March 13th

We had a change of venue this month. Its been decided between us that for the foreseeable future the monthly meetings will be held at the orange tree. Its not far from the Cherry Tree and as more accessability and more disabled car parking spaces.
We all talked about what we'd like to get upto this year with our group. We've come up with a garden party and a trip to drayton manor. This was advertised in 'The Midlander' and some of us will be taking our kids and partners. I'm looking forward to a bit of thrill seeking!

We had a 'newbie' turn up this month. Her name is Emma and hopefully we'll be seeing much more of her. A member also came who we'd not seen for a while, it was a nice surprise!

Other than that we have nothing new to report. I'm hoping to get a newsletter out in the next few weeks with details of events and stuff.

Chinese Meal

We decided that we'd had enough curries for the time being and we should try something different. So last night we had a table booked for 8 at Buffet Island in Newcastle.

It was much busier than I'd expected but at only £12.90 for all you can eat it was no suprise! We sat at a large round table with plenty of wheelchair access. All the staff were really helpful and helped those in wheelchairs to get their plates full.

There was a great selection of food available. I'd heard good reports from everyone who'd visited and it didn't dissappoint. The Musketeers carers group had been previously and their recommendation was all we needed!

I had shredded chilli beef, beef and black bean sauce, crispy duck pancakes, sweet and sour chicken..........the list was endless! (before you all think I'm a piggy, it was a tablespoon of each! LOL) There was even a chocolate fountain for all the folks that had room for pudding.

The conversation was good too, as always. We discussed stairlifts at great lengths and the problems that you have fitting them. We also talked about 'normal' stuff and how everyone was in general. All in all it was a great night spent with friends. We'll dfinately have to book up again.

January Meeting

The January meeting was held on the second Thursday as usual, at the newly refurbished Cherry Tree.
I had loads of people apologising on the phone via text before the meeting. I think that Christmas had finally caught up with everyone. Most of us were completely shattered. I couldn't stay for as long as usual and we went home at around 10pm. Only 4 people came but if I've learnt anything from my experience of the young group it's that people always seem to bounce back. One meeting may only have a couple of members but then the following month I could have a full house! I'm looking forward to the next meeting to catch up and wish everyone a happy new year.

Christmas Meal

I'm so late posting this BLOG! Its already the middle of January. The Christmas meal in December feels like a lifetime ago!

We had a great turnout this year. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Most of us had a turkey dinner and we were sat at a lovely round table so we could do loads of catching up.

It was nice to see that we were all well and doing well. Everyone was getting ready for Christmas celebrations and for me this was my third turkey dinner! I think I ended up having about 5 roasts this year, as my waistband shows!!

We've all swapped numbers and next year promises that the young group will grow in numbers and do far more in 2008.