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InsIde thIs IssueFrom the Chair
SPC Projects
Health and Wellbeing
Advice and Employment
SPAG
Community Noticeboard
Trustees and Staff
Dates for your Diary
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newsletterfor the One in 5 people in Southwark who are 50 or older
F E B R U A RY / M A R C H 2 0 1 4 w w w . s o u t h w a r k p e n s i o n e r s . o r g . u k
ChrIstmas partyThe SPC party on Friday 20th December was held at Clubland, Walworth road, a venue which was easy to get to and proved to be roomy and comfortable with a good atmosphere.
The entertainment was first class, with the music never stopping and the DJ joining in with the singing. The second half was really outstanding with Grand Prairie, a six-piece band, whose very talented leader Jenny played several instruments most professionally.
The whole four hours was thoroughly enjoyable - plenty of dancing, singing, and letting your hair down. Exactly as it should be for the festive time of the year.
Thanks to Dora Dixon-Fyle and Neil White for organising this excellent event.
Written by Alf Baillie
One in 5 Newsletter is produced and published by Southwark Pensioners Centre (SPC), in partnership with Southwark Pensioners Forum (SPF) and Southwark Pensioners Action Group (SPAG).
Views expressed in One in 5 are not necessarily those of SPC.
How to get One in 5All members of SPC receive the newsletter every two months. Affiliated groups receive ten copies.
Membership fees for 2014:• Individual £5• Affiliatedgroups£25(joint membership for all three groups)To become a member please contact us at:
305-307 Camberwell Road, SE5 0HQ
Telephone: 020 7708 4556
Southwark Pensioners Centre’s Christmas Party
From the ChaIr
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Dear Members,
A very Happy (and belated) New Year to you all! But where has the time gone? As the saying goes, time stops for no one and neither does your Board of Trustees who have hit the ground running since our first meeting in November. Read on...!
We held a successful Christmas party, of which some 200 members attended. My thanks to all of our generous sponsors who contributed in some shape or form to make this party possible, the first in a long while. Thank you to all those who attended and to those who helped organise - you know who you are! We had beautifully sung carols by pupils of John Ruskin Primary School, lots to eat, a live six-piece band and each member took home a small gift.
The Mayor, Cllr Mohamed and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Chopra, joined us and presented staff with long service awards and gave raffle prizes to our winners as well as leading the dancing. Thank you to them both for their enthusiasm and support. It was a very happy, jolly occasion and we were delighted to extend the hand of friendship and festive spirit to members of other similar local groups who we want to work and build up a relationship with. These days it’s all about partnerships, helping and supporting each other to get through these tough times. Have a look at the party photo on the newsletter cover and on our website.
I am pleased to report that we are currently exploring the possibility of securing a new, fit for purpose modern building not a million miles away from our current site and work goes on apace by your Trustees to make it a reality. We have secured the services of a top local architect who has agreed to work for us at no charge. We are deeply grateful.
As you will have noticed we have completed the internal refurbishment of the Centre and it’s looking a picture! A huge thank you goes to the staff for their efforts in clearing the centre at short notice. We will decorate the outside just as soon as it stops raining! We aim to have a formal “breakfast” re-launch of the Centre in early April with the Mayor of Southwark and our patrons, Simon, Tessa and Harriet, invited to join us. More details to follow nearer the time.
At the “breakfast” re-launch we will take the opportunity to report back to you in person about all the above work and much more that we are doing e.g. reviewing our charges, updating our governance documents, refreshing our contacts with affiliated groups etc. I will be joined by Kuban Haji, my vice-chair, and as many Trustees as possible to listen and seek your views. In particular we will ask what services and activities you would like to see SPC offering. Should we be charging members for these services? What is your vision for SPC? We are the only pensioners centre remaining in London and I, along with all your Trustees, want to look after it, see it grow and thrive but we can only do so with your support.
One of our most pressing needs is finance. We need your financial support in order to carry forward the plans described above and in return we pledge to ensure the finances are wisely used and we get value for money. I will therefore be launching an SPC Fundraising Drive at the April event.
However, if you feel able to make a financial donation now, no matter how small (or how generous), then please contact either myself on [email protected] or our Director on [email protected] so we can give you further details.
Until then keep warm, (keep dry!), keep safe and healthy in 2014.
Dora Dixon-Fyle, MBE
Chair of Trustees
southwark pensIoners Centre projeCts
sIlver ambassadorsThank you to all of you who have been getting involved in our meetings and activities. Remember we are a group keeping creative, cultural and learning opportunities for older people on the map!
Councillor Veronica Ward, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Volunteering will be attending our next meeting at Southwark Pensioners Centre on Wednesday 26th February, so do come along.
