The Magpie News The Newsletter from The Norfolk and Norwich Association For the Blind Contact Details: NNAB Magpie Road Norwich NR3 1JH Telephone: 01603 629558 Email: office@nnab.org.uk Website: www.nnab.org.uk Issue 88 August 2016 Welcome to your Summer issue of the Magpie News, unfortunately on some days it feels like Autumn has arrived early. Here at the NNAB we have been extremely busy over the last couple of months and even the monsoon rains couldn t dampen our spirits as we celebrated our Patron s 90 th Birthday. 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, email Memory Stick or Braille 1
Contents 1 Message from Mike Talbot, Chief Executive of the NNAB 2 Charity Shop 3 Chaplain s Corner 4 Sports News 5 News from the West 6 News from the YoungEyes Office 7 Thomas Tawell House Information 8 Leisure and Activities News 9 Equipment Centre News 10 Exhibitions of Equipment 11 Mobile Equipment Centre Dates 12 Equipment For Sale 13 Wanted 14 Fundraising News from Jeremy Goss 15 Community Fundraising News 16 Fundraising and Fire walking 17 Open House Coffee Morning 18 Edward Bates Skydiving Experience 19 Julie Lythgoe s Celebration Skydive 20 Trustee Tim Hurst s account of the Patron s Lunch 21 Volunteer Joan Barber s Patron s Lunch Experience Every effort is made to ensure that the content of this newsletter is correct however we cannot be held responsible for the 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: 01603 629558 Fax 01603 766682 Email: office@nnab.org.uk Website: www.nnab.org.uk Also at: Kings Lynn Tel: 01553 660808 and Great Yarmouth Tel: 01493 745973 Charity Number 207060 2
1. Message from Mike Talbot, Chief Executive of the NNAB Hello everyone, and welcome to the summer edition of Magpie News. Amazingly, I've been working at the NNAB for six months now. I've had lots to learn about all the different ways we aim to provide care and support for the visually impaired community in Norfolk. From residential care to community workers, from bowling to book clubs, from telefriends to talking clocks - the range of services, facilities and opportunities is huge. But are we doing all the right things? Could we be doing anything else which would make your lives easier, more rewarding, more fulfilling? Over the next few months, we are going to be organising a "Client Review". We want to find out what visually impaired people in the county think of the NNAB, what we do and how we do it - and we really need your help. The details are still to be finalised, but questionnaires will be sent out to everyone we support, asking for feedback. And we'll ask if we can have a longer conversation with some of you to get even more detail. Of course, you don't have to take part if you don't want to, but we hope that your feedback will help us to do an even better job. Meanwhile, don't forget you can always talk to me directly. My email is michaeltalbot@nnab.org.uk or if you leave a message with our admin team on 01603 629558, I'll call you back. So far summer seems quite like winter - it's just warm and wet instead of cold and wet! I hope you can make the most of the next month or two, whatever the weather - and do enjoy the Magpie News. 2. Charity Shop We recently closed for 2 weeks to enable us to have a good sort out as we were fortunate to receive so many donations. However this meant our sheds were overflowing and many of the items were not good enough to sell in the shop. We are very grateful indeed for all donations but please be aware it costs us approximately 396 each month for our skip hire to dispose of unwanted items. We would love you to keep donating to us but please can you make sure they are of good quality, no chips or cracks on Bric a Brac, no stains or rips on clothes and please ensure all children s toys have CE markings. We do raise a lot of our funds from rags, so clothes, belts and handbags in any condition are suitable. We cannot rag bed linens and all linens in general but if they are in very good condition they will sell within the shop. Please keep your donations coming but as the motto goes if you won t buy it, we can t sell it. Thank you for your continued support. 3
3. Chaplain s Corner As I sit down to write this the sun is shining through the window. Most of us enjoy the feeling of warmth on our skin. We also enjoy the warmth of human kindness. I always think of the NNAB as a family whether you live in Thomas Tawell House, Hammond Court or within your own home. Staff, volunteers, families with children, all part of the whole. We have opportunities within that to rejoice and give thanks to God for all he has given. To us individually or as a whole. An opportunity to give thanks to God comes in the Harvest Festival at Thomas Tawell House on Thursday September 22nd at 2pm. for residents of Thomas Tawell House, Hammond Court, and their families followed by refreshments and social time. Also to celebrate once again the Commemoration of Thomas Tawell which takes place in the Cathedral on Friday October 14th at 12pm followed by refreshments in the refectory. Let us then with quiet assurance give thanks for each other and the gifts we can bring to enhance our NNAB family. God Bless You All Revd Heather 4. Sports News Tandem