to manage the store.
Many thanks to everyone who has so generously donated items of clothing, etc., to the Store over the past few months.
Written by Margaret Shinner
T
OY TROUBLE.   This letter appeared in a national newspaper in July 2009:

Having cleared our loft of children's toys, I decided to take them to a local charity shop.   The toys were all modern and of good quality, and I hoped the charity could sell them on.
But the charity wouldn't accept the toys unless they had a 'CE' stamp on them.   No, not the Church of England, but the 'Certificate of Europe' mark indicating they are safe to be used by little ones in the EU.
The mark is apparently on the toy's packaging when it is first bought, although I doubt many parents out shopping for their children care to look for it.
To avoid litigation, all the four charity shops in my town were unwilling to accept the toys.   Reassuringly, the unregulated car boot sales do not have such restrictions.   I gave them to the local church which was happy to receive them for its playgroup.


THE DCRSC FOOD PROGRAMME

B
ROCHURE.   For a downloadable colour copy of our Food Programme Brochure please visit our website at http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org/and click on the DCRSC Leaflets Button in the left hand column.


C
HOCOLATE & ZUCCHINI. This is another delightful C&Z logo website with some superb recipes.   I've listed it into my favourites!   Ed.
Click on this link to find out more:   http://chocolateandzucchini.com/


F
OOD PARCELS.   Parcels are being distributed at the same steady rate.  The budget is still managing to be maintained with modification in some of the items purchased and careful budgeting.   The amount of food given out each week to our destitute Service Users is just enough to keep body and soul together and provides a basic diet.   At the end of this year, our current Food Programme Budget made possible by one of our major Funders will end and an application has to be made for further funding.   It is so important for donations to DCRSC to be maintained.   Arrangements can be made for the donations of food items to be collected if you are unable to get to the Centre.   Just contact the Editor.
Written by Christine Reid
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F
OOD PROGRAMME COORDINATOR.   After several years in the post and because of his recent illness, it was announced that Geoff R. would be standing down from his position as Food Programme Coordinator.   Geoff R. will continue his duties as Co-opted Member of the Board of Trustees and as this Newsletter's Editor.   Christine R., who has been the Assistant Food Programme Coordinator for several months was then proposed, seconded and approved as the replacement Food Programme Coordinator.   Thank you Christine for stepping in!   Ed.

H
ARVEST FESTIVAL APPEAL:   What a busy time it has been this month as a result of our Harvest Festival Appeal!   Many large donations were dropped in at the Centre or collected by volunteers.   An appeal was also made on Heart FM.   Included in the items donated were a lot on our Nice-to-Have items.   This gives our Service Users a little "luxury" and some variation to their diet.   Some goodies, such as tins of biscuits have been kept aside and these will be given out at Christmastime as extra items in the Food Parcels.   Members of the Food Team are very grateful for the response to our Appeal and would like to thank all those who gave.   Every little helps!
Written by Christine Reid

T
EA PRICES TIPPED TO HIT A RECORD HIGH AFTER DROUGHT.   The following article appeared in a national newspaper in June 2009:

Trouble brewing:   The cost of tea is set to rise as producing countries hit by drought struggle to meet demand The price of tea is predicted to jump to a record high after droughts in India, Kenya and Sri Lanka hit production hard.
Tea A box of 80 Tesco premium teabags is already up to 99p from 68p a year ago - a rise of 45.5 per cent - and more price hikes are expected across the industry.
Teas produced at high altitude such as Darjeeling have been hit worst by the drought.
Producers had to raid storage reserves last year after total demand of 3.85million tons trailed the 3.78million tons produced.
This year's droughts mean that production cannot possibly match global demand, while the problem is compounded by the fact that hard-pressed producers have cut back on the use of expensive fertilisers.
The fall of the pound against the dollar, the currency used for global tea trades, has also worked to push up prices in the UK.
William Gorman, executive chairman of the UK Tea Council, said that, while the price of tea has risen, this was the first hike in ten years.
He argued the increase was predominantly a product of the weakness in the pound.
'We have had to find more pounds to pay for our tea,' he said.
Output from the world's biggest tea exporter, Sri Lanka, is expected to hit a seven-year low.
In Kenya a delayed 'long rains' season - which normally begins in March and runs to May - has led to a 15 per cent rise in prices since December.
Production is expected to fall by 5 per cent from 2008, with tea now going for $3.40 a kilogram.
Production in India crashed by around 35 per cent in the first three months of this year compared with the same period in 2008.

