- May at the Basingstoke Discovery Centre
- Basingstoke Lions Club
- New Forest Show 2019
- Odiham and Old Basing Patient Participation Group
- Probus hears about the RFC & RAF in WW1
- Your Rotary Roundup,
May at the Basingstoke Discovery Centre
Please Note: Tickets should be booked in advance, available from the Discovery Centre, booking line 01256 478670 or online https://shop.hants.gov.uk/
Adult Events
Zentangle
Tuesday 14 May: 1.30pm-3.30/ £10
Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is fun and relaxing, increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal wellbeing.
Come and learn the Zentangle method and create beautiful images from repetitive patterns. All materials are included in the costs.
A Death in Peking; Who Really Killed Pamela Werner?
Tuesday 21 May: 2pm/ £3
A Death in Peking; Who Really Killed Pamela Werner – Author and retired police officer Graeme Sheppard investigates this infamous cold case.
Peking, a freezing morning in January 1937, and a young woman, Pamela Werner, is discovered murdered by the old city wall. Most mysteriously, her heart has also been stolen. The crime defeated the British and Chinese police and went unsolved. Eighty years on, the murder theories of Pamela’s father (as expounded in the book “Midnight in Peking”) are unpicked and shown to be wrong by retired police officer Graeme Sheppard. Examine the evidence, investigate the crime, and discover the real offender from among the nine possible suspects.
Children’s Events
Elmer Day with Merry-Go-Round Storytelling
Saturday 25 May: 1.30pm and 3pm/ £3.75
Come dressed in your brightest colours and have lots of fun, as Amanda from Merry-Go-Round Storytelling leads this interactive story session based on Elmer.
For ages 2-6
Slime Lab UK
Tuesday 28 May: 1.30pm/ £6
Come along and get slimey with Slime Lab UK Basingstoke! We have been dabbling in slime for a while and the time has finally come to offer our Slime making workshops to you all.
Aimed at (but not exclusive to) children ages 5-10 years old. Your Slime fanatics will spend 60 – 90 minutes creating one – two different slime pots, experimenting with slime handling, join our Slime stretching competition and hang out with some new pals!
We will provide an apron and wipes but please try and remind your children to wear old clothes and tie up long hair.
Hampshire County Council
Basingstoke Discovery Centre
Festival Place Shopping Centre
Basingstoke
RG21 7LS
01256 478670
BASINGSTOKE LIONS CLUB – MARCH 2019
Having slipped back into the country earlier this month, I thought I might be given a month or so to re-acclimatise. When I suggested this I had doubts cast upon my work ethic and the marital state of my parents. So here we go with the big catch up.
Our November quiz raised £485.85 which was a nice lead into the Christmas Fundraising. We have to thank ASDA, the Co-op Old Basing, Morrison’s and Tesco at the Chineham Centre for allocating time and space for us to make collections, and of course the generous people of Basingstoke who donated a total of £2177.48. The money was used to make donations to the Women’s Refuge, the Basingstoke Voluntary Association, Joshua Tree, May Place, Christmas lunches for the elderly and pantomime visits for disadvantaged children. I hope you think it was well spent.
Having had January off for “good” behaviour, the members went straight back in fundraising mode in February. Although I wasn’t present, the Apollo Big Band concert at QMC was by all reports absolutely superb. Big Band music has a magic all of its own and it is a great pity that more people didn’t turn up to be enlivened and entranced by this superb group. Let’s hope that our next two offerings, ABBA Sensation 13th of April and The Moscow Drug Club 20th July, both at QMC, attract more support. Otherwise I’m afraid our ability to assist those in our community in the greatest will be severely compromised.
The programme for the rest of the year is currently:-
21st September: Ali Mak Rhythm and Blues band at the Royal British Legion
16th November: Quiz Night at the Millenium Hall
Other events are still under consideration. WATCH THIS SPACE.
The 2019 New Forest and Hampshire County Show is fast approaching on 30th, 31st July & 1st August. I would be extremely grateful if you are able to mention the Show in your parish newsletter. I’ve included some copy below, if there is anything else you need please let me know.
