 On Monday 25th, older residents of Caversham attended a full programme at St Barnabas Hall, Grove Road, Emmer Green, hosted by 50 PLUS+ Chairman, Geoff Chivers and Peppard Ward Councillor, Mark Ralph.
Cllr Ralph said, “I’m really pleased, we try to address topical subjects of interest and we are committed to trying to find solutions to any issues raised. Once again we seem to have attracted a capacity audience and a number of people here have attended every meeting since March 2007.”
Presenters talked about the new St Barnabas Church Community Centre, U3A (University of the third age) and its development since the 1980s to 230,000 members (600 in Reading), offering a wide programme of talks, sports and activities every month, for a wide range of abilities, Clare Chapman, Family and Carer Support Coordinator of the Stroke Association advised on ‘stroke prevention’ and help available to sufferers and their carers. She was followed by a presentation from ‘The Earley Charity’, a grant giving charity supporting individuals and organisations across much of Reading.
Attendees were then treated to a presentation and demonstration by Steve Large, Tai Chi instructor, who runs three sessions for the Caversham Active Retirement Club at St Barnabas Hall, every Wednesday morning. These are particularly recommended for strength, balance and fall prevention and take place at 09.45, 10.45 and 11.45, at a cost of £2 a time. The first class is now full but, any older residents interested in attending should contact Marveta Hinds at Age Concern Berkshire on 0118 959 4242 to take up the places remaining.
Sgt Rob Pitman, of the Caversham Neighbourhood Police Team, advised of the overall downward trend in crime in Caversham: -18% in Caversham North, -19% in Caversham West and -26% in Lower Caversham.
Burglary was cited as the biggest concern however and those interested in supporting the North Caversham areas were asked to attend a meeting on 9 February (Highdown School Hall, 6.00-8.00pm), to participate in a relaunch of the North & West Caversham Neighbourhood Action Group.
Julie Pett, ‘Safeguarding Adults’ Service Manager of Reading Borough Council talked of the need to protect vulnerable adults, the many types of abuse: financial, physical, neglect, psychological, sexual etc and their respective rates of incidence. Cllr Mark Ralph then followed with discussion of the ‘Buddy Scheme’, launched for older residents last July, to identify ‘safety & security’ or ‘health & wellbeing’ issues and requested formation of a small ‘working group to discuss ways to increase uptake and overcome any obstacles to participation.
Following withdrawal of the southbound 24 bus loop via Courtenay Drive by Reading Buses, Cllr Ralph and the Emmer Green Residents’ Association were able to announce that as a result of lobbying by residents and Cllr Richard Willis, the 28 route, negotiated by Conservative Councillors for Marchwood Avenue last year, has now been extended to run via Courtenay Drive as well.
The meeting closed at the end of a productive and informative afternoon.
29th January 2010 |
