THE MAGPIE NEWS. Contact Details: Post: NNAB Magpie Road Norwich NR3 1JH Telephone: (01603) Website:

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1 THE MAGPIE NEWS The Quarterly Newsletter from The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind Contact Details: Post: NNAB Magpie Road Norwich NR3 1JH Telephone: (01603) Website: Issue 69 November 2011 Welcome to your winter edition of the Magpie News. Who can believe we are now on the countdown to Christmas yet again. Looking back over the huge variety of NNAB activities and events throughout 2011 is quite staggering. What an amazing year we have all had! If you would prefer to receive your Magpie News in a different format please let us know. We can supply it in the following: Large Print, CD, , Braille or memory stick 1

2 Contents 1 Back to Bayern -Jeremy Goss 21 Short Mat Bowls 2 NNAB Holiday Sports Programme 3 Computer Classes 23 Norwich Social Centre 4 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 24 Fundraising News 5 Christmas Gift Ideas 25 Christmas Cards 6 New Equipment on Display 26 Christmas Draw 7 Cooking for VIPs 27 Volunteering Flag Days 8 The FarView 28 Elvis Event 9 Equipment Centre closures 29 New Staff Member 10 The Roving Eye Service 30 Norwich Macular Group 11 YoungEyes Christmas Party 31 A Year of Winners 12 The Rainbow Room 32 County Shows 13 Pirate Day at the NNAB 33 Famous Quote 14 Point to Ponder 34 Polling Facilities 15 NNAB Theatre Group 35 Transport Charges 16 The NNAB Heritage Group 36 Winter All Wrapped Up 17 Gardeneyes 37 A Note From The Editor 18 Thought for the Day 38 Happy Christmas 19 Golf Lessons 39 A Christmas Poem 20 Ski Sessions Every effort is made to ensure that the content of this newsletter is correct however we cannot be held responsible for errors and omissions. Goods and services featured do not carry any recommendation from The Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind. If you should inadvertently receive more than one copy of this newsletter please pass it on to friends, doctors surgeries etc. The Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind, Magpie Road, Norwich NR3 1JH Tel: Fax: office@nnab.org.uk Website: Also at: King s Lynn Tel: and Great Yarmouth Tel: Charity Number

3 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE I am one of those men who go shopping for Christmas presents at the last minute. My wife Julie is highly organised and gets most of the presents for friends and family. It is Julie s presents that I am always ashamed to be so last minute about. Sometimes people get cross that so much is spent at Christmas. It is a pity that some people spend more than they can afford, sometimes on things that other people do not really want. Even so, I am glad we give presents at Christmas to those we love. It is a reflection of the gifts brought to the Christ Child in the manger at Bethlehem gifts from shepherds out of their poverty and much more elaborate gifts even gold and frankincense from the Wise Men from the East. There is another tradition too related to Father Christmas (in origin, of course, he is St Nicholas, a bishop of great grace and generosity from the early centuries of the Church). Father Christmas brings presents to children at night. He leaves them quietly and unseen. It is a way of helping children realise that the world in which they live has kindness, generosity, grace and love at its heart. That s a very important message to give to children. It is one all of us should relearn and ponder every year. A very Happy Christmas to you all +Graham Norvic The Rt Revd Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich President, Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind 3

4 1. Back to Bayern (B2B) Cycle Challenge Jeremy Goss After 11 days in August of what can only be described as a mix between 'bliss' and 'battle' I'm delighted to report that the B2B Cycle Challenge was successfully completed. My whistle stop cycle tour of Europe was an amazing experience which saw me peddle through 5 different countries and 'attack' too many giant mountains on my way to the final destination of the San Siro Stadium in Milan. I really do class myself as a 'lucky man' to have captured (if only for a few brief moments while whizzing by on my bike ) the stunning views of the Austrian mountain ranges and idyllic Bavarian towns and villages although I must admit I had to put myself through an extreme endurance test to savour such sights. The launch on the 3rd of August was amazing in every way and I would like to say a big thank you to all who contributed in organising a wonderful send off. I hope the daily blogs, brilliantly constructed by Paul Durrant, and the 'Where's Gossy' tracking system were both useful tools in keeping you all up-dated on my daily progress. Many thanks again for the ed messages of good luck. I am humbled by everyone's kind thoughts. I believe the 'Back to Bayern' initiative has been a big success simply because everyone associated with the NNAB has helped in one way or another, towards the planning, preparing and promotion of such a unique fundraising scheme and for this I'm truly thankful. It really has been an outstanding team effort by us all, raising at the last count about 21k, I have further cycle events planned. Finally, I would have not completed the challenge without my best friend and travelling companion, Mark Walton. The former Norwich City and Fulham Goalkeeper was unbelievable in his dedication to the cause. On the trip he was the driver of the motor 4