Cycling if anyone is interested in having a try but feels they would be a little unsteady on 2 wheels for the first few times, we do have a 3-wheeled Trike available for beginners, please do ask for availability. Self-Defence: We were hoping to gain funding to cover the cost of the sessions, unfortunately this was not to be. However we and the instructor are very keen for this activity to continue but we do need certain numbers attending to cover the cost, although the NNAB are happy to subsidise a small amount of the fees to help. The sessions will be based on simple moves to help you defend yourself, but more importantly to help you feel confident while out on your own or even within a group. If you wish to join the Self-Defence classes please let us know so we have an idea of numbers attending. As with all activities if you are unsure come and give it a try, you never know you may just enjoy them and feel the benefits too! Please ask for a sports pack listing all activities and dates. 4
5. News from the West Firstly may I introduce myself, my name is Niki Richardson and I am the new Sports and Leisure coordinator for West Norfolk. It s been a busy few months here at the Kings Lynn Equipment Centre and I m looking forward to meeting you all when our activities are up and running. There have been lots of ideas from people wanting to get involved which is fantastic. So far we have. Microwave Cookery The 1 st Tuesday of every month (currently fully booked) 1.30 3.30pm (running at Kings Lynn Equipment Centre) with a charge of 5 This course runs for 4 weeks, if you would like to put your name on our waiting list for the next course please do so. Bowling Running from August, 1 st Wednesday of every month 10-12pm at Strikes Arcade, Kings Lynn. 2.97 a session Walking The 2 nd Wednesday of every month at various locations around West Norfolk 10am- 12pm Quiz, Games and Coffee afternoon Running from July, the 3 rd Tuesday of every month 1.30-3.30pm at the Kings Lynn Equipment Centre Shuffle Board Running from August, the 3 rd Wednesday of every month 1.30 3.30pm at the Hempton Community Centre Fakenham 3 a session Knitting The 4 th Wednesday of every month 1.30-3.30pm at Kings Lynn Equipment Centre 3 a session. Fitness The 1 st Friday of every month 2-3pm at Kings Lynn Equipment Center 5 a session There have been suggestions such as swimming, gardening and canoeing. These are all great ideas and once everything else is up and running smoothly we will look at adding some more to the mix. If you would like to take part in any of our activities please give us a call on 01553 660808 so that we can add you to our list as places are limited. It may be possible for us to provide transport, please let us know if this would be helpful and we will do our best. There would be a small charge for transport provided. 5
6.News from the YoungEyes Office Friday July 22 nd - 2pm to 4pm We are looking forward to celebrating the end of the school year and the beginning of the holidays at our End of Term Chill Out Disco Party with DJ Andy, cupcakes and ice cream sundaes! Saturday August 20 th 11am to 3pm We have joined with Blind Children UK to plan a day for visionimpaired children and their families from across the Eastern Region. This will be a Family Summer Party in the Bradbury Activity Centre when Act ll Theatre Company will be putting on a fun family get together with games and activities and a buffet lunch. There will also be representatives of local and national support groups on hand throughout the day to provide information and discuss any issues that concern families. Also available will be workshops for adults on Family Support, Education Issues and advice from the Access Technology Lead from Blind Children UK. September 1 st is our day out on board Waveney Stardust We shall be joining our friends from Sense for a day out sailing from Horning in a custom designed cruiser and enjoying other facilities in the Wroxham area. A diary date to book! YoungEyes Christmas Glitter Party will be on December 10 th, the entertainment, the caterers and The Man in Red already have the date in their diaries! Rainbow Sparks Dates for the remainder of this year are: August 25 th, September 22 nd, October 27 th, and November 24 th. More under 5s are always welcome. Education Links Working with Virtual School Sensory Support we are pleased that: we have updated our joint advice leaflet which will now be placed in all the Children s Eye Clinics across Norfolk we were filmed as part of a DVD highlighting the provision in Norfolk for Early Years vision-impaired children. Filming took place in the BAC at both The Joint Vision Clinic and Rainbow Sparks and this will now be available on the websites of both 6
