The Passing Of Mr J. Palmer

From Chairman Terry Grover (Tel. 01239 820607)

The Fishguard Rehab members now know of the passing of their dedicated Secretary, Mr. John Palmer on the 25^th November 2009.

They were shocked of the sudden death of John, he will be greatly missed by the Committee and all the members. There is a great void in the Committee which will be difficult to bridge. I have been to see Mary his wife and since sent a card of condolence from the Committee and members.

The funeral will take place at St. Peter’s Church, Goodwick at 1pm, followed by the burial at Llanwnda Cemetery.

The A.G.M. was to be held on the 1^st December and that has now been postponed until a date in January 2010 which is to decided. A notice will be displayed at the Leisure Centre when decided by the Committee, and hopefully there will be a good attendance of members, as we are desperately in need of a new Secretary and Committee Members.

Minutes: Friday 13th November 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 13^th November 2009

 

The third and final inauspicious Friday of 2009 plus the fact members had heard of a stormy weekend looming, weather wise, turned out in goodly numbers to “make hay” whilst conditions were favourable in respect of their weekly workout at the Fishguard Leisure Centre.

Our birthday member Donald celebrated his milestone 90^th birthday at home with all his friends and relatives, gaining his exercise from answering the door to all his many callers of the day, which kept him extremely busy. Incidentally the year1919 when Donald was born a litre of petrol cost 3 shilling and 2 old pence, which equates to 30.5 new pence and a pint of Guinness was bought for 10 old pence (4 new pence). The same year the German fleet was scuppered at Scapa Flow, Orkney Island, my how things have changed over the past ninety years. 

Our sincere best wishes to Irene’s sister who has recently undergone Cardiac surgery, who is now convalescing at home and making stead progress in her recovery.

With the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team’s special Christmas party looming at Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 9^th December 09, the team has requested donations for raffle prizes also grocery items to fill hampers as prizes for the occasion.  All monies raised on the day will go towards and benefit the Cardiac Rehabilitation Service offered throughout the County.

Numbers for our own Christmas lunch at the Harp Inn Letterston on 10^th December 09 are gradually rising and the list will close on Friday 27^th November 09.

From the support given to our Group in the past from the Fishguard & District Round Table, members will be invited or encouraged to support the Round Tablers “Duck Race” to be held on December 26^th Boxing Day, at Fishguard Lowertown, with refreshments afterwards at the “Ship Inn”

A reminder to all Cardiac Members of the Annual General Meeting to be held at the Fishguard Bay Hotel on Tuesday 1^st December 09.  The meeting will commence at 2.00 pm.  You will elect officers and committee members for the ensuing year, so help us to help you.

Next years calendar is gradually filling up with special fund-raising events and social activities, which hopefully will help preserve and sustain a happy and enjoyable year for Fishguard Cardiac patients and their Carers 

Our next regular meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be held on Friday 20^th November 09 at the Fishguard Leisure Centre with the first session starting at 0915 (Blood pressure checks at 0900).

For more information either contact the Chairman Terry Grover on 01239 820607 or the Secretary John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.

Minutes: Friday 6th November 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 6^th November 09

 

A truly autumnal morning cardiac members arrived at the Fishguard Leisure Centre on Friday 6^th November 09 in cold driving rains, which more or less encouraged a more punctual start into Cardiac exercise to achieve some body heat, which pleased our training instructor Terry Main immensely.  With Irene our Cardiac Nursing Specialist away on a well deserved break, the Phase 3 session between 11.30 & 1.30 pm were cancelled, but will resume on Friday 13^th November 09.

It was so rewarding to see some Carers taking part in the weekly exercises. Readers may not be aware of it, but having a loved-one with any medical problem, in our case a heart condition, means you have taken an extra responsibility. The Carer’s life may have suddenly changed just as much as that of the heart patient.  They have to adjust their routines and generally adapt a new way of life.  Carers may have to alter their working arrangements, which in turn may have financial implications, especially if the heart patient has to cut back or give up work too.  Social life, holidays, activities and past times can all be affected, which in turn affects the whole family life. Being a member of the Cardiac Group, Carers can at least talk through those stressful and concerning problems, causing apprehension, with either the Cardiac Nurse or with other Carers.  As a patient the wonderful work of the Carer is greatly appreciated by us all for the tremendous sacrifices made at such short notice.

