...of a RESPITE BREAK at the RBL Home at Western-Super-Mare;
by Bill Brown...
Maureen & I were most fortunate to have a respite break at the Royal British Legion home at Weston super mare recently, and I hope that some of the information I have may help any of our Ex service members of our group( this also includes family members of ex-Service men, women and families.
After Maureens release from hospital, A neighbour suggested I contact the RBL to assist us in some modifications to our bathroom to make life easier for her I never have asked for help before and felt a llttle awkward to ask for help ,however after a lot of soul-searching, I Emailed them and pointed out the dilemma I was in. Within 14 hours from that original enquiry I was contacted by a lady from their Southamton office. It was her idea that we needed a break and she assisted us with a form to fill-in; and within a few weeks we had a letter confirming that we'd been accepted on the waiting list for Somerset house. 10 months passed by and we were on our way. Somerset house is a relatively new building, only two years old; and is excellently suitable for guests with disabilities The staff were hand-picked, food excellent and trips organised for the guests. There was of course a bar, in which I spent some time talking to others in the same predicament as ourselves. We had a cinema with films daily, entertainment most nights and the only cost was a voluntary donation at the end of the stay.
If any of our friends feel that they could be ellegible for the poppy break, contact the RBL or give me a call.
You all deserve a break and ours was wonderful.
Bill & Maureen Brown
ARCHIVES
Tuesday 29th June 2010: Andy Long and Doug Laybourne, took part in an Open-day at Langstone Sailability, and spent an hour and a half sailing in the 16ft gunter-rigged sloop , "Joyce", at the top end of Langstone Harbour. This Open-day included a generous, free 'ploughman's lunch'. We are very thankful for a smashing day out on the 'crinkly stuff'. Langstone Sailability's next scheduled Open-day is due on the 14th August 2010. (There is a Link to their website via our Links Page). "Thank you Langstone Sailability and of course, our two 'carers', Di and Lorraine".
Sunday 18th April 2010: Claire Warburton and Wendy Garton, ran in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 18th April, to raise funds for our Group.
Please hand-in your Sponsorship Forms and money raised as soon as possible. A well-deserved THANK YOU to these wonderful people who have put in a tremendous effort on our behalf?
By the way; Claire achieved a Personal Best of 4hrs 16mins, despite interruptions to her training, through injury!
"Claire! you are the Strongest Link! Well Done (wink!) LOL
Friday 18th December 2009: We held a very successful Annual Dinner/Disco at the Southsea Golf Club. The excellent catering was provided by Condor Catering and the excellent entertainment was provided by the Dave Shirley Roadshow. We will be returning on Friday 10th December 2010, and invited back the same DJ.
Tuesday 13th October 2009: We successfully commenced our (additional) weekly swimming sessions at The Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth, between 11 and 12 a.m. Lee is our 'hands-on' instructor.
(This is a 'swimming lessons' activity complimenting the Thursday 'Exercise and Swimming' session at Fareham. Thanks due again to Claire for enabling this activity through Portsmouth City Council.
August 2009: Nicola Binning having already taken part in a gruelling London mini-marathon (open-water Docklands-swim,cycle and run); later crewed in the 605-miles August 2009 Fastnet Race. In total she raised over £1,400 to be shared equally between Different Strokes HQ and Different Strokes Portsmouth.
Saturday 18th July 2009:
A fund-raising Race Night at the Duke of Connaught Club, Fareham; raised almost £400.00; the total being considerably helped by the generosity of the Club's members.
The organisation was excellent and additional thanks also go to our own members, John and Cherry Cheetham. Oh! and thanks again Cherry for the £30 you so generously gave us from the sale of your "first class" Greetings Cards.
Monday 6th June 2009
Finally the last contribution to the funds raised from Claire Warburton running the London Marathon reached £1,200.00. So once again our Exercise Instructor has halted the erosion of our funds.
In navy parlance, "Bravo Zulu, Claire!". You made a huge effort on our behalf; which, is very much appreciated.
Friday 12th June 2009
Sadly, a Founder Member of Different Strokes Portsmouth, Bill Owen died suddenly. He is pictured here in the centre next to his very close friend John Dean on his left, at our Christmas Dinner in Saffrons in 2004. We will miss you buddy. (Continued below...)
Bill was struck down and crippled badly at the time of his Stroke many years ago. So bad that he was not expected to recover from a virtual 'vegetable state'. However through determination and a great strength he achieved a somewhat 'miracle' recovery. He enjoyed both coarse fishing and sea fishing; sufficiently skilled to win many prizes. He lived on his own in his ground floor flat in Purbrook. Although divorced, he had kept in touch with his children.
Bill Owen's Funeral/cremation took place on Monday 29th June 2009 .
He was only 53 years of age. There was 'standing-room only'; so there were many of his friends and family there to say Good Bye, "God rest his soul".
*****
Thursday 11th June 2009
For the second year running, we had a Stand to advertise our Group at the Care Awareness Exhibition, in the Mountbatten Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth. Di Summers and Andy Long held court a.m. and Doug and Lorraine Laybourne continued p.m. There were over 60 Stands providing information about the wide range of services available for both Carers and their charges. There were free Relaxation sessions available to everyone; including those manning the Stands as well as the visitors.