Virtual School Sensory Support and NCC, included in The Local Offer we shall be joining VSSS for a conference around the issues connected with Meares Irlen Syndrome (Visual Stress) later this year You can always find up to date reports and pictures about all our activities on our Children and Families page of the NNAB web site www.nnab.org.uk If you would like further information about YoungEyes or any of the events or services mentioned, please contact me: Dorothy - YoungEyes Coordinator 01603 629558 dorothybowen@nnab.org.uk 7. Thomas Tawell House (residential and respite home) We currently have spaces available for both permanent and respite care at our Home situated in the award winning grounds of the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind in Magpie Road. Facilities include: Single fully furnished rooms with en-suite A safe and friendly specifically designed environment for 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 or someone you know with a visual impairment would like further details or to arrange a visit please contact us on 01603 767526. In the very near future we will be adding a Spa Therapy room and double respite room. 8. Leisure and Activities News The NNAB leisure activities office has been very busy over the last few summer months running various trips around the county, and we ve been busy enjoying taking groups out despite the rain! We have a wide variety of leisure activity groups, including Gardening, Theatre, Heritage, Photography, Creative Writing, Discussion Group, Arts and craft groups and our 9 countywide audio book clubs. 7
The following trips and activities will be taking place in the coming months, and please do get in touch with Mark or Elaine if you would like further details. A separate leisure activities mailing list is also available giving additional details on trips and events we ve organised, and this is produced in all formats, just let us know or fill in the reply slip at the back of this newsletter. The NNAB leisure and Education pages on our web site are also kept up to date for further details. Audio described Norwich Theatre Royal Performances The NNAB will be selling tickets for the following audio described performances, and sighted patrons are also welcome to buy tickets, to accompany a visually impaired person. Breakfast at Tiffany s Saturday 19 th November at 2.30, with tickets now on sale priced at 20.00 with payment to be made no later than 30 th September. Our last performance for 2016 will be to see The Commitments, on Saturday 3 rd December at 2.30, with further details to follow in the next newsletter. We start the New Year off with a traditional trip to see the annual Theatre Royal Panto, Jack and The Beanstalk, with a matinee audio described performance at 1pm on Wednesday 4 th January, with further details to follow in the next newsletter. Further shows we are aware of for 2017 will include Mamma Mia, on Saturday 25 th March 2017, 2.30pm with further details to follow. Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2016 Tickets are now on sale for the ever popular and nationally renowned Thursford Christmas Spectacular Show. This performance is a matinee on Monday 19 th December 2pm, and we will be running a minibus. Tickets are priced at 50.00 to include minibus transport, and payment must please be made when booking, by no later than Monday 3 rd October. 8
Gardeneyes Group Our trip to Raveningham Hall in May proved very popular and it was a great opportunity for members and their companions to explore the home garden of Lord and Lady Bacon, followed by a delicious quiche for lunch. June saw us exploring a muddy, cold and wet asparagus field at Roudham Farm in Breckland near Attleborough. Our visit included a fascinating talk and tour of the growing, harvesting and packing process for asparagus by owners Tim and William Jolly, and we also got to taste the delicious spears!! Future events and trips for Gardeneyes will include Gardeneyes Annual Garden Show This year s annual garden show will be on the morning of Wednesday 24 th August at 10.30, slightly earlier this year as our judges are away in early September. This is for all visually impaired gardeners to join in, it s a bit of fun, and just bring what you can manage, maybe a potted plant, some cut flowers or produce you ve grown. Sighted companions are welcome to enter, they will not be judged but will receive judges comments. A full show schedule is available. On Monday 19 th September, the Cambridge Botanic gardens will be the venue, with a guided tour and lunch out in the café. Heritage Group Our Heritage group has been busy out and about over the summer months, with a trip to the Fitzwilliam museum in Cambridge, a visit to St Mary s Church in Swardeston to hear a talk on the life and work of Edith Cavell and also a trip to the Happisburgh Lighthouse with 112 steps! Visits for later on this summer will include a trip to the Time and Tide museum in Great Yarmouth to explore the temporary Halfway to paradise exhibition and other permanent collections in the museum. Date still to be confirmed at time of going to press. Monday 5 th September will be a trip to the Ipswich Transport museum with an opportunity to hear a guided talk, explore the exhibits in the museum including vintage coaches, trolley buses and a whole variety 9