Many members of the Fishguard Cardiac group are celebrating birthdays during the month of November in particular Donald MacGregger who will be celebrating a milestone birthday, today Friday 13^th November 09, four score years and ten to be exact.  Many congratulations Donald from all the Cardiac members and professional team wishes you many more happy healthy years to come.

It was so nice to see our eldest member Gwen Halliday back in commission completing suitable exercises after being in Withybush Hospital for a short time

Our next meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be held at the Fishguard Leisure Centre on Friday 13^th November 09 with the first session starting at 0915 am.  For more information either contact Chairman Terry Grover on 01239 820607 or John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs. 

 

 

Minutes: Friday 30th October 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 30^th October 2009.

 

Many congratulations to the Pembrokeshire Leisure Team at Fishguard Leisure Centre for the excellent efforts in decorating the establishment for “Halloween” on Friday 30^th October 2009.  With life like cobwebs and realist spiders it was incredibly hard to detect which were the real creepy-crawlies.  Our Cardiac Nursing Specialist’s Daughter, Rebecca exceeded herself in the wonderful production of confectionary for the Fishguard Cardiac Rehab: Halloween party naming her cakes by spine chilling logos “Slimetastic Coffee”, “Choc Full of Horror”, “Sinful Cinnamon” and “Midnight Mysteries”, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed with their cup of witches brew, during the cooling down period.  Grateful thanks Rebecca for all your sterling efforts and big well done from us all.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery were given to our eldest member Gwen Halliday who has been hospitalised for a few days and is now convalescing at home in Dinas.  Also a get-well message was given to Sarah Jones who has recently been very poorly, but hopefully is now making steady progress to better health.

One of the biggest advantages offered to Cardiac Patients within the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme is the proof there is life after Heart failure and that Patients can resume a relatively healthy life once again.  Our own Fishguard Group is celebrating its third Birthday and the incredible number of Patients having drawn advice, comfort and support from the professional team and indeed the wonderful camaraderie and support given to each other is truly a rewarding factor to be proud of, having been able to witness so many Cardiac Patients passing through the Fishguard Leisure Centre’s doors taking benefit from the very valuable Cardiac Programme, helping them to recover from Heart Disease.

With our Annual General Meeting rapidly approaching on 1^st December 09, secretary John Palmer during the cooling down period, and with the members munching delicious confectionary, slurping it down with “Withes Potions” requested items for the agenda to be put in writing and handed in by 14^th November 09 for the AGM.

Our next meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be held at the Fishguard Leisure Centre resuming back to normal times, with the first session starting at 09.15 am, second at 11.30 am and 2.00 pm.  For more information either contact Chairman, Terry Grover on 01239 820607 or John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.  Help us to help you. 

 

 

 

Minutes: Friday 23rd October 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 23^rd October 09

 

With numbers increasing each week for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme at the Fishguard Leisure Centre, the job of motivating members into exercise mode, from their jovial and idol gossip of happenings during the past week, makes the task of the Fitness Instructor more or less like a Sergeant Major summoning members to “fall in”, albeit somewhat a bit more subtle manner than military NCO’s application.  A warm welcome into Phase 4 exercise routine was given to more graduates from Phase 3, which is a rewarding indication they are making steady progress towards better health after their Cardiac event.

Friday 16^th October 09 witnessed a unique and fantastic gathering of relatives, friends, Stroke, Cardiac Patients & Carers meeting at the Begelly Arms for a carvery lunch to celebrate the 80^th Birthday of Mrs Rita Rowles, Min-yr-Afon, Letterston.  It was a wonderful occasion and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Rita suggested that in lieu of any presents, donations be made towards the Chernobyl Children Charity.   Many congratulations Rita on celebrating such a milestone birthday, and our grateful thanks for truly a wonderful day.

Wrongly heralded in the Monthly Cardiac “Newsletter” as the Pembroke Dock Cardiac Group will be organising a Christmas Party should read “The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team” will be organising the Annual Cardiac Christmas Party on Wednesday 9^th December 09, to be held in Pater Hall Pembroke Dock.  This annual event is for all Cardiac Rehabbers past and present, throughout Pembrokeshire.  The party will follow the morning cardiac rehabilitation session. Starting at 1.00 pm the party will continue until 4.30 pm.  There will also be live entertainment.   All proceeds from raffles etc will be used to benefit Pembrokeshire Cardiac Rehabilitation. For more information contact Cardiac Nursing Specialist, Irene Hartup, on 01437 773878.

