NOTES FROM THE CHAIR
Pat Lee-Patton - Chair
pat.lpatton@gmail.com

The sun has finally “Got his hat on “, making such a difference in our homes and to our general attitude; people do seem to smile more when the sun shines.

Things, generally, are going well within our association; I am pleased to say that the office is now becoming the hub of “HELP”. I have purposely deleted from the new & leaflets all personal details of our officers and coordinators; this should, hopefully, ensure that “HELP” is approached as an association and not on an individual basis; therefore the delegation of care should be made easier. As I have said at the A.G.Ms and Volunteer General meetings, we are a team and our reputation of care and help rests on all our shoulders. I must say I was very proud when at the Denia Feria a German couple came up to our stand and said,” Ah you are the charity all the German residents talk about, we should organise ourselves to be like your “HELP” .

Our work load is increasing in every department; now some of our older volunteers are needing “HELP” and it is most important that we are aware this. Many associations like British Legion / Masons have a person in charge of overseeing the welfare of elderly members. It’s just a thought that maybe we can explore your ideas on the subject at our next general Volunteer’s meeting on the 25th of September.

GENERAL NEWS FROM “HELP”

First of all “HELP” would like to let all our members know that we now have a new Fundraising Team made up of Gail Horler, Vicky Stafford and Bernadette Dunster.
Gail has been a regular visitor and resident of Spain since 1973 working not only in the Alicante region but also in the Balearics, Barcelona and the Pyrenees.   Last year when she became a resident of Jesus Pobre she joined “HELP” of Denia and works as a translator at the new hospital.

Vicky joined “HELP” two years ago and as well as being part of the Fund Raising Team she is a volunteer in the “HELP” Centre in La Xara cheerily helping with our regular visitors.   She moved to Spain from the Isle of Wight several years ago and enjoys travelling to “far flung” places such as Australia.

Bernadette has been a member of “HELP” for almost a year and she too works in the shop regularly. Check of the Fundraising section for events and proposed events.

More changes within our Organisation! Jean Williams and Arline Peover Lock have decided to relinquish their roles within the Hospital Visiting Team and are handing over the reins to Judith Goodall and Liz Pollen.
Judith joined “HELP” just over a year ago and is already a member of the Hospital Visiting Team. Liz has been a “HELP” member for almost a year, she too is already a Member of the Visiting Team. As well as fulfilling visiting roles they are both active member in various other areas of “HELP”.

Once again “HELP” was invited to attend the Feria de Associaciones de Denia on 1st May. Unfortunately it was “rained off” about 5.00pm. A vote of thanks to the hardy volunteers who braved the weather and manned the stand Satisfyingly, during the course of the day the volunteers were thanked by many people of various nationalities for the good work “HELP” does and how much it is appreciated.

I am sure that everyone who took part would agree the April tour of the Hoya de Cadenas vineyards was a resounding success. The tour was interesting and the waa waa train was a novel way of seeing the vineyard and surrounding area.  Sadly the weather could have been better as it was rather cold and damp and the low cloud in the mountains prevented proper appreciation of the scenery. After sampling the excellent wines the party enjoyed a wonderful lunch at El Tollo Restaurant in Utiel with more opportunity to try out the vineyards great wines!

Well done Gail for organising this great day and we look forward to the next outing.

Once again the dedicated members of “HELP” took part in the Charity’s Sponsored Walk on Saturday 8th May and they should be congratulated for their continuing efforts to assist our less fortunate global neighbours still suffering the effects of the devastating earthquake.   Once again the weather was kind and although the participating walkers were fewer than on previous occasions they raised a total of €1000 and as always a great time was had in good company.

I am pleased to report that the “HELP” Centre successfully continues to carry out its remit to supply information to the general public and to the “HELP” membership, and to supply all kinds of medical equipment on loan.   My continued thanks to all the admin and maintenance staff who make this possible.

Over recent weeks we have changed the format of our “care days”.   With much help from our Chairman, Pat, and our dedicated band of volunteers, we now have a series of pre-organised events at the “HELP” Centre. “HELP” members and the general public are more than welcome
to any of these events, a timetable of which is as follows:

MONDAY LUNCH CLUB - First and third Monday of each month
STRETCH AND TONE - Second Monday of each month
WHIST CLUB - Third Thursday of each month
COFFEE MORNING - Fourth Monday of each month
CHIROPODY - Contact the “HELP” Centre for details or to book and appointment.

As well as the above there is a COMPUTER CLUB on Wednesdays at 5.15pm, run by Anne & Ken Mitchell, to help you improve your computer skills.  Please contact Anne and Ken via the “HELP” Centre if you wish to attend.

Again my thanks go to all our social/care volunteers who do such a good job.

If you would like to be included in helping at the Centre or if you want to know more about the activities, please contact us on 96 642 7044 or help.denia@gmail.com.

FUND RAISING NEWS

Excursion to Hoya de Cadenas

44 people came on our wine trip to Hoya de Cadenas. As mentioned earlier apart from the cold weather the tour and lunch went well. The raffle on the coach raised €68 for prizes of wine donated by Hoya de Candenas

Fund raising quiz

This was a general success and 99 papers were sold for €1 donation. Most people made the comment that they enjoyed doing the quiz but admitted it was quite difficult. Eventually only 8 people returned their completed papers. This will be repeated later in the year where members will get another chance to test their brain power!!!

The Annual Walk

Only 19 volunteers took part this year but they managed to raised approximately €1.000. Photos were taken of most of the volunteers at the end of the walk and if they would like a copy as a souvenir of the event please contact the “HELP” Centre on 96 642 7044

Jalon HELP fete

On 23rd May we attended this event and at their request we supplied a “Lucky Dip” for children. Our photo board was on display along with some of the equipment we can supply.

“HELP” Quiz at the Orange Grove

Yes, it is that time of year again and due to the success of last year’s quiz at the Orange Grove this is being repeated again. Make a note in your diary, Saturday 3rd July! Format as last year, Malcolm Bunn will set the quiz (put your thinking caps on!) Further details will be available shortly at the “HELP” Centre also via the web site www.helpdenia.com. Make sure you reserve your places as soon as the information is available as this was extremely well attended last and places are limited.

“HELP” is the chosen charity of the Costa Blanca Business Association’s Golf Day at Oliva Nova on 27th June. They are holding a raffle and an auction on the day and the proceeds will also go to “HELP”.
Pego Golf Society has invited “HELP” to organise a Tombola at their Annual Summer BBQ at Monte Pego Restaurant on 21st July.
Needless to say prizes and donations for both events will be more than welcome and Gail Horler will be contacting “HELP” members for donations nearer the events.

PRESS & PUBLICITY NEWS

A quiet start to the Summer months.   Our Charity Walk was publicised in most of the local papers as was the follow on report.

Now our new Fundraising Team are  “up and running” no doubt there will be many more events to publicise and report on in the near future.

In the meantime enjoy the good weather now it is here (no moaning about the heat!)