of other types of smaller vehicles. Leaving NNAB at 9.15am the price will be 13.00 plus a possible buffet lunch. Holkham Hall Field to Fork exhibition During October we are hoping to run a trip to Holkham Hall to see the Field to fork exhibit! With a date, timings and costings to still be finalised. River Waveney Sculpture Trail On Thursday 18 th August we are running a trip to the River Waveney Study Centre in Earsham near Bungay to explore through audio description and touch a mile-long arts trail. There are over 30 sculptures in a beautiful riverside site of water meadows and woodland. A minibus will be leaving at 9.30 from NNAB returning by approximately mid-afternoon, with a cost of 13.50 for VIP s and 3.50 for companions, to include transport and entrance to the arts trail. 9. Equipment Centre News As it is now high summer we have all had plenty of practice with our water wings! Remember, the weather can only get better, summer will be here soon. Whatever the weather does, we are here to help with equipment and advice to help get the most from your world. From bump-ons and magnifiers to CCTVs and computers we have it all, plus the expertise to help you make it all work for you. TaT - Tablets and Telephones Drop-In Sessions The drop-in sessions for the telephone and tablet advice will be suspended for the summer. We will be starting again on 13 th September. The sessions run from 10 to 12 in the NNAB Bradbury Centre. NR3 3DZ If you would like to find out more just contact Edward on 01603 629558. edbates@nnab.org.uk Even though the official sessions are on holiday, if you have any questions in the meantime or would like to pop in to start finding out about the possibilities of these devices please contact us, we will be more than happy to do what we can to help. 10
Having started in the spring the drop-in sessions have been very popular. As the world becomes more internet based it is even more important that people can use the technology with confidence so we work hard to make sure visually impaired people are able to stay in touch. 10. Exhibitions of Equipment The next exhibitions of specialist equipment for the visually impaired are as follows: Professional Vision Services and Dolphin Computer Access Monday 19 th September, King s Lynn Centre. PE30 2JG Tuesday 20 th September, Cromer. Merchants Place. NR27 9ES Wednesday 21 st September, Norwich. Bradbury Centre. NR3 3DZ New Equipment. As ever there are some pieces of new equipment that might be useful, here in Norwich and at our centres in Great Yarmouth and King s Lynn. We are looking forward to getting new Monomouse devices, they run through your TV to help with reading and looking at pictures, and we also have the latest in CCTV technology with the Enhanced Vision Da Vinci to play with in Norwich. 11. Mobile Equipment Centre Dates August Tues Wed & 9th 10th & Dereham Morrisons Car Park Thurs 11th Tues Wed & 16th 17th & Thetford Sainsbury's Car Park Thurs 18th Archbishop Sandcroft Tues & Wed 23rd & 24th Harleston School 12. Equipment For Sale Please call the Sellers to find out more about the sale items below. Items advertised by outside parties are sold as-seen and are not guaranteed by the NNAB. Sara Scanner Scan & Read Less than one year old and hardly used. Complete with box and instructions. Was 1400 new, now asking 550 ono. Contact Mr Thompson on 01366 385106. 11
Freedom Scientific Topaz 19 CCTV Now reduced to 450. Please contact Mrs Ross for more details on 01603 470508. Buyer collects. Reinecker Videomatic Lux CCTV Bought new for 2500, very little use. Selling 550. Cash preferred. Local delivery (Downham Market or nearby) and set up available to those with mobility issues. Contact Mel Hipperson on 01366 385 967 or 07789 900 368 for more information inc. other delivery options. 13. Wanted Does anyone have a Braille Crossword Kit that they no longer use? One of our hard working volunteers would love to get his hands on one but this product has been discontinued. If you have a kit that you would be happy to pass on please contact Carl on 01603 395619 or 07748 962 035. It will make his day! 14. Fundraising News from Jeremy Goss Can I start by saying a very important thank you to all the NNAB staff and volunteers who have recently contributed towards all our fundraising efforts over the last three months. It most definitely takes a team of people to make all our fundraising initiatives work well and produce the desired results in regards to both raising the awareness and funds for the NNAB. The recently staged fundraising Skydive Challenge was a perfect example of how a group of people working together can collectively deliver the very best for the charity. Nine brave souls, including staff and volunteers, agreed to tandem skydive from 13000ft all in aid of the NNAB. A remarkable test passed by all with flying colours and an amount close to 5000 raised. Well done to all and what a great experience. Becks Motor Home - BMH Fifty Years in Business celebrations took place at Great Yarmouth Racecourse recently. It proved to be a great family fun weekend and an impressive 3500 was raised from the event and donated to NNAB. Thank you to all at Becks Motor Home for this wonderful gesture. The DixieMix Jazz Band - Thank you to the brilliant DixieMix Jazz Band for performing on two occasions recently and raising 4000 for the NNAB. 12