5 home, the map reader and route planner, the chef, the physiotherapist, the sports scientist, the IT expert which included texts, blogs, tweets, videos and finally the motivator! I have total respect for his remarkable physical and mental strength and any credit given must not go to me alone but to Mark as well. Together we both made it and hopefully the end result will make a real difference to other people's lives! 2. NNAB Holidays 2012 We are looking into a Monday to Friday Ostend, Belgium holiday. This is planned for May Cost of the holiday will be in the region of 480 / 500 depending on numbers. While there we will visit: Bruges & Sluis, Ypres & the Menin Gate (Last Post) and Brussels. For details please contact Donna Hewitt: Computer Classes In September 2012 there will be vacancies in the beginner computer classes in the Bradbury Centre. Diane & Lizet are Adult Education tutors who have been coming to the NNAB for 11 years, they will be teaching an introduction to using your computer and creating documents, s and the internet and all the classes are free of charge. Each class lasts for two hours and as we only have three students in each class; we can give you lots of attention. Look out for the taster sessions soon where you can come along and try using a computer, no previous knowledge needed. For further information contact Chris Maule- Oatway on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land In the late 1990s the NNAB took two very successful pilgrimages to the Holy Land which were led by specialist guides. If you are interested please contact us and we will make further enquiries. 5

6 News from the Equipment and Information Centres For information about equipment, events and general enquires please contact Dorothy or Chris on Christmas Gift Ideas It s the time of year again to start thinking about those diaries and calendars for next year! In stock we have our own very popular NNAB easy to see calendars at 4 each for the A3 size and the new A4 size ones for 3.50 each. Also available are large print pocket style and desk diaries. As an ideal small Christmas gift that can easily be posted in a card, can we suggest one of our quality micro fibre Lens Cloths complete with the NNAB logo and in a vinyl pouch. They are only 1 each and are ideal for cleaning spectacles, camera lenses, computer screens, CD / DVDs and binoculars. Fifty pence from each sale goes towards NNAB funds. 6. New equipment on display Large dice GB93-2 for 2.99 Lighted nail clippers with magnifier 2.5x Lighted Tweezers with magnifier 6x Olympus Voice Recorder: Cooking for VIPs - a new Cookery Book Written by Maxine Turkington who is registered blind, this splendid book written in 18pt bold font contains kitchen hints and a wide selection of recipes. Come and see one in the Equipment Centre. The book is also now produced in Braille and Daisy format. Price: The FarView This is a video magnifier that offers close-up and distance viewing capabilities, in a stylish and ultra-compact design. The FarView eliminates the need to accurately track the camera 6

7 across lines of text whilst reading. Simply point the camera towards any relevant information and capture and store images, which can be enlarged to read with ease. Price Equipment Centre closures during Christmas Norwich Mon 26 th Tue 27 th Wed 28 th December & Mon 2 nd January Diss Fri 23 rd & Fri 30 th December Great Yarmouth Fri 23 rd Mon 26 th Wed 28 th Thurs 29 th Fri 30 th December & Tue 2 nd January Cromer Tue 27 th December Kings Lynn Mon 26 th Tue 27 th Wed 28 th December & Mon 2 nd January Watton Mon 26 th December 10. The Roving Eye Service During the winter months Richard can visit your club or organisation to tell you about the services NNAB offers and to give an overview of the equipment available. Please contact Richard for details richardpolley@nnab.org.uk YoungEyes News 11. Christmas Party December 10 th 2pm 4.30pm We are getting very excited planning this year s Children s Musical Christmas Party for our YoungEyes friends and their families to be held in the Bradbury Activity Centre. We are looking forward to joining together in games, dancing, icing Christmas biscuits and of course welcoming Father Christmas! Who knows how he will arrive this year! 7