Come and sing with the Welcome Singers at the Pensioners Centre on Wednesdays from 2 – 4pm. No need to be able to read music. No need for a brilliant voice or previous experience. If in doubt, just come and listen. Men are especially welcome.
we Can all sIng
Computer skIllsAre you over 50? Want to learn how to use twitter?
Come along to our special session on Friday 28th February 10.30am - 12.30pm at InSpire, The Crypt at St Peter’s Liverpool Grove SE17 2HH.
Meet for a cuppa at 10am in the new Electric Elephant Cafe at InSpire
Places are limited, so please book via SPC on 020 7708 4556, or at [email protected]
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Upcoming dates for Local History Groups:Tuesday 4th February: Keith Bonnick, long-standing staff member of the Cuming Museum, will give an illustrated talk on the Cuming family (founders of the Museum) and their collections.
Tuesday 18th February: A showing of the 1972 film “We Was All One” - the changing way of life around the Old Kent Road as seen by local residents.
Tuesday 4th of March: Stephen Humphrey on “Hats to Hops”.
Tuesday 18th of March: Bob Reeves on “Hard times in Camberwell in the early Victorian years”.
Tuesday 1st of April: Tony Lynes will speak on “The Explorers Club in the 1930s” - yes, really!
All meetings start at 2pm in the main hall. Those attending are asked to pay £2, in return for which tea and biscuits are provided.
The Pensioners Centre’s Local History Group continues to meet every other Tuesday afternoon from 2pm till 4pm. Numbers attending increase with every meeting. On 7th January, local historian Jennie Howells gave a fascinating talk on Bermondsey Street and the ancient Bermondsey Abbey. On 21st January, Stephen Humphrey, without whose help and encouragement the Group could hardly exist, brought a selection of old Southwark maps and other documents, demonstrating some of the sources available to local history researchers.
southwarkloCal hIstory group
health and wellbeIng
Domino club and darts club coming soon...
are you up to the Challenge?
6 weeks tailored one-to-one computer programme, coming soon. If you are interested please contact Jason on 020 7708 4556 to register your interest and for more information.
Computer Class
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p o d I a t r I s t
Please contact Roz or Sabrina for further information and to book a space. Call: 020 7708 4556
Initial consultation £20Follow-up session £15
Monday 24th February and Monday 17th March 10am - 4pm
A happy member from Southwark Pensioners Centre said the following regarding her first Podiatrist appointment.
“My feet were killing me. For at least two years I had been having such trouble with my toenails that I could not walk in my ordinary shoes. One of my big toenails was so thick that I could only walk in my sandals, which is not very funny in the cold winter. This, I was told by my doctor, was because of a fungal infection. Then I noticed in the last issue of the SPC Newsletter, One in Five, that a podiatrist is visiting the Centre to care for people’s foot problems. It costs £20 for the first visit and then £15 for subsequent treatments.
I would never have thought I could ever agree to someone touching my feet, but the podiatrist made me feel truly at home and has removed all signs of the fungal infection. I have been given a set of tools to tackle my feel with and some special ointment to use on top of the tea tree oil I use. If it had not been for the Newsletter I would not have known about this. I hugely recommend people to check all the resources available at the Southwark Pensioners Centre. It is definitely worth it.” • Feeling worried or alone?
• Are you feeling low?• Had a fall recently?• Unable to get around the house?• Unsure of the right foods to eat?• Feeling isolated and socially disengaged?
If you would like to arrange a home visit please contact the Health and Wellbeing Team on 020 7708 4556.
home vIsIts
Date: Saturday 22nd February 2014, 1.30 - 2.30pmLocation: John Harvard Library, 211 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JA (Bus 35, 40, 133)
Join local musician and historian Nigel of Bermondsey on a guided walk. Starting from John Harvard Library, the walk will cover many of the sites familiar to Charles Dickens when he lived in Southwark as a boy. It takes around 1 hour.
walkIng In the Footsteps oF dICkens
advICe and employment
Please find below a list of organisations that support older people in the borough.
Blackfriars Settlement - Contact Tina Johnston or Sophie Appleby on 020 7928 9521 Age UK - 020 7820 6770Time & Talents - Contact Alex on 020 7232 5667Dulwich Helpline - 020 8299 2623Citizens Advice Bureau - 020 7740 2328Alzheimer’s Society - 020 7735 5850 CoolTan Arts - 020 7701 2696Fred Francis Day Centre - 020 7525 2980Freedom Pass - 020 7525 2141/2306
older peoples servICesjob seekers allowanCeNew sanctions on claimants receiving job seekers allowance. If anyone has been given a sanction on their benefit please contact us for advice on challenging the decision.
Application can be made by contacting T.F.L direct. Also need passport size photo.