Mundesley Golf Club - The Captain and Lady Captain Ruth and Allan Epton of Mundesley Golf Club have very kindly chosen the NNAB as their charity to support for 2016. Fundraising activities will take place in and around the golf club over the course of the year and an NNAB cheque presentation will take place in December. Gt Yarmouth Mayor Cheque Presentation Following on from a visit to the NNAB, The Worshipful the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Malcom Bird, was so impressed by the excellent work being carried out at Magpie Road, he kindly made a donation of 300. Wendy George, who volunteers to help run the Great Yarmouth Equipment Centre, and I were very pleased to accept an invitation to Gt. Yarmouth Town Hall, participate in an excellent tour and at the same time accept the cheque on behalf of the NNAB. Income was also generated from an NW Brown Garden Party, The Queen s Patron s lunch and a concert performed by the Cringleford Singers. As well as this, Sainsbury s situated on Queens Road, Norwich donated 1500 to the NNAB - money raised through the sale of their shopping bags. Another brilliant gesture. So an exciting and busy time for the fundraising department and I repeat, we are totally reliant on the kindness and generosity of those who are willing to contribute. We do not hide the fact that we need your support and we are always seeking general individual help and donations, for our planned events. Please see our list of events coming up in the next couple of months;- Events Saturday 3 rd September Gossy s Blindfold walk Starting at the Pier Hotel in Gorleston Saturday 10 th September - Battle of Britain Concert With Taverham Big Band at St Peter Mancroft Church, Millennium Plain, Norwich Sunday 9 th October Family 10km Cycle Ride Along Marriotts way from Norwich to Taverham & back Thursday 20 th October - Jarrolds Fashion Show The Pantry, Jarrolds Store, Norwich 13
15. New from Community Fundraising At last summer has reached us, albeit a very wet one so far. But with the change in weather, we do notice an increase in donations, which is always good for our members, as this means we can lay on more activities, trips and give them more general support. Tickets for our Summer Raffle tickets are still on sale at all of the NNAB equipment centres, or you can call us and we will send some out. The draw will now be held on Wednesday 24 th August to coincide with the Gardeneyes Annual Horticultural Show. So if you fancy a day out with the chance to win some lovely prizes, come and see us in the Bradbury Activity centre from 10.30am onwards. I am still in need of some larger baskets to put the prizes in, so if you have any laying around that you could possibly donate, or any unwanted new gifts that we could use to put in the baskets; we would really appreciate them. Collections are still one of our best incomes for the charity, but unfortunately, we are still in need of volunteers. Our present volunteers who collect for us absolutely love it. For them it s a chance to meet all sorts of people, talk, make new friends and give back to the charity. We are very subtle when we collect, no shaking tins or asking people for money. We just stand with our large tin, a tabard saying NNAB and a big smile on our faces. Collecting volunteers are our most valuable asset in fundraising and without them we would lose a lot of money every year, so if you fancy getting out for just an hour or two a month or even a year, please call us, as we are always in need of that extra pair of hands. Here s the list of future collections;- August Wednesday 3 rd Sheringham Collection Friday 5 th Cromer Collection Saturday 6 th Lathams Potter Heigham Friday 12 th Norwich Collection Sunday 14 th Morrisons Riverside Wednesday 17 th Budgens Cromer Friday 19 th Dereham Collection Saturday 20 th Swaffham Collection 14
Thursday 25 th Tesco Aylsham Saturday 27 th Sheringham Collection September Saturday 3 rd Sainsburys Attleborough Thursday 8 th Morrisons Gorleston Thursday 15 th Budgens Acle Saturday 17 th Budgens Poringland Friday 23 rd Asda Boundary Road October Thursday 20 th Budgens Acle Saturday 22 nd Budgens Poringland If you would like to join us for any of the following events, or have any questions, please just call 01603 629558 or email: fund@nnab.org.uk. You can also find a full description of all our events on our website: www.nnab.org.uk/fundraising 16. Fundraising and Fire Walking Emmaus the homeless Charity based in Ditchingham, Bungay were originally going to use one of our unwanted Tandems to cycle from their Headquarters to the first ever Emmaus Centre in Paris. Unfortunately this had to be cancelled but the idea now is to do 16 Challenges throughout the coming months, some of which are 10k Bungay race, Bungay ½ Marathon, Sprint Triathlon, 280 Mile Tandem ride over 2 days, 16 mile hike and Emmaus vs NNAB activities like a Ten Pin Bowling and Car wash challenges. Fancy walking on Fire? This event will be held at Emmaus on 24th September. We need 20 people from our Charity to take part. If this is something you have always wanted to do please ask for an application form. There is a 35 registration fee payable by yourself and you will need to raise a minimum of 125 in sponsorship. Again all proceeds will be split equally between us. If you wish to give a donation all monies will be very gratefully received and will be split between our two Charities. Please ask the Fundraising department for details on how to donate. 15