8 12. The Rainbow Room and Sensory Voyager Our lovely sensory room is available for any family to use, whilst stimulating vision it is also a chance to relax whilst watching the colours and listening to the music. 13. Pirate Day at the NNAB There was a boarding of the good ship Bradbury by a motley crew of pirates, their mates and several very quiet parrots earlier this month! The occasion was a Pirate Day for our YoungEyes families and their friends on 3 rd September Thanks to support from local firms, the Norwich Theatre Royal, the local cinema, colleagues in the Education Sensory Support Service and Social Services we all had a day to remember. Alas no Johnny Depp but some very passable look a likes partied the day away. There was even a giant parrot on a mini cycle! The good ship had a map room where treasure maps and flags were created, a galley for making exotic fruit smoothies and decorating your own pirate biscuit, a story room for taking part in sea themed dramas accompanied by harp music and the deck where pirate captains from Community Music East led music making and gusty singing. Thanks as always to all staff and wonderful volunteers who helped and displayed hidden talents! For more details about any YoungEyes activities, please contact: Dorothy Bowen dorothybowen@nnab.org.uk 14. Point to Ponder It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that count. 8

9 NNAB Leisure Activities For further details about any of the following leisure activities and groups please contact Mark or Simon on or Further details can also be found on the Leisure and Education pages of the NNAB website, We also have separate mailing lists for several of these groups and would be happy to add your contact details to these. 15. NNAB Theatre Group We are thrilled to announce that the following shows will be audio described at the Norwich Theatre Royal and tickets are now on sale for the following shows. Come and enjoy all the fun of the Christmas Panto Sleeping Beauty Saturday 14 th January 2012, at 2.30pm. Answer all your questions - Is he handsome? Is she beautiful? Will he wake her? Will they live happily-ever-after? Tickets are on sale until 30 November priced at with transport available from the NNAB Magpie Road. Legally Blonde Saturday 3 rd March 2.30pm This West End & Broadway sensation promises to be a real highlight to get our 2012 musical shows off to a flying start. Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed new musical is created by a top-of-their-class creative team. College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods who doesn t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. Legally Blonde the Musical will take you from the social whirl of California Campus life to Harvard s Halls of Justice with the brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser). 9

10 Up and coming shows at the Theatre Royal Swallows and Amazons - Saturday 17 th March 2012 at 2.30pm Oliver - Saturday 14 th July 2012 at 2.30pm Dirty Dancing - Friday 7 th September 2012 at 5.00pm 16. The NNAB Heritage Group We will be continuing our visits to the Costumes and Textiles collection at the Shirehall Study Centre, with specially arranged handling collections from the Edwardian period. Visits will be on a Thursday morning between and on 17 th November and 1 st December. On Friday 16 th December the NNAB Heritage group will be organizing a trip to the Ancient House in Thetford for a special handling session to discover what Christmas was like during the Victorian and Tudor periods. Transport will be available from NNAB Norwich. 17. Gardeneyes Calling all keen visually impaired gardeners. Gardeneyes will be holding its Christmas meal on Wednesday 7th December at the Norwich Social Centre for the Blind starting with coffee from 11 am. Priced at this end of year meeting will be a chance to enjoy a superb bumper Christmas meal with a quiz and raffle after the lunch. A full 2012 programme of speakers and outings will be announced shortly, including a coach outing to the late Geoff Hamilton s Barnsdale garden in Rutland. For further details on Gardeneyes please contact the secretary Jenny Beer on jbeer86@btinternet.com. 18. Thought for the Day Growing old is compulsory; growing up is optional 10