Above:
Lorraine with Di and Andy at the hand-over. 
Right:
A 'hive of activity' viewed from a gallery above.
Right:Carers UK Portsmouth & North
East Hants Branch were the organisers of the event.
The Stroke Association were also present among the vast spread of organisations and services on parade.
*****
Monday 11th May 2009
We attended a Press-covering of the 'commissioning' of brand new exercise machines in the new gymnasium, at The Mountbatten Centre, Stamshaw, Portsmouth. Our exercise instructor Claire introduced us to the equipment, the Funding representative (of PCCS) and the Centre Manager. The photographer from The News (Portsmouth), created some excellent pictures of the occasion. (Click on them to see a bigger image):
Above: All smiles for the camera from a sample of the
Portsmouth Different Strokes exercise group, the
funding representative (back row 2nd from left)
and our instructor, Claire Warburton.
Right: Andy Long tries out the exercise bicycle; pictured with Claire and the Centre Manager.
Below: Claire crouches before a long line of new equipment;
funded by Portsmouth Council of Community Services.
Right: Claire Warburton has done so very much for the
rehabilitation, welfare and health of our group. We are all
extremely grateful. It was Claire who applied-for and
received both the funding for us to take part in gymnasium
exercise on a GP Referral Scheme; and the purchase of
state-of-the-art equipment. We salute you!
Sunday 26th April 2009
Once again our exercise instructor Claire Warburton ran the London Marathon to raise money for our Group. Well done! we applaud you and are very grateful for the great efforts you go to for the benefit of all of us, in the Portsmouth Group of Different Strokes.
Monday 6th April 2009
We held a really enjoyable Skittles Evening at the Nelson Bar Southsea Caravan Park. Everyone enjoyed a cheap but cheerful evening meal. Either side of this there was a Skittles competion between rival tables. The staff at the venue were also very helpful and efficient.
Some fun pics are displayed near the bottom of the Activities page.
Tuesday 10th March 2009
After their 8-week break away from the UK taking in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore; Di and Richard Manchip have arrived safely home. "Welcome back!"
*****
Wednesday 14th January
2009 we moved the Exercise Sessions to the Blue Lagoon at Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth. It is one of the Parkwood Leisure sites operated from the Mountbatten Centre and after much discussion and consultation with Claire our Instructor, it was felt to be the best venue for the Group. Disabled facilities and parking are excellent. We've had two sessions there and it has proven to be a satisfactory move. You will find the sessions lively, fun and supportive.
More information can be found on the 'Activities' page.
Saturday 6th December 2008: We held a very successful Annual Christmas Dinner at the Golden Hind, Copnor Road, Portsmouth. The attendance was much greater than last year; in that out of 43 promised places; only one was empty (through illness). We owe a great debt of gratitude to the patrons of the Public bar who, along with the pub-manager Paul; paid the whole bill for our Christmas dinner! We are aware of who the principal organiser was; but at his request, will keep that a secret. (A secret probably much safer in our hands than that of the Government or the MOD!! LOL). In light of this current financial crisis/credit crunch for everyone; it makes their gift so much more generous!( A gift made in a real, true and Traditional Christmas Spirit). It is expected that our Members will keep this evening and generousity firmly in mind and, where possible, as a matter of courtesy, choose to patronise the Golden Hind.
Many Thanks must also be extended to the staff who looked after us very well. Some of us who have been familiar faces, can testify to their politeness and care. Three hearty cheers for them all!
Friday 5th September: A whole gang of us attended a night of racing at the Portsmouth Greyhound Stadium. We were helping to raise money on behalf of Carers Portsmouth & South East Hants.
Tuesday 26th August: Andy Long featured in world-wide feature article - see the bottom of the Links section.
Wednesday 6th August: Mirrorbox Therapy on our Activities page...
Monday 4th August 2008 We held a successful AGM at Cosham Baptist Church Hall in the evening. In brief: The resident Committee were re-elected plus new and welcome additions to the committee. More details will be published on site following publication of the formal Minutes.
*****
CONGRATULATIONS!
Friday 1st August 2008 CLAIRE WARBURTON Having run the London Marathon for us; finally raised in total... £2,000 Bloody marvellous!
*****
Monday 30th June 2008
We attempted to get a coveted place on the Portsmouth edition of the famous MONOPOLY GAME which is due out in October (from a pool of 16 local charities) supporters have kindly taken the time to register their vote on www.portsmouth.co.uk . They clicked on the Monopoly (10th in the left hand list) under Popular links and voted for us; unfortunately we were unlucky on this occasion. It's such a shame there is only one space available.
Thank you if you managed to register your vote. VOTING CLOSED ON MONDAY 30TH JUNE 2008 AT MIDDAY.
*****
Tuesday 24th June 2008
Members of the DSP Committe were invited to a meeting with Peter Carrigan, President of the Havant Indoor Bowls Club. He has very kindly and generously nominated Different Strokes Portsmouth as his chosen charity during his year of tenure as President of HIBC. We have graciously accepted.