On Friday 30^th October 09 times for Rehabilitation have changed for one week only.  Group 1 session will commence at 9 am – 11 am, Group 2, from 12.00 noon – 2 pm.  Phase 3 patients can attend either group session.  Beware Halloween “Witching Hour” 11.00 am & 12.00 noon, when witches brew, concoction and Halloween cakes will become available.  Everyone is welcome to join in.  Come in fancy dress if you so wish.

Another productive Respite Break Sub committee was held at the Fishguard Bay Hotel on Tuesday 27^th October 09.  Secretary John Palmer announced over forty members had now paid their deposits for the event. Our grateful thanks to the Fishguard & District Stroke Club for offering electric scooters for the Cardiac Respite Event, the thought is very much appreciated.

As already mentioned the Cardiac Rehabilitation sessions for Terry and his Pacemakers will to be held at the Fishguard Leisure Centre on Friday 30^th October 09 have changed, for one week only.  First session starting at 9 am – 11 am and the seconded session from 12.00 noon to 2 pm.  For more information either contact (Chairman) Terry Grover on 01239 820607 or (Secretary) John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our up to date website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.  Help us to help you.      

 

Minutes: Friday 9th October 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 9^th October 09

 

The attendance at Friday 9^th October 09 cardiac rehabilitation meeting was outstanding, which pleased the professional team immensely.  Some of the Cardiac patients having not attended for some time were warmly welcomed back into the fold, enjoying not only the exercise modes but also the camaraderie over a welcomed “cuppa” during the cooling down and blood pressure monitoring checks.

Best wishes for speedy recoveries were offered to both Eileen Webb & Marian Wixey who have not been enjoying the best of health as of late.

Events are gearing up for the Christmas period insomuch a party is being organised by the Pembroke Dock Rehabilitation Group on Wednesday 9^th December 09 at the Patter Hall, between 1 pm & 4.30 pm where the theme this year will be aiming to take patients down memory lane, indeed way back to the 1940’s.  Invitations were handed out to every Fishguard cardiac member entitled “Your Cardiac Rehabilitation Christmas Party Needs You” with Lord Kitchener pointing his finger.  There is no charge to the event but any contributions towards the confectionary or culinary aspects and raffle prizes will be more than appreciated, as it is believed “Ration Books” will be evident and applied on the day.

Barrie Thomas our in house fantastic photographer is setting up two wonderful photograph albums, which will contain photos of exercise activities and Cardiac Members in action.  It was agreed at the last Management Committee meeting two albums will be purchased for Fishguard Cardiac members to enjoy and appreciate and to be kept as memorabilia.

The secretary was kept extremely busy recording deposits received for the respite break at Bournemouth in May 2010.  With numbers now over the 40, the venture looks to be very promising, hoping fine weather will bless the project.

Congratulations to Miss Sarah Jones having accomplished a very energetic and active first year on the management committee, who took much pleasure in her input in helping others, not only Cardiac patients but also “Comic Relief” & British Heart Foundation.  Well done and thank you Sarah.

With yet another year having almost passed it was agreed by the management committee the Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on the 1^st December 09 at the Fishguard Bay Hotel starting at 2.00 pm.  If any member has any item for the agenda please forward in writing to the secretary John Palmer. 8, Maes Awel, Scleddau, Fishguard, SA65 9QZ.

Our next meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be held on Friday 16^th October 09 at the Fishguard Leisure Centre with the first session starting at 09.15 am (Blood pressure checks at 09.00 am).  For more information either contact Chairman, Terry Grover on 0129 820607 or secretary John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.  Help us to help you.         

Minutes:Friday2nd October 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 2^nd October 09

 

Tuesday 29^th September 09 once again saw a united Cardiac Committee of members from North & South of the Cleddau having a working lunch at the Fishguard Bay Hotel to discuss, resolve & select a suitable Hotel for next year’s respite break, which has been sanctioned and agreed by those Cardiac Members who realise the enormous benefits, what small differences can drastically improve the quality of life, can achieve on such ventures.  Members participating solely make funding for the project.  It was a very fruitful meeting and the Hotel chosen from the enormous selection presented by the Secretary was the 3 star Riviera Hotel, Bournemouth.  The choice for the itinerary was also an attention-grabbing undertaking with a vast number of places to select from and also to try and cover all members’ interests was no mean task.  A proposed visit to the Naval Air Museum at Yoevilton, excursion through the New Forrest including Beaulieu National Motor Museum are just a couple of venues that are included on the tour.  Names for the event are still being received with numbers almost at the 40 mark.  The Hotel will be supplying the evening entertainment each night all we now pray for is good weather.  Our most grateful thanks to the management and staff of the Fishguard Bay Hotel for their kind hospitality in allowing us to hold our meetings there.