11 Sports Activities Don t forget that you can find out all the latest information on NNAB activities at our Website: Contact: Rebecca Shubrook on or rebeccashubrook@nnab.org.uk Our sports activities continue to be very popular however we would love to see more people joining us. So, if there is anything listed in this issue that you think you might like to try, or an activity that you would be interested in that we do not currently offer, please do not hesitate to contact Rebecca. 19. Golf Lessons for Beginners Following the success of golf sessions held at Bawburgh Driving Range, Active Norfolk has kindly offered to fund another course of six lessons for beginners. These sessions will be likely to take place on a Thursday or Friday morning at Bawburgh with Golf Professional Mark Spooner. Numbers will be limited, all equipment will be provided and transport will be available (at an additional cost) from Magpie Road. 20. Ski Sessions at the Norfolk Snowsports Club, Trowse The dates are currently being finalised for the ski sessions and it is not too late to sign up, come along and have a go. All sessions will be conducted under the supervision of experienced instructors and helpers and all equipment will be provided. The first session will be free of charge with the opportunity of further sessions at a cost of 5.50 each. 21. Short Mat Bowls The Short Mat Bowls will be starting on January 3 rd 2012 and then the first Tuesday of every month at the Bradbury Activity Centre. All equipment will be provided. 11

12 22. Sports Programme for the Coming Quarter November Tue 1 st Gt. Yarmouth Tenpin Bowling 1.45pm. Regent Bowl Wed 2 nd Norwich Tenpin Bowling 1.30pm. Number Ten, Bowthorpe Mon 7 th Swimming - North Walsham 11am - 12pm. Leave NNAB at 10.10am. Tuition available. Tue 8 th North Norfolk Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Wed 9 th Breckland Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Mon 14 th West Norfolk Walk. Venue and time TBC Wed 16 th Norwich Group Long Walk. Venue and time TBC Mon 21 st Swimming North Walsham 11am - 12pm. Leave NNAB at 10.10am. Tuition available. Tue 22 nd Gt. Yarmouth Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Wed 23 rd Norwich Group Short Walk. Venue and time TBC December Mon 5 th Swimming North Walsham 11am - 12pm. Leave NNAB at 10.10am. Tuition available. Tue 6 th Gt. Yarmouth Tenpin Bowling 1.45pm. Regent Bowl Wed 7 th Norwich Tenpin Bowling 1.30pm. Number Ten, Bowthorpe Thu 8 th Breckland Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Mon 12 th West Norfolk Walk. Venue and time TBC Tue 13 th North Norfolk Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Wed 14 th Norwich Long & Short Walk Christmas Lunch Mon 19 th Swimming North Walsham 11am - 12pm. Leave NNAB at 10.10am. Tuition available. January 2012 Tue 3 rd Gt. Yarmouth Tenpin Bowling 1.45pm. Regent Bowl Tue 3 rd Short Mat Bowls, Bradbury Activity Centre 2pm Wed 4 th Norwich Tenpin Bowling 1.30pm. Number Ten, Bowthorpe Mon 9 th West Norfolk Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Tue 10 th North Norfolk Group Walk. Venue and time TBC 12

13 Wed 11 th Mon 16 th Tue 17 th Wed 18 th Tue 24 th Wed 25 th Mon 30 th February Wed 1 st Breckland Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Swimming North Walsham 11am - 12pm. Leave NNAB at 10.10am. Tuition available. Short Mat Bowls, Bradbury Activity Centre 2pm Norwich Group Long Walk. Venue and time TBC Gt. Yarmouth Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Norwich Group Short Walk. Venue and time TBC Swimming-North Walsham 11am - 12pm. Leave NNAB at 10.10am. Tuition available. Norwich Tenpin Bowling 1.30pm. Number Ten, Bowthorpe Mon 6 th Swimming North Walsham 11am - 12pm. Leave NNAB at 10.10am. Tuition available. Tue 7 th Gt. Yarmouth Tenpin Bowling 1.45pm. Regent Bowl Tue 7 th Short Mat Bowls, Bradbury Activity Centre 2pm Wed 8 th Breckland Group Walk. Venue and time TBC Please be aware that for certain activities, numbers are limited. Due to weather conditions, some events may have to be cancelled / rearranged. 23. Norwich Social Centre Lunches serving a delicious and varied lunch menu at 12 noon every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Excellent value at 4.50 per person. Please phone in before 9am on the day to book. Wed 14 th Dec 2011 Our Christmas Lunch (Hooray!) An Aurimas Special of turkey and all the trimmings, please let us know by 6 th Dec if you would like to come. This is unbelievable value at 6 per person. (No lunches from 15 th Dec till 8 th Jan restarting on Mon 9 th Jan 2012) For further information please phone