60+ oyster CardsAnyone near their S.P.A can apply for a 60+ oyster card from T.F.L. Admin fee £10.
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CommunIty notICe board
spag & southwark pensIoners Forum
The SPAG meeting also decided to hold an Annual General Meeting in March to elect a new steering committee and delegates to the NPC Pensioners Parliament in June and to decide our way forward for the next year. The meeting will be on Wednesday 19th March at 10.30am in the Southwark Pensioners Centre.
spag agm 2014
SPAG had a meeting on Wednesday 15th January with Julia from Southwark Benefit Justice and Southwark DPAC speaking. She told us about how the Bedroom Tax and other benefit cuts are affecting ordinary people who rely on Housing Benefit to be able to afford to feed their families and keep their homes heated when necessary.
Pensioners are exempt from these attacks, but it was pointed out that many have to help out their sons and daughters who have been forced to move to smaller dwellings or lose some of their Housing Benefit. For example, one elderly lady has to have her granddaughter sleeping on her living room sofa, because the council will no longer allow her daughter to keep the room for her at weekends when she is home from university. Of course this includes people who are working, but whose wages are so low that they do not cover the rent they would otherwise have to pay.
Julia told us there would be a demonstration against the Bedroom Tax on Saturday 18th January. More than 200 people took part in a lively and noisy march from Peckham Square to Camberwell Green. We want benefit justice for all.
spag january meetIng
Film: ‘There Ain’t No Justice’ (1939) Date: Monday 10th March 2014 Time: 2:00pm Location: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT
To mark the re-publication by London Books of James Curtis’ gritty portrayal of working class London life, we present the striking – if unjustly neglected – film adaptation.
A young Jimmy Hanley gives one of his best performances as a mechanic who becomes involved in the small-time boxing game, only to find himself up against the crooked side of the sport. Introduction and discussion with Archive curator John Oliver.
senIors Free matIneeHelp in the greenhouse on Saturday and enjoy a free lunch afterwards. Our monthly gardening session, which is suitable for everyone and all ages, will take place from 11.30am on Sunday.
Everyone welcome - no prior knowledge of gardening needed. Lunch is served from 1pm.
When : Sunday 2nd March 2014 Time: 11:30am - 2pm Where: The Park Depot, Myatt’s Fields Park
greenhouse open day
Free to over-60s, otherwise tickets available at normal matinee price.
Bedroom Tax protests in Peckham Square
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Camberwell CommunIty CounCIl meetIngWe would like to invite you to our next Camberwell Community Council meeting on Wednesday 12th February 2014 at 7pm.
Venue: Albrighton Community Centre, Albrighton Road, London SE22 8AH
Theme: Health and Wellbeing
On The Agenda:• Have you got a story to tell about your health
and wellbeing?• Help the Council improve your health service• Universal Credit update• Community Council Fund 2014-2015 decisions• Cleaner Greener Safer-Capital and Revenue
2014-15 decisions
Please invite your friends and neighbours. We look forward to seeing you on the 12th February.
For more details contact Grace on 020 7525 4928 or email [email protected]
extraordInary women oF southwarkDate: Thursday 6th March 2014, Time : 10am to 4pmVenue: Morley College London, SE1 7HT Bus: 45, 59, 63, 68, 168, 171, 176
Investigate the lives of women who played an important role in shaping the social landscape of Bankside in education, housing the arts and sports. Learn about the lives of women who lived and worked in the area as Winchester Geese, in the leather and hat making industries and more recently in the factories around Bermondsey and Southwark.
8th March 2014 Blackfriars SettlementThe focus is ‘Inspiring Change’. Please put this date in your diary as we would like older women to be involved and to share their experiences. There will be a range of speakers and information stalls, music, dance, story telling and poetry and free refreshments.
For more information please contact [email protected]
I n t e r n a t I o n a lwomen’s day
Do you want to inspire others to read? Are you passionate about making a change within your local community?
Save the Children is looking for volunteers for our new partnership programme Born to Read. The programme trains volunteer readers helpers to visit local primary schools twice a week for 90 mins to support children who are struggling to read. If this sounds like something you would be interested in please contact Save the Children Volunteer Support on 020 7012 6997.
volunteer For
Dulwich Picture Gallery have kindly offered 10 free Community Welcome Passes to Southwark Pensioners Centre as community partners.
Dates: 5th February – 11th MayLocation: Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, Dulwich, London, SE21 7AD
2 admissions per ticket, £5 deposit (Refundable on return of ticket)
exhIbItIon at dulwICh pICture gallery
women oF the great warWe’re celebrating women’s roles in fighting for justice 100 years on from WWI, collecting legacies of our predecessors & contemplating the achievements of ordinary women.
Do you have a female relative who experienced WWI as a nurse, in the Voluntary Aid Detachment or in the Ambulance corps?