Further developments with regard to this venture will be promulgated in the Activities page of this website.
Once the bowls club have re-established their own website; its web address will be listed on the Links page.
Tuesday 10th June 2008
On Tuesday 10th June; there was a Care Awareness Exhibition at the Mountbatten Centre, Alexander Park, Stamshaw, Portsmouth, between 10am -3.30pm. There was FREE PARKING although the whole place has been disrupted and become a building site. A restaurant was available.
There were a variety of exhibitors: Wheelchairs, shoes, walking aids etc.
Information stands did include Carers Portsmouth & S.E. Hants Branch, Social Services, Alzheimer's, Headway, Multiple Sclerosis, and many others, even Solicitors for advice on Wills and Conveyancing.
Our Different-Strokes-Portsmouth Group was represented there too and we were able to field questions from some of the casual browsers. It became quite obvious that we are not yet firmly on the Portsmouth radar; despite there being a place for us within the genre of the caring sector provision. The stand was manned by Di and Andy, at 1030 Doug and Lorraine reinforced the troops. We also had a brief visit from Group members Brian and Doreen.
There was a wealth of information to be had for all manner of conditions.
During Carers Week on Thursday 11th June 2009 we will be partaking in a Care Awareness Exhibition.
The venue will be in the Mountbatten Centre, Alexander Park, Stamshaw, Portsmouth PO2 9QA, between 10am-3.30pm. There is free parking. A restaurant is also available.
Amongst those taking part will be Businesses, Charities, Social Services, Healthcare and many others. (Approx. 60 stands)
Di and Andy will be manning our stand/table in the forenoon; Doug and Lorraine in the afternoon. DSP members are invited to attend and hopefully say hello to us as you browse through the exhibitions.
On the Links page you can now access an extract from The 2007 Secret Millionnaire documentary. Just click on the words, "Secret Millionnaire" in the left hand column. It's just under 5 minutes viewing.
Claire Warburton has very kindly run again for us in this year's London Marathon. It was on Sunday 26th April 2009 Please kindly return your Sponsor Forms along with the money collected to Claire and/or Lorraine. Claire's 4th Marathon by jove! See this and last year's accomplishments below:
******
SPONSORING:
We are Proud to sponsor Claire Warburton,
our regular 
mobility Instructor; who after working with our Different Strokes group, was inspired to run in the 2008 and 2009 London Marathons and we're pleased to announce that she completed her 2008 Marathon coming in 618 in her age group
placed: 16544 overall
time: 4:19:36
The total funds raised was: £2,000 Very well done Claire. Your efforts paid off and we are eternally grateful to you for that courageous performance.
The 2009 London Marathon was tougher then the previous one because of the heat. Claire hit the 'wall' at 23 miles; but very bravely battled on to the finishing line coming in 2,460 in her group and 3926 overall.
Time: 4:29:15
The total funds raised ( in the year of the Credit Crunch) came to: £1,200 Very well done Claire; this time it was much harder for you; while others wilted near by; you gritted your teeth and carried on regardless! We are so proud of you.
********************************************************
The Secret Millionaire came to Portsmouth - the programme was first broadcast on Wednesday 5th December 2007, Channel 4 and repeated later on Tuesday 11th December.
Posing as a volunteer, Mr David Pearl, one of Britain's richest men attended a Different Strokes seated mobility session and joined in all the exercises with enthusiasm. He also participated in our swimming sessions and enjoyed a drink with us at The Golden Hind Public House, our 'local'.
- Read more about David's visit to Portsmouth
- Read more about David
- Read David's Testimonial
- Update approx' 18 Months later:
The Secret Millionaire – The Legacy
The delay in up-dating this item of News was due to the expectation of David being involved in the 2008/2009 Channel-4 TV programme covering the return of Millionaires to revisit the people they had so very kindly helped previously.
Although we would have gladly welcomed David back to Portsmouth so that we could say thank you again; he did not take part in that programme.
Also quite sad because we’d have been able to demonstrate to him just how his money has worked for us, and is still working for us now (in 2009).
We received that very generous amount of money in order for us to assist those struggling to pay for transport to attend our activities and also to pay for the hire of instructors and venues.
This has proved to be a great success; especially in expansion of the numbers attending the exercise classes. (Quite often there are over 20 stroke survivors).
For some reason unknown to us; the swimming class has only marginally expanded (varying between 7 and 10 stroke survivors) but; a greater number attend the exercise class (regularly between 17 to 20+). It’s not for lack of transport, as far as we are concerned. Because the funding (although not a bottomless pit); is available to help those in genuine need. It is postulated that too many stroke survivors 'naturally fear' going near to; or back into water; or any swimming environment.
Of course a large increase in swimming numbers would result in us having to hire two lanes instead of just one; but the relative increase in fees collected should cover that additional expense.
All in all; the availability of David’s money has certainly moved DS Portsmouth on to ‘better things’. We are better known locally and, afar because of our website which, we were suddenly able to both afford to set up and, maintain.
David can be assured that his money was not wasted; we can demonstrate that, and also show how (by good fortune) it was safe-guarded from the so-called 'credit crunch' which impacted upon everyone in Britain 2008 onwards!