Friday 2^nd October 09 with Autumnal weather conditions upon us and the super stores filling up with Christmas Fayre there was no need to remind Cardiac Members there are only 83 shopping days left to complete those commercial sensitive shopping exploits, which causes so much stress amongst us, which are well known to us all without the need to catalogue them.  However, Terry our Fitness Instructor managed to disperse many feelings of anxiety and stress during the weekly workout hopefully to help members over the forthcoming festive period.  Irene was kept extremely busy once again with phase three members and the induction of more new members.

It is understood that due to the integration of the three NHS trusts, job cuts in the NHS are inevitable.  Sadly we have learnt our Cardiac Nursing Specialist will only be available for Phase 3 members. A very strong feeling of antagonism from Phase 4 members has already been voiced at even the suggestion of the proposed idea.  The Cardiac Nurse plays a very important & essential role to us all no matter what Phase we are at. Cardiac Groups throughout Pembrokeshire will contest & challenge this proposed idea at all levels.

Secretary, John Palmer announced the United Christmas Lunch on 17^th December 09 at Beggar’s Reach, Country Hotel and placements are quickly filling up, so to avoid disappointment book with Fitness Instructor, Terry Main as soon as possible.

Our next meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be at the Fishguard Leisure Centre on Friday 9^th October 09 with the first session starting at 09.15 am (blood pressure checks at 09.00).  For more information either contact Chairman, Terry Grover on 01239 820607 or Secretary John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our well established website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs. Help us to help you.                           

Minutes:18th September 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 18^th September 09

 

On Friday 18^th September 09 saw a tremendous assembly of Cardiac Patients for all the exercise sessions at the Fishguard Leisure Centre, possibly the weather conditions helped to enticed members to don their exercise clothing for the Cardiac Rehab Programme, which indeed has helped so many after their Heart failure event and consequential surgery.

Irene our Cardiac Nursing Specialist welcomed and processed more Cardiac Patients into the Fishguard Group, giving them that much needed reassurance and confidence boost after their traumatic ordeal.  Even the carers receive great benefit, comfort, support and encouragement within their trepidation regarding their loved one’s condition, gained from Irene’s gentle introduction to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.

Secretary, John Palmer announced next year’s respite break will be at Bournemouth, however the Hotel choice and costs of the break will be decided at the next Committee Meeting to be held at the Fishguard Bay Hotel on Tuesday 29^th September 09.  Thus far 30 members have put forward their names for the event.  Members were requested to book as soon as possible to avoid future disappointment, as this event looks to be even more fruitful than last year’s break on the Isle of Wight.

Members were requested to pencil into their diaries a date to celebrate the very first Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient’s Conference of its kind in Wales and the UK for 30^th October 09 at University of Wales Aberystwyth, Art Centre.  If there are sufficient persons interested in the event a Coach will be provided free of charge.  The conference is FREE for Cardiac Patients and a Family Member or Friend.  Tea/coffee and a Buffet lunch are included.  Closing date for applications 17^th October 09.  For more detail contact Cardiac Nursing Specialist, Irene Hartup for an application form.

With the ever-increasing membership new exercise “T” shirts have been ordered, which all Cardiac Rehabilitation Groups in Pembrokeshire are contributing towards the costs.  However the new batch will be white instead of light grey, to which everyone was in favour.  Also, if sufficient numbers are interested a new winter fleece garment, colour navy blue, with the appropriate logo in red is being considered.  The price tag depends on the demand.  Please inform Irene if you would like to purchase a fleece.

Our next merry meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be on Friday 25^th September 09 at the Fishguard Leisure Centre, with the first session starting at 0915 am (blood pressure checks at 0900 am). For more information either contact Terry Grover (Chairman) on 01239 820607 or John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.  Help us to help you.