14 24. Fundraising News from Donna Minto We continue to be a busy fundraising office which means that we are still bringing in those vital pennies. Since our last newsletter in August we have counted over 7,500 just from flag days, street collections and collecting boxes in shops and peoples houses. Thank you to all of you who have one of our cardboard collecting boxes at home, it is greatly appreciated. If you would like a box for all those annoying small coins that tend to get lost in the bottom of your purses or wallets, such as the 1p, 2p or 5p, then please ask your community worker for one. Or, if you have a local shop that you use regularly; please feel free to ask them (on our behalf) if they would be willing to have one of our collecting tins on their counter, and I will deliver one. Just small gestures like that can really help the Association. 25. Christmas Cards If you are interested in seeing the wide selection of Christmas Cards available this year by post, from the Fundraising office or via your Community Worker. Our Christmas card order form shows each card in colour for you or your family to see and order if you wish. The Christmas form also gives the prices and tells you what verse is written inside and is available on request, please see return form. Our cards are now available on sale in the Assembly House on Theatre Street and the Forum in Norwich. 26. Christmas Draw and Carol Service The draw will take place on 16 th December at 2pm in the Bradbury Activity Centre so hurry to buy your tickets. After which a Carol Service will be held around the Christmas Tree in the Atrium. Everyone is Welcome to attend. 14

15 If you would like to donate any items to the raffle, then please do not hesitate to call the office or pass them onto your Community Worker the next time they visit. Or if you have a family member who owns or works for a business that may be happy to contribute to the raffle, please let us know so that I can get in touch with them. Thank you! 1st prize will be 150 cash 2nd prize a hamper full of festive goodies 3rd prize a family day out including a meal Plus lots of other brilliant gifts to give away We are no longer allowed to put the tickets in the Magpie News. If you would like to buy some raffle tickets for 2 per book please send a request and a cheque to; NNAB, Magpie Road, Norwich, NR3 1JH Cheques to be made out to the NNAB and write your name and address on the back. 27. Volunteering for Flag Days makes a difference! Finding volunteers for flag days and street collections has been difficult of late and I am very grateful for all those who have helped. During a recent collection at Sainsbury s in Attleborough we raised over 530 in 2 days! So you can appreciate the importance of our volunteer collectors. Collecting is not just about standing on a street or in a supermarket doorway, it can be a great way of socialising, meeting new people, getting out and of course collecting for a good cause. Thank you if you have agreed to help us again next year and for your continued support over

16 28. An evening of entertainment with Elvis at Wroxham Hotel in aid of the NNAB A rock 'n' roll night featuring Q Elvis (Quinton Haverson) performing the greatest hits from Elvis. Saturday 28 th January at 7pm. Tickets 5 available from 3 rd December at the NNAB on or Wroxham Hotel on from 3rd December There will also be a Raffle and Auction on the night. For a discount on Hotel rooms, please call the Hotel direct. 29. New Staff Member I would like to introduce myself as the new Community Worker for the central Norwich area (taking over from Sherry Wilgress). I have come from a banking background, but we all make big changes from time to time and this is mine! I m so pleased to have joined the NNAB and to have met (already) so many lovely people, staff, Volunteers and Clients alike. I m currently learning the ropes with the wonderful Community workers, but hope to catch up with you soon. I can be contacted at the NNAB offices on Thank you, Gemma Baldwin. 30. Norwich Macular Group The meetings continue to take place on the second Friday of each month between 12 noon and 2pm at the Bradbury Activity Centre. Sandwiches, cakes and refreshments are available. We often have a guest speaker who gives a talk on a variety of topics including equipment available to aid everyday tasks and advances in treatment for Macula. If you would like any further information about the meetings please contact the secretary Alan Strachan on

