Hi everybody………………
Well, I was certainly right about the Paralympics – what a
great show. Entertaining and inspiring
[by the way, I hope that is how you find my blog!!]. WELL DONE AGAIN TEAM GB, and ALL the athletes
that took part – we salute you. TV does
seem a bit flat now the Games are all over.
I know that Strictly Come Dancing is back but it really isn’t my cup of
tea. Waltzing on four paws is not that
easy!
I don’t know why it should, but that’s reminded me of my
recent visit to Loudwater Art and Sound Studio [find out more at www.loudwaterstudio.org] in Ludlow. It
is a lovely space, light and airy, with opportunities to become involved in
creating all sorts of things including pottery and sculpture, painting and
textiles or to simply a place to relax and listen to music. The boar’s head on the wall [created by one
of the people who use the studio] is very impressive and Hamish, the Studio
Manager, told me he is thinking about making it a trophy wall with lots of
exhibits made at the studio. I kept at a safe distance in case his next thought
was to be a trophy of a Labrador’s head!
However, on taking refuge in the sound studio, I found – to my surprise
- that I am really not much good with a guitar, so I think I had better leave
the music making and recording to others. Hamish did later explain that he was not
necessarily looking for animals for his trophies as another suggestion was to
have a bus coming out of the wall. I think that would be rather cool, but next
time I see Hamish I will point out a lamp post might be good!
It was great to see that the studio is open to people with
and without disabilities, in fact to anyone interested in creating art of any
kind, and that Hamish and Lol [she’s nice] are there to offer as much or as
little support and guidance as anyone would like. There is no pressure to complete projects as
the emphasis is on enjoyment but it also brings a real sense of satisfaction
and achievement to take home a finished piece of artwork created by you. If had a little more spare time, I would
certainly try my paw at throwing a pot or two.
Life at Vision Homes Association has generally been quite
busy. It is obviously very important for
the Association to fill current vacancies as quickly as possible to stem the
loss of income and it is very encouraging that there are a number of referrals
which are being followed up with visits from both sides and funding issues
under discussion. Everyone is optimistic
and hoping that it will not be too long before a new service user [or two] is
able to move in, but these things cannot be hurried as we need to be sure we
are able to deliver the service that the service user needs and aspires to, and
that it is properly funded. And once the
vacancies have been filled, VHA aims to continue to develop services, building
on the experience and expertise that has grown within the organisation over the
last twenty years and more.
Naturally I’ve helped out in organising the AGM next month
and of course will attend to look over the accounts and vote in the new Board
of Directors. Luckily there are no
changes there this year as the serving Board members are still willing to give
up their time and take on responsibility for VHA. They do this on a voluntary
basis, without pay, and we thank them.
There are going to be some big changes at home too – Maggie
[you remember Maggie, I used to guide her around before I retired] has gone
ahead and acquired another guide dog!
Phoebe! Would you believe it!! I’ll see what she is like and maybe share
a photo of her next time – as long as she remembers who is boss.