Production drops:   Tea pickers work in a plantation in Sri Lanka, where production has been severely hampered by Tea pickersdrought
Tea at the weekly auctions in Mombasa now goes for $3.40 per kg, amid a Tea Board of Kenya forecast that the country's 2009 production would fall 5% over 2008.
Droughts in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are to blame.
The UK consumes the second largest amount of tea per head after Ireland and is the world's second biggest importer, after Russia.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1195734/Tea-prices-tipped-hit-record-high-drought.html#ixzz0TZiyNbFD

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HE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.


cookiesIngredients
•190g   Plain flour
•7g   Baking powder
•2g   Salt
•335g   Chocolate chips
•85g   Butter (softened)
•200g   White sugar
•8ml   Vanilla extract
•2   Eggs
•60g   Confectioners' sugar

Method

1.  Preheat oven at 175°C.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt.   Set aside.
2.  Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips over low heat. Cream butter and sugar. Add melted chocolate chips and vanilla; beat in eggs; add flour mixture and remaining chocolate chips.
3.  Wrap in GladWrap and freeze until firm (about 20 minutes).
4.  Make small balls of the dough and roll in confectioners' sugar.   Place on an oven tray that is lined with baking paper.   Bake for 10-12 minutes.   Let them cool on a wire rack.


For this and other superb recipes please visit:
http://www.mydish.co.uk/recipe/4447/The%20Best%20Chocolate%20Chip%20Cookies
DCRSC 10th anni
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OILETRY PACKS.   Packs are still being given out on a monthly basis to our permanent Service Users who request them.   Donations for these packs are always very welcome as there is no budget provided for this.   We are currently in need of the following:

Needed Toiletries items

Written by Christine Reid


T
HANK YOU!    Thanks to all the Food Team Members who have given their time in the recent months!   We could not operate and provide our service without you!   Ed.


THE INTERNET SUITE

M
ONTHLY UPDATE.   I did email the IT Coordinator for an update but unfortunately I've not received a response.   Perhaps we'll hear something next month?   Ed.

S
TATISTICS.   An average of 15 Service Users per day used the Internet Suite users during August.


THE MEN'S DEVELOPMENT GROUP

G
YM SESSIONS.   Bill B. reports that during the eight weeks of Gym Sessions that DCRSC arranged for its Service Users, only three turned up for the first week and for the other seven weeks little interest was shown.   However, Bill is undaunted and will not give up!   He is in the throes of organising further sessions in the near future and is hoping for a better response!   Good attitude Bill!   Ed.

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OLUNTEERS NEEDED.   The following article was published in The Herald on Tuesday, 6th October 06, 2009:

A CITY charity is looking for new volunteers to help organise and run its Men's Development Group.
DCRSC is looking for people who can give up one day a week, or even one hour a week, to help organise sports sessions and day trips, and give advice to the charity's users.
Volunteers can be male or female and need no qualifications.
To volunteer, call in to the DCRSC's centre at 7, Whimple Street, Plymouth, and ask for Bill, the Men's Development Group Coordinator.

THE
WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT GROUP

D
CRSC   are not currently operating this Group.   However, we do have plenty of information regarding other Ladies Groups.   Please contact the Ed for further information.

NEWS, INFORMATION & ADVERTISEMENTS


THIS SPACE COULD HAVE BEEN
USEDTO PLACE YOUR NOTICE!

Why not contact the Editor?


A
LICE COOPER.   The shock rocker is bringing his spectacular stage show to Plymouth for a special gig at the Plymouth Pavilions on Wednesday, 2nd December.
http://www.alicecooper.com/

A
SYLUM FIASCO AS IRAQIS KICKED OUT OF UK ARE FLOWN BACK AGAIN AFTER BEING TURNED AWAY FROM BAGHDAD.   The following article was published in a national newspaper on Saturday, 17th October:
Plane Back again:   A plane carrying Iraqi deportees has been forced to return
A plane carrying 30 Iraqi deportees has been forced to turn around and bring them back to Britain after they were refused entry into Baghdad.
They were among 40 failed asylum seekers sent home to Iraq on the first deportee flight there since the Western invasion in 2003.
But only ten were allowed into the country, with the others flown back to the UK.
The decision of Iraqi officials to send back the majority of the deportees appeared a triumph for campaigners.
Refugee pressure groups have called the flight unlawful and the UN refugee chief has opposed the return of Iraqis to the troubled central provinces of the country.
A spokesman for Refugee and Migrant Justice said:   'For such a high-profile group to be returned is unprecedented.'
The Air Italy aircraft carrying the deportees and 80 escorts provided by the UK Border Agency left Stansted airport on Thursday.
The asylum seekers who were flown back to Britain are understood to have been taken to the Brook House detention centre near Gatwick airport.
The Home Office said it was talking to the Iraqi government to deal with the problems that led to the return of the 30.
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