Minutes: Friday 11th September 09

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group – Friday 11th September 09

Tuesday 8th August saw a few members from the Fishguard Cardiac Support Group travelling to the “Jolly Sailor” in Burton to meet with other Members from South of the Cleddau for another working lunch to discuss plans for next years respite break. All had a fruitful and most enjoyable meeting, although the weather outside was abysmal. With options for respite break filling up so quickly the committee decided to opt for Bournemouth, during the month of May in 2010.
On Thursday 10th September 09 the Group held it’s annual “coffee morning” fund-raising event by kind permission of Susan & Steve, proprietors of the Royal Oak Fishguard. It was a glorious day weather wise and indeed wonderful to meet so many old acquaintances from days gone by. The very kind hospitality of the management and staff of the Royal Oak, in particular Lorraine made the fund-raising task so much pleasurable in every aspect. The winner of “Naming the Teddy Bear” competition was Mrs Grover. This competition has been running from other fund-raising events, such as Dinas Cross & Fishguard Carnival. The bear’s pre-selected named was “Sophia”. Winner of a bottle of wine for the “Entry Ticket” draw went to Mr Terry Gray, of Scleddau. Grateful thanks to all the ladies of the Group for their brilliant and various array of confectionary for the cake stall, and indeed to Sarah Jones for the large supply of biscuits for the event. Much gratitude to the management of the Royal Oak for their kindness for donating all of the beverages for the occasion and the volunteers, Shirley, Lena, Sarah, Eileen and Terry that undertook different tasks on the day. Plus a big thank you to the general public for their support and generosity.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mr Bert Raymond of Mathry who sustained a very nasty fall and had to be conveyed to A & E Department, Whithybush Hospital, who is now at home being looked after by his wife Mary.
Friday 11th August 09 saw a large turnout of members after a two weeks escape from the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Terry Main, Fitness Instructor, was very sympathic towards member’s moans and groans having had no exercise for a fortnight, due to shortage of professional staff.
During the “cooling down” period members were engrossed in reading the new style Newsletter as designed by Michael Flude on the happenings of events past and present, of which the committee had completed and planning to help raise funds for the Group. On 14th November 09 another Autumn Fayre, similar to last year’s event, will be organised at the Old School, Dinas Cross under the supervision of Eileen Webb.
Names for the Christmas Lunch are very slow in the making for this event. The committee have announced that if sufficient members were interested in the event a coach would be made available.
Our next merry meting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be at the Fishguard Leisure Centre on Friday 18th September 09. For more information either contact Terry Grover, (Chairman) on 01239 820607 or John Palmer (Secretary) on 01348 872240 or why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.

Minutes: Friday 28th August 2009

Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation – Friday 28^th August 09

 

Thursday 27^th August 09, saw a relay of committee members partaking in a fund-raising “Flag Day” event outside of Somerfield Supermarket Store, High Street, Fishguard.  It was so rewarding and encouraging the response and support from the General public toward the event, which help to raise £245.07, for the Cardiac Support Group.  The committee members wish to thank the Management and Staff of Somerfield for their applaudable kindness and hospitality and also the general public in their very kind generosity in words and deed.   

In the annulment of no Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme for Friday 28^th August 09, many members took advantage of Richard’s Bro excursion to Cardiff Millennium Centre to see local girl Connie Fisher’s star performance in “The Sound of Music”, which everyone on the tour thoroughly enjoyed.  The recently commissioned Mercure Holland Hotel, which was the overnight stopping venue received a great deal of praise from all of the members, who were totally refreshed for a full days shopping around Cardiff on Saturday 29^th August 09, of which they classed the venture as their Rehabilitation workout.

Saturday 29^th August 09 witnessed a few hard working Committee and Cardiac Members tending a stall at the Fishguard & District Round Table Carnival at Lota Park.  Albeit the sun was warm when it shone, but with a cold breeze blowing did have a slight detrimental effect on the day.  However, this did not dissuade a fabulous turnout of the Public in their attendance of the event to make it yet another successful event for the Round Table with the added attraction of “Fishguard Talent Contest”.  There is no end to the skills and ability these Round Table members enjoy doing in helping to raise funds for Charitable Organisations, as now they’ve undertaken cooking hamburgers & hot-dogs, which the general public really enjoyed.  Well done to the Fishguard & District Round Table on another wonderful well-organised Carnival. Also a big thank you to Eileen, Lena, Shirley and Rita of the Fishguard Cardiac Group for all their time and effort for managing the tombola, name the Teddy, and the infallible raffle stall. There is still one winner that has not made claim to a raffle prize telephone No 01348 875517.

We will be holding a “Coffee Morning” at the Royal Oak, Fishguard, on Thursday 10^th September 09 between 1000 am and 1200 noon.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Sadly there will not be any Rehabilitation programme again this week.  Our next meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be on Friday 11^th September 09.  For more information either contact Terry Grover (Chairman) on 01239 820607 or John Palmer (secretary) on 01348 872240 or why not visit our well established website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.