17 31. A Year of Winners We are delighted to be able to report a variety of awards and achievements within the Association. Ray Alvis one of our stalwart sports activities volunteers has been recognised as Volunteer of The Year in the annual Visionary Awards which is designed to celebrate excellence among Local Blind Charities across Britain. Eve Chandler was awarded Volunteer of The Year at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for her continued service at the eye clinic. The architect David Marris was commended in the community category of the Annual Norwich Society Awards for the design of the Bradbury Activity Centre. Event Fundraiser Jeremy Goss was also recognised as the country s best at the Visionary Awards for his B2B cycle ride. 32. County Shows It has been another successful year at the County Shows where we sold an abundance of knitted items, therefore once again we are appealing for knitted toys and craft items to sell. Contact Julie Lythgoe on if you require wool or help deciding what to make. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the NNAB with knitting of all kinds. 33. Famous Quote by Helen Keller When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. 17

18 34. Polling Facilities in Broadland We would like to invite your comments and experiences when registering your vote at your local Polling Station in the Broadland area. Please send details to Mr John Child Transport Charges Recently there has been some confusion regarding transport charge to clients who use our volunteer drivers. The NNAB will cover the costs for the following: 1. Visiting an NNAB equipment and information centre 2. Essential shopping 3. Eye related medical visits Charges will be applicable to the assisted VIP for the following: 1. Sport and leisure activities 2. NNAB classes 3. VIP clubs 4. Non essential shopping 36. Winter all wrapped up The cold weather could mean the beginning of the flu season. To help you keep well it is very important to keep warm at home and outdoors. Try to eat well, follow a healthy lifestyle and don t forget to have your flu jab if you are eligible. Keep moving: Staying active will generate your body heat to keep you warm. If you are at home try not to sit for too long, get up, walk around and make yourself a warm drink. If walking is difficult try some chair based exercises by moving your arms and legs and wiggling your toes. 18

19 37. A Note From The Editor Emma Purdy It is with a little sadness but a lot of joy that by the time you read this newsletter I will have left the Magpie News Office to start maternity leave, I am expecting my first baby who is due to arrive at the end of November in my absence Diane Stewart will be covering my role, so for the next 6 months you can contact her using my address emmapurdy@nnab.or.uk or phone number I hope that you have enjoyed this issue of the Magpie News - if you have any comments or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact Diane. 38. Happy Christmas Everyone at the NNAB would like to wish you all every happiness for Christmas and the New Year. 39. A Christmas Poem for Friends The Christmas Gift of Knowing You The Christmas season fills our hearts with joy Bright, happy days bring special kinds of pleasure We're wrapped in the excitement of it all The sights, the sounds, the smells and the tastes we treasure Yet when we have some quiet time to think About our finest blessings all year through We focus on our family and our friends And appreciate the gift of knowing you! By Joanna Fuchs 19

20 Thomas Tawell House Residential and Respite Home For The Visually Impaired If you or someone you know is visually impaired and needs Respite or Residential Care Then Thomas Tawell House could be what you are looking for The home is situated in the award winning grounds of the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind Magpie Road Norwich Facilities include: Single fully furnished rooms with en-suite A safe friendly specifically designed environment for the visually impaired The staff are highly trained in caring for the visually impaired All meals are cooked on site and all dietary needs are catered for If you would like further details or to arrange a visit please contact us on

21 Return Slip November 2011 Please tick the appropriate box/boxes below, fill in your details and send this form back to us at our main office. I would like my Community Worker to visit If there is anything you are especially concerned about please use the space below to inform us of this: Please stop sending me The Magpie News Instead of large print, I would like to receive The Magpie News: On CD In Braille On Memory Stick By Please confirm Address if asking for Magpie News by _ 21

22 Helping us to help you I would like to purchase Christmas Draw Raffle tickets I would like to receive details about Sports Activities I would like to receive a Christmas card order form I would like to be added to the Leisure Activities mailing list I would like further information about IT classes I would like further information about the NNAB Pilgrimage Please use capital letters Name Address Post Code Telephone Is there anything else you would like to tell us about? 22