Developing my creative side ...........

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.