17. Open House Coffee Morning Come along and join us at the NNAB Bradbury Centre any time between 10 til 12 for a cuppa and a delicious cake or scone on the following Monday dates: 22 nd August 26 th September 31 st October Sally and Gemma will be on hand to welcome you and support you with any queries you may have but most of all, come for a chat. 18. Edward Bates Skydive Experience I was approached to do the sky dive in early January, but kept putting the idea off countless times. Eventually, one evening, I felt I had to make a decision, there and then. Either I did it, or declined to do it, and would try and forget about it. Of course, I had to do the right thing. Next, before I even had time to think, I had sent an e-mail saying I d do it. There then began a huge amount of build-up to it, gaining sponsorship, and imagining what it would be like, falling through the air at some ridiculous speed. At this juncture, for those of you who don t know me, I m totally blind, and have never seen. I don t even see light or dark. The reaction I got from most people was something like oh well, it will be ok for you, you can t see how fast you re falling, or where the ground is. That is completely wrong. Of course, I wouldn t see how fast I was falling, or where the ground was, but it didn t stop me from being nervous. There was one thing I wanted out of this, that being that I didn t want the whole skydive to become about me and not having any sight. I wanted it to work in a couple of ways. First, of course, raising money for the NNAB, and at this point, I must thank everyone who sponsored me, but also, on a personal level, I knew it would be a terrific life experience. On the day of the jump itself, all the build-up finally came to an end, and I got to the airfield in Beccles. After a quick amount of training, giving us explanations as to how we should be positioned, and what we could expect, it was time for the big jump. I was incredibly envious of those who had done their jumps already, and were down, but from what people were telling me, I knew they d had an unbelievable time. I was partnered up with one of the instructors, who was very helpful and gave me clear instructions at all times. Going up in the plane, I 16
knew there was no going back now. That was not as nerve racking as I had anticipated, in fact, it was pretty comfortable. Not like being in the average jet plane though of course! When it was time for me to exit the plane, at 10000 feet up, (or 2 miles high,) I could hardly believe what I was actually about to do. Slowly, my legs slid out of the plane, while I edged closer on my backside towards the exit. Gradually, a current of air caught me and my instructor, and we drifted out of the plane. The so-called initial jump, was nothing like I d expected. The free fall at 120 miles per hour, was far better than I could have anticipated. The wind was rushing through me, it felt unbelievable, if not a bit intense, trying to make the most of the experience. Soon, the parachute was pulled, and we were slowly falling back to earth. All that noise from the wind had gone, it felt like I was on a plane, coming into land. I was even able to have a conversation with my instructor at this point, something I never thought would happen in mid-air. On reaching the ground, I could hardly believe I had done it, all of that build-up and panic was over. If I was to do it again, I would have to say yes. I have nothing much more to say, but my advice would be, if you ever get chance to do something like this, then do it. You only live once, as they say. 19. Julie Lythgoe s Celebration Skydive It dawned on me late last year that 2016 would be my 40th year of working at the NNAB. Boring to some I know, but I wanted to do something just for me to celebrate the moment so decided that I wanted to fall from a plane. With the help of the fundraising team and other staff and volunteers, my dream came true. On Sunday 5th June, we headed for Beccles Airfield and, after a 3 hour wait, finally ascended to above and into the clouds! It must have been my age (a mature adult!) but I wasn't the least bit nervous even when we shuffled to the edge of the plane - in fact there was no time to even think about it before my nice young man (who was strapped very tightly and closely to me) tilted me forward and out we went. And oh my, what an experience. Noisy to start with but when the chute opened, the peace and tranquillity were amazing and I wanted to stay up there for longer. When we were nearing the crowd I couldn't contain my excitement - I did it. I will certainly remember that day - and my 40 years at NNAB (now what can I do for my 50th!!) 17
