Page 45 - Phonebox Magazine December 2016

The Inner Wheel Club of Newport Pagnell
OServing our communities
ne of the enjoyable and interesting aspects of belonging to Inner Wheel is the wide variety of speakers who come to talk to us. This enables us to learn about the many charities and initiatives which enrich our communities.
One of our most fascinating recent speakers was Vicky Smith, formerly a member of the Independent Monitoring Board at Woodhill Prison in Milton Keynes. Vicky described the prison and life within it, which was very enlightening and challenged our preconceptions. Woodhill is a Category A prison with around 830 prisoners, including high security, sex offenders and drugs detox amongst other categories and prison life is extremely challenging for both prisoners and staff.
The role of the Independent Monitoring Board, made up of up to 20 voluntary members (with considerable training), is to monitor the prison “to ensure that prisoners and prison of cers are being treated fairly according to prison rules”. All claims of mistreatment have to be investigated thoroughly as do any serious incidents on site, such as hostage situations and suicides. The IMB provides an annual report to the Prison Minister and it is clear that, given that this is a voluntary role, its members provide an invaluable service to the prison, all those within in it and to the wider public.
We also recently welcomed staff from MK SNAP (Special Needs Advancement Project) who inspired us with the story of the development of SNAP in Milton Keynes. Established in 1992, MK Snap is a charity offering professional support, training, education, life skills, work and opportunities for individuals aged 16+ with learning dif culties. Learners are supported to achieve the goals they would like to achieve and, with an extensive range of subjects on the curriculum, there is something for everyone.
Our current President’s chosen charity is Medical Detection Dogs. This is an amazing charity and its message is spreading fast. Cancer and Bio Detection Dogs can be trained to identify the odour of cancer and potentially the development of a simple method of non-invasive cancer diagnosis. With their amazing sense of smell, Medical Alert Assistance Dogs support individuals who live with dangerous health conditions. Dogs truly are man’s (and woman’s) best friend!
Newport Pagnell Memory Club
WRequires additional volunteers
e meet twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday afternoons, 2.00-4.15pm, in the Brooklands centre, Newport Pagnell.
Our goal is to support and encourage those living with
dementia or cognitive impairment. Activities vary but achieving a fun and positive social experience is key. Usually we start with refreshments and once a month we enjoy a singsong. Attracting additional volunteers will help us manage our popularity and growth in membership. Surprisingly our male members outnumber the ladies.
DBS checks are made and training is provided which would equip volunteers to start with us early in 2017. If interested in learning more about what we do, please contact hazel_reynolds@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01908 614124.
Inner Wheel members also regularly help Rotary out with practical assistance and support of events, support which is reciprocated when Inner Wheel needs assistance with an event or activity. Pictured here is Inner Wheel member, Evelyn (left), helping with a recent Rotary collection for Willen Hospice at Frosts Garden Centre. The sums donated to local charities by both Inner Wheel and Rotary are signi cant and make a real difference to our communities.
To nd out more about joining this lively group of women who enjoy rm friendships and making a difference to the lives of others, contact Jacquie Cole, President, on 01234 711104 or Julia Campion, Vice President on 01908 691176 for an informal chat. Or you can e-mail innerwheelnewportpagnell@gmail.com. Although Inner Wheel has connections with the Rotary movement, membership is open to all women and, these days, around half of members have Rotary links and half not. You can see more about our Club and others in our District by visiting Facebook and searching for Inner Wheel District 26. To nd out about Inner Wheel at a national level, visit www.innerwheel.co.uk. The Club meets on the third Tuesday afternoon of the month from 2pm to 4pm at the Olney Centre in Olney, Bucks. You will be most welcome to come along to a meeting or event to see what it’s all about – you’ll feel among friends straight away, we’re sure. Do get in touch and see how Inner Wheel can enrich your own life.
December 2016 | Phonebox Magazine 45