The New Forest Show is a three-day celebration of Farming, Food and Fun which is rated among the top agricultural shows in the country. From food and flowers, music and main ring attractions to cooking, crafts and county pursuits. You’re guaranteed to find something different in every corner of the showground. We are delighted to be adding a brand new Canine Arena and Live Music Stage to the mix of attractions this year. Join us on 30th, 31st July & 1st August in the heart of the New Forest National Park at New Park, Brockenhurst. Buy your tickets online before 23rd July to receive a 15% discount. Visit www.newforestshow.co.uk to find out more.
ODIHAM AND OLD BASING PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP
APRIL 2019 – SUMMER HEALTH
With summer fast approaching we thought a quick recap on some of the common GP presentations would be of use.
TRAVEL
1. Vaccinations – many of us travel abroad over the summer months. For some countries vaccinations are needed. Please ensure you have left enough time to have any vaccinations you may need, as some vaccines require a course of injections. The practice nurse will be able to check which vaccinations you may need and advise about malaria risk. To find out if you need any vaccines or anti-malaria treatment before you travel book a telephone call with the practice nurse. Remember travel vaccinations are not available on the NHS so the practice will charge you for these.
2. If you need to take medication abroad with you check with your airline and your destination of travel to ensure there are no restrictions on this. Some countries do not allow you to travel with certain painkillers and some airlines require you to have written documentation that the medication you are carrying is prescribed by a doctor.
3. Long haul flights – consider the risk of deep vein thrombosis when on a flight longer than 4 hours. This is a clot in a deep vein in your leg which can lead to swelling and pain in that leg up to one month after your flight. To try to minimise the risk remain as mobile as possible whilst on the flight; consider exercises on the flight whilst sitting for example making small circles with your ankles and pointing your toes up and down; remain well hydrated; avoid alcohol on the flight.
HAYFEVER
The hay fever season often starts at the end of February/early March and runs through to September. Common presentations include: itchy eyes, red watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, sinus discomfort, headaches.
There is no cure for hay fever, but there are some simple things you can try which may help to relieve the symptoms:
Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
Wear wrap around sunglasses to limit pollen getting to the eyes
Shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside/come in for the day
You can buy pollen filters for the air vents in your car
Anti-histamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays, eye drops – these can be bought over the counter from your local pharmacist, the NHS is trying to encourage patients not to ask for these on prescription to enable the NHS to save money for other expensive medications and treatments. These medications need to be started before the hay fever season begins and continued daily throughout the season; taking them on and off is unlikely to be effective.
INSECT BITES AND STINGS
There are many biting insects around as the weather warms up. It is not always possible to know what insect has bitten or stung you but the effects can be uncomfortable and sore. A red lump or swelling is usually seen. This can increase in size over the first few hours or couple of days. Most bites and stings are self-limiting and can be self-managed. Please take an anti-histamine tablet regularly, following the advice on the packet. An anti-histamine cream can also be bought which can help with itching and irritation. Consider applying a cold flannel or cloth. If a sting is visible, try to remove it. Try to avoid itching the area. With the above management the area of redness and irritation should gradually recede over a couple of days, but it can last for up to a week. If you start to feel unwell, the redness or swelling seems to be spreading, or you develop flu like symptoms you should speak to the GP in case the bite/sting has become infected.
SUNBURN
This is caused by spending too much time in the sunshine which leads to red, hot, sore skin. The skin may itch and peel after a few days.
To manage this come out of the sunshine, use a cool towel or cloth on the skin to help cool it down, apply a soothing lotion such as after sun or aloe vera, keep well hydrated drinking plenty of fluids, take simple painkillers if needed.
The NHS website has useful information on all of the above plus many many more. It is definitely worth a look before you call the doctor or consider speaking to your local pharmacist for advice. www.nhs.uk
The NHS will be restricting prescriptions for conditions which are either self-limiting or suitable for self-care, such as hay fever, sunburn and insect bites/stings. There is more information available from the surgery and on the NHS England website about this. You may therefore find that you are asked to buy certain medications from your local pharmacy, that you have previously received on prescription.
We hope we get some sunshine and can all enjoy a lovely summer!