Date: Saturday 8th March 2014 11am to 4pmVenue: The New Cavendish Club, 44 Great Cumberland Place, London, W1H 7BSUnderground: Marble Arch
If you would like to attend the exhibitions, please contact the Health and Wellbeing Team at the centre and with a refundable £5 deposit.
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Dora Dixon-Fyle (Chair); Kurban Haji (Vice Chair); Revd. David Aplin (Treasurer); Neil White (Company Secretary); Kitty Corish; Tony Evans; Leah Jones; Stephen Lancashire; Otutuola Dupe Majekodunmi; Vicky Naish; Denise Nicholls; Richard Rees; Judith Secker; Carol Vincent; Thomas White
DirectorNeil White (Monday to Friday) [email protected] Administrator Maggie Handscomb (Monday to Friday) [email protected](OlderPeople)Alison Ewart (Monday to Thursday) [email protected] & Wellbeing Manager Roz Blockstrom-Mulder (Monday to Friday) roslyn.blockstrom-mulder@southwarkpensioners.org.ukHealthandWellbeingOfficerSabrina Kerr (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) [email protected], Advice & Advocacy Manager Janine Warner-White (Monday to Friday) [email protected] Workers Lorraine Beecham (Tuesday to Friday) [email protected] Perez (Monday to Thursday) [email protected] Support Worker Jason Green (Monday to Friday) [email protected]
Brenda Bewick; Nafisa Mirza; Carol Finnerty; Madeleine Kekwick; Rex McConochie; Audrey Heron; Kitty Corish; Sheila Nichols
spC trustees
spC staFF
spC reCeptIon volunteers
and many thanks to all contributors, and to Mary Phillips for her continued support in proofreading this edition of One in 5.
The Personalisation Agenda: What is it and why is it important to you? The Alzheimer’s Society would like to come and talk to about:
• Your experiences of personalisation• Explain what it is and how it may be used in the future.• Why it is an important issue for older people experiencing cognitive impairments.Date: Thursday 6th March 2014Time: 2pmVenue: Southwark Pensioners Centre
Art In the Park in Chumleigh Gardens are now running workshops in Burgess Park Care Home and Waterside Care Homes and their 4 Corners Art Group is running on alternate Mondays from 11am to 1pm. Call 020 7277 4297
If you would like us to publicise your news about arts, cultural or learning opportunities for older people, please email us at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter @silverthinking or come along to our next meeting.
sIlver ambassadorsn o t I C e b o a r d
trustees and staFF
One in 5 - it’s your newsletterTo submit an article, poem, photo or something else of your choosing to One in 5, see contact details below.Submissions by email preferred, but also accepted by post and delivered by hand to the Centre.Editorial Committee - Members of SPC are welcome to join the One in 5 Editorial Committee, which provides feedback on the latest issue and discusses content for the upcoming one.Contact - tel: 020 7708 4556 email: [email protected]
Southwark Pensioners Centre is a community resource centre working to promote choice, opportunity and quality of life for people 50+. The services and activities programme aims to keep old people independent and active into a healthy old age. Through its community development work, the Centre supports clubs and groups working with older people across the London Borough of Southwark.
305-307 Camberwell Road, SE4 0HQT: 020 7708 4556 E: [email protected] W: www.southwarkpensioners.org.uk
Southwark Pensioners Centre is a Registered Charity (299416) and a Limited Company (2161913).
dates For your dIary
Date and Time Activity and Place
Wednesday 12th February 20147pm
Camberwell Community Council MeetingAlbrighton Community Centre, Albrighton Road, London SE22 8AH
Wednesday 19th February 201410.30am
Film ClubShowing: Roman Holiday (1953)
Wednesday 26th February 201410.30am to 12.30pm
Silver Ambassadors MeetingSpeaker - Cllr Veronica Ward
Friday 28th February 201410.30am to 12.30pm
Silver Ambassadors, Computer SkillsInSpire at the Crypt, Liverpool Grove, St Peter’s Church, London SE17 2HH
Wednesday 6th March 20142pm
The Personalisation Agenda by Alzheimer’s SocietySouthwark Pensioners Centre, SE5 0HQ
Wednesday 12th March 201410.30am
Film ClubArsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Wednesday 19th March 201410.30am
SPAG AGMSouthwark Pensioners Centre, SE5 0HQ
Thursday 20th March 20141.30pm to 3.30pm
SPF Agenda: “Getting the best from your medicine”InSpire at the Crypt, Liverpool Grove, St Peter’s Church, SE17 2HH
Tuesday 17th - Thursday 19th June 2014
National Pensioners Convention Pensioners ParliamentFor further information please contact, National Pensioners Convention on 020 7383 0388 or email: [email protected]
