2003 Respite
Sponsored by Awards for All Wales & Four Acre Trust
(Click here to see the photograph)
Sunday 11th May 2003, was the start of the Fishguard & District Stroke Club Holiday, saw wheelchairs, packed lunches, medical and social activity equipment being loaded onto an Edwards Bros. coach from Tiers Cross, by the barrow load. With numerous pick-up points along the way the coach advanced from West to East via the M4 corridor, encountering varying climatic conditions enroute.
A planned refreshment and comfort stop was made at Magor services, where Cliff Saies had a pleasant surprise, being visited by his daughter and Grandson.
On arrival, the management and staff of the Centurion Hotel in Midsomer Norton, Somerset warmly welcomed our group, at 3.30pm.
Members had plenty of time to unpack, relax, swim, sauna, generally freshen up, before an excellent 3-course dinner at 7.00pm.
Later that evening management expressed concern to the excessive nasal noises coming from room 117. It is believed that the occupants had not bothered to buy snore stoppers!!
After varying amounts of breakfast intake, Monday saw Club members welcomed aboard the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, the only British museum sited next to an operational military airfield, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Imaginations were somewhat soured when visiting the walk through British built sectionalised Concorde 002. Some had visions the aircraft was more luxurious and roomy craft to that seen, although this one did still have the original test bed equipment onboard.
However the experience and feelings of life onboard an Aircraft Carrier exhibition truly made up for dampened egos with the thrills and noises of a working flight deck, the ships tour was most exciting. Our ex-FAA member spent most of the day admiring his so-called "Baby Gannet Aircraft" which he worked on during his service 1962 to 1970. He even tried to obtain a souvenir from it but everything was firmly super glued.
Our departure was dampened by a sudden cloud burst and hailstones.
Sincere thanks to Barry for organising the three excellent hard working volunteers from the Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions Club, who gave assistance to wheelchair evolutions and other domestic matters. This indeed gave the Carers a free day to themselves. Thank you Bob, Jeff and Jack.
One Lady member favoured the comfort of the Hotels beauty service by having a relaxing massage.
Tummies by now had taken on a new configuration to that of a more portly shape and it was observed many Club members had made numerous modifications to Tuesdays "Full English Breakfast Menu".
Albeit, thunder had been heard during the early hours of the morning but our short journey to Bath started in brilliant sunshine, but ended in a cloudburst!
We picked up our tour guide, Shirley Storey, who gave us a comprehensive and informative tour around the ancient City of Bath, which lasted 75 minutes.
The American Museum at Claverton Manor with breathtaking views over the Avon Valley was our next port of call, to experience the American way of life during the 17th and 19th centuries. We were very fortunate to have been able to visit the Quilt Exhibition. The Colonial Herb garden took most Ladies interest, some buying exotic plants.
Sadly Joyce was not up to full power to partake in today's ventures.
With much better weather on Wednesday members made the short journey to the City of Wells to enjoy the magnificent architecture of the beautiful Cathedral. The marvel of its beauty told its own story as visitors passed softly and talked quietly, meditating in deep thought whilst in the Nave, Quire and climbing the well worn steps to the Chapter House. The ancient beautiful famous clock with jousting Knights performing on the hour was the centre of attraction. Due to poor health Joyce and Olivia were unable to partake in today's exploits.
An added attraction of Wells was the large open air Farmers Market, where a great deal of purchases was made.
Once again we had three volunteers from the Lions Club, Phil, Jack and Russel.
After breakfast on Thursday the Chairman welcomed Alan Fullalove, Rotarian from Midsomer Norton branch, who volunteered to assist in wheelchair pushing for the groups outing to the town of Street. The weather was much kinder to us on this occasion with warm sunshine whilst we were busy shopping for little nick-nacks to take home. The weather Forecaster very kindly saved the wind and rain until we were onboard the coach returning to our Hotel.
Old friendships were renewed from schooldays from many, many moons back when Sheila, (nee Morgan) a native of Pembrokeshire, now living in Taunton made herself known to Joyce, Margaret and Sylvia. Reminiscence of school, courting and working days was well aired during the lunch break, between the four, with hilarious burst of laughter generated at intervals.
Judging by the number of carrier bags, boxes and indeed new cases loaded onto the coach, room for the luggage to be loaded on our departure on Friday for our return to Wales will be at it's premium.
Friday morning saw rows of cases outside of bedroom doors; fortunately, John our coach driver managed to stow them all onto the coach without too many problems. Leaving ahead of time a brief stop was made at a nearby Mulberry Store (a very, very expensive clothes store).
We continued to the Burtle Inn, close to Taunton, for an excellent end of a Holiday lunch, before heading Northwest, smack bang into the Cup Final Traffic going to Cardiff.
In recent tabloids it was suggested "Irish Coffee" would help Stroke patients in their recovery. After witnessing the wheelchair waltz on the dance floor for the very disabled members, the joy and happiness showing in each individual face, not only for the patient and Carer but also for the organisers, this respite holiday has made hard work so very, very much enjoyable, in bring some pleasure to people less fortunate than ourselves, and realise how lucky we are to have such generous sponsor to support our aims. THANK YOU
For more information on the Fishguard Stroke Club, please contact Michael on 01348 84082 or email us at info@FishguardStrokeClub.co.uk
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