Probus hears about the RFC & RAF in WW1
Probus Club member, retired RAF Wing Commander Bryan Jenkins gave a presentation about the growth of the Royal Flying Corps during the Great War.
Military thinking in 1910 was that aeroplanes had no potential use in war. General Haig thought in July 1914 that reconnaissance was the cavalry’s role. By September this changed when basic aerial reconnaissance enabled the British Expeditionary Force to win a critical battle.Aviation had to rethink its design and production. There was no domestic production with much reliance on French aircraft and engines.
Failure to fire through the propeller was overcome by having the propeller at the rear of the pilot. By 1915 the German Fokker Eindecker monoplane had overcome this technicality and had superior aerial performance than any British design. Manfred von Richthofen flew a Fokker tri-plane credited with 80 “kills”, becoming known as the Red Baron.
Early aerial battles were not successful. Our planes strafed enemy infantry and bombed airfields, factories and transportation facilities. Average life expectancy of a pilot on the Western Front was only 23 days, some for only three days. Of 10,000 RFC airmen who lost their lives, 4,000 died in training, 4,000 in post training and only 2,000 killed as a result of enemy action.
Aircraft production increased but the front line was always waiting for replacements due to insufficient engines. By 1918 there were over 4,000 planes in storage waiting for an engine.
In 1914 the Royal Flying Corps had 2073 personnel. By 1919 there were 4,000 combat aircraft and 114,000 personnel in 150 squadrons. Eleven members of the RFC were awarded the Victoria Cross.
The RFC started with very little, poor equipment. At the end they had better machines, better engines and better pilots than existed anywhere in the world. On 1st April 1918 the RFC became the Royal Air Force.
See www.probusbasingstoke.wordpress.com
Serving our Community
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY BASINGSTOKE FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT Memorial Park, Basingstoke, RG21 4AH Come and see a huge range of vehicles on static display, including classic, vintage cars and motor bikes, commercial, fire engines and military trucks. Free entry, Parking is available at Old Common, London Road for £2. per vehicle, just follow the signs.
Classic vehicle owners & traders – you will need to Pre-register to gain entry – go to Festival of Transport web address www.bstokefot.co.uk
PeaceJam UK For the last 4 years Winchester University has hosted PeaceJam UK for a 2 day youth leadership development weekend conference attended by 200 young people where they meet and work with a Peace Laureate. Held in March, this year’s PeaceJam Laureate was Betty Williams who together with Mairead Corrigan Maguire received the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting peaceful resolution of the troubles in Northern Ireland.
Over the last 4 years more than 100 young people from local Schools have been sponsored by Rotary in Basingstoke to attend and have been able to take part in workshops to learn about such topics as Water Aid and tools for self-reliance for under developed countries as well as being able to discuss controversial issues of diversity, tolerance, social justice, conflict, and non-violence and all whilst enjoying the excellent facilities at the University.
If you are between 14 -19 and want to find out more about getting involved in next year’s PeaceJam see contact details below. “I worked with a Nobel Peace Laureate” sounds great on your CV
WHAT IS ROTARY?
Rotary is about helping communities, both local and internationally through our network of clubs with 1.2 million members in over 200 countries. It is a non-religious and non-political organization comprised of both men and women who enjoy socialising together. As Rotarians we do some fantastic work each year whist having fun and raising money which enables us to donate it to more than 20 local and a few international causes, including locally The Ark Cancer Centre Charity. To find out more about Basingstoke Deane Rotary check out the links below
Basingstoke Deane Rotary is a group of 35men & women from a wide variety of backgrounds. All live locally in the borough but some commute to work outside Basingstoke. Most joined Rotary to help others less fortunate, and they find Basingstoke Deane Rotary adds another extremely enjoyable dimension to their lives.
If you would like to find out more about how we enjoy ourselves, just tune in to www.rcbd.org.uk to see what we have coming up, or contact
Helen Ricketts: – helen@highpathway.co.uk or – tempaul45@gmail.com
You might be pleasantly surprised!
Facebook: @RotaryBasingstokeDeane Twitter: @RBstokeDeane