20. Trustee Tim Hurst s account of the Patron s Lunch It is not often that you get a chance to be part of history and so when the opportunity arose to attend The Queen's Patron s Lunch in Pall Mall there was no hesitation... we were going! Weeks were spent by "her indoors" on what to wear whilst we men don't have these problems or shall I say choose to ignore them. Rail travel was booked well in advance which meant we could enjoy the luxury of first class travel from Norwich at the same price as 2nd class and of course we had to find somewhere to stay within walking distance of the celebrations as I hate travelling on the tube!! Finally the big day arrived but someone had forgotten to tell Mother Nature and bless her she did her best to dampen spirits but failed as the British Bulldog spirit rose to the occasion and we just smiled and got on with the celebrations under our waterproof ponchos. The gates opened at 10am by which time large queues were forming and for late arrivals this would mean queuing for an hour or more. As we passed through the security we were frisked by the police (those police on duty had volunteered and had come from all parts of the country) an all so necessary requirement in this day and age - nothing untoward found, we made our way to our tables which were situated either side of the Mall and could seat 20 people so a quick calculation suggested there were 500 tables! What an amazing sight as thousands of people in their ponchos made their way to their allotted tables with the rains pouring down but all with a huge smile on their faces - they were here to enjoy. The first task was to collect our picnic hampers from the M & S stand full of yummy delights - and then to familiarise ourselves with the layout of the various stalls offering free teas and ice cream - unfortunately the Pimms were not free (!) and most importantly to locate the nearest loo!!! Over the next hour fellow NNAB members and guests arrived and on the stroke of midday the Band of the Royal Marines started the celebrations and over the next 4 hours we were entertained by more bands, dancing, singing and to top it all HM The Queen and Prince Phillip driving down the Mall and receiving a rapturous welcome. She is the most remarkable person not to mention Prince Phillip at 95 acting like someone half his age - they were closely followed by William and Kate with Harry and loads more of the royal family. 18
The celebrations came to an end at 4pm with The Queen thanking us all for making her day special but I felt the need to correct her. Thank you your Majesty for giving us a day which we will never forget. 21. Volunteer Joan Barber s Patron s Lunch Experience On Sunday June 12th we were among the fortunate 10,000 guests who gathered in the Mall in London to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday and her patronage of over 600 charities and organisations; for the occasion the Mall was transformed to host its largest ever street party. There are times in life which escape description by words alone and this was one such. Despite the rain which fell all morning, an incredible atmosphere kept us all smiling and in celebration mood while the hooded ponchos we had each been equipped with helped - to some extent - to keep us dry. On having passed through all the security, police and ID checks it was time to find our table and pick up our "Patron s Lunch Hampers" which had been provided by Marks and Spencer. The food inside the hamper was plentiful and delicious and included a salad, sandwiches, pork pie, trifle, cheeses, fresh apple juice. There were complimentary ice creams, water and tea all day while even more goodies came in the form of a Boots gift bag as well as a boxed commemorative china cup and saucer from PG Tips - two more of the event's sponsors. A colourful carnival parade complete with dancers, bands, choirs and even a replica of the royal yacht Britannia was followed by our lunch. By the time the royal family members came past in their cars the rain had decided to stop which meant they could get out and talk to people in the crowd and have their photographs taken. Unfortunately we missed out here as one of the cars stopped at one end of the Mall and another at the other end; we were in the middle! Luckily we could see all that was going on because of the big screens placed all along the route. This "walk-about" was followed by the Queen and Prince Philip standing in their open car which drove slowly enough for us all to get a great view as they passed, waving to the crowds. After this, the Queen made a speech and then, finally, all the royals drove back down the Mall to take their places on a raised stage to watch the carnival come round a second time. We felt so privileged to be part of these celebrations and proud to be representing the NNAB at such an iconic event - one that will probably never happen again. Joan and Robert Barber 19
There will more accounts from people who braved the skydive and attended the Patron s Lunch in Autumn [s issue, Unfortunately I ran out of space to include them all this time. If you would like to have a story included in the Magpie News please send it in for the attention of Emma Forton. Thank You Return Slip August 2016 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 Please stop sending me The Magpie News Instead of large print, I would like to receive The Magpie News: On CD on memory stick By email Please confirm email Address if asking for Magpie News by email:. Helping us to help you I would like to be added to the Leisure Activities mailing list I would like further information about fundraising events Please use capital letters Name. Address.. Post Code.Telephone 20
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