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Client Events
Continuing the river theme, as ScotsCare’s social events coordinator, I took our ScotsCare Bawtry Road tenants on a river boat cruise down the River Lee in June. Starting from the Lee Valley Boat Centre, a little gem in Broxbourne, the ‘Pride of Lee’ took us along winding river banks with herons, swans, ducklings and dragonflies, up and down through canal locks, with fish & chip lunch, and we all wished we could stay for 24 hours instead of two! Gliding through the rippling water, the tranquility and slow pace took us back to quieter times - pre-car days – and we’d recommend it to anyone who wants to de-stress and relax for a few hours before returning to the hustle and bustle of London. We are also planning day trips to the seaside for families and children (by train) and for our over-60s group (by coach) over the summer – invites will be sent to
all clients in these groups shortly.
Una
ScotsCare Services
If you have suffered a recent bereavement and are in the process of organising a funeral, we may be able to help. We offer a funeral grant of up to £1000 and can also help you in approaching funeral directors and securing the services needed during this difficult time. Call freephone 0800 652 2989 for further information and assistance.
Legacy Club
We would like to take an opportunity to thank Chairman of the Scottish Forum in London, David Coughtrie, who recently joined ScotsCare’s legacy Club. The legacies club is set up to support the Scots in London who will follow us. However much you decide to give, rest assured that the charity will not have to pay inheritance tax on the donation. Donations can be used for among other things; school uniforms for families on low income, a re-training grant to get someone back into employment or even for building new affordable housing in London. If you would like to join the Legacy Club, or for more information, visit www.scotscare.com/legacy-why-leave-a-legacy.php or call freephone: 0800 652 2989.
Competition
Congratulations to Thomas Austin for correctly answering that a certain Ian McGeechan is currently coaching the British and Irish Lions on their (hopefully triumphant) tour of South Africa. A signed London Scottish rugby shirt is winging its way to Thomas as we speak.
‘A lifeline for Scots in London’
Keep an eye out for our new poster campaign highlighting ‘A lifeline for Scots in London’. The new poster which carries on the tartan theme from our last offering of a tartan red cross, features a tartan life belt. We hope this clear and simple poster will enable even more people to know about ScotsCare. We are actively sending the poster to all relevant agencies and outlets but If you would like some posters sent to you for your local library, surgery, charity shop or group or if you know someone else who would like a poster, please either email ross@scotscare.com or alternatively call 0800 652 2989.
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A celebration of ScotsCare volunteers
ScotsCare is holding a celebratory boat cruise in recognition of the work that our volunteers do in all their various guises, from our reception and helpline staff in King St to befrienders and those who work at our regular lunches. Our volunteers really do a wonderful and vital job and so we would like to show our appreciation with a cruise down the Thames (swimming optional) with drinks and buffet reception. The event takes place on Friday the 31st of July from 6.30-9.30pm embarking (nautical term) from the Royal Festival Hall and taking in the views of Tower Bridge, The Houses of Parliament and everything in between before returning safe and dry to Royal Festival Hall. If you are a volunteer and would like more information on the cruise or how to attend, please contact Ralph Tingey, on ralph@scotscare.com or 0800 652 2989. You can also contact Ralph if you are interested in any of
our volunteering opportunities.
Scottish events in London
Dance Scottish Week in London
The London Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) will once again be opening its doors to folk from all over the world during Dance Scottish Week in September to promote Scottish Country Dancing in the capital. Last years’ activities included a display team dancing eight Eightsome Reels around famous London landmarks from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Palace of Westminster. This year (12‐19th
September 2009) there will be free open air dancing for all at Kensington Gardens on 12th. Open House on the Wednesday evening (16th) will be where anyone can dip their dancing toes (for free), in the water at St. Columba’s Hall, Pont Street, London – or just check out what classes and events are on offer. And if you’ve really caught the bug, come along to Friday’s fun ceilidh at Wimbledon or Saturday’s dance at Pont Street (19th/20th) – tickets for both on sale soon ‐ more info on www.rscdslondon.org. We’ve a great dance band coming down from Scotland to play, so come along, bring your smile and have some fun.
Staff Profile
Toby is our new (Australian) Housing Officer. He’s only been here at ScotsCare for a couple of months so we thought we’d get him to share some of his thoughts on ScotsCare, Scotland and London.
SS: What is your name?
TB: Toby Hale.
SS: What do you do at ScotsCare and how long have you worked here?
TB: I started at the end of April 2009, and I am the Housing Officer responsible for ScotsCare housing stock.
SS: What is your connection to Scotland?
TB: My father and stepfather are both Scots, and although I was born in Australia, my family moved to Scotland when I was 6 years old. I lived there until I was 12, and have many great memories of a Scottish childhood.
SS: What is your connection to London?
TB: Again nothing to do with me. My family moved to London when I was 16. Been stuck here ever since! Although my lovely partner and daughter make it slightly more bearable.
SS: What Scottish person do you admire most?
TB: This is a difficult one, but as great fan of science, I have decided that it’s not one person but all the thinkers, scientists and inventors Scotland has produced through the ages, despite the relative lack of population compared to similar nations.
SS: What age are you (you don’t have to tell us!!!)?
TB: Just turned 32.
SS: What surprising things are you good at?
TB: I can spin a tray (or any suitable flat object) indefinitely on the end of my finger.
SS: What do you consider Scotland’s greatest contribution to the world? You can’t say yourself!
TB: The higher learning institutions and the respect for knowledge and education. 4 of the 5 oldest universities in the English speaking world are in Scotland. And perfecting how to turn barley and water into liquid magic.
SS: Where are your favourite places in Scotland and London?
TB: Edinburgh old town (living history and fantastic architecture with a story behind almost every brick) or the Isle of Skye Talisker whisky, Dùn Bheagain Castle) in Scotland, Holland Park in London, the Kyoto Japanese garden is one of the most peaceful places in the capital.
SS: What is your greatest ambition or achievement?
TB: My greatest achievement is not going mad living in London! Although there is time yet so watch this space.
SS: Tell us about something you like to do other than your work for ScotsCare?
TB: I am a keen cyclist, and you will find me out on my bike either alone or with my daughter most days.
SS: What would your last meal be?
TB: Kobe Steak, homemade chips and salad, washed down with Ginger beer.
SS: What do you like most about Scottish culture or people?
TB: The lack of ceremony, the warmth and the openness. I never felt like an outsider during my time in Scotland.
SS: What do you enjoy most about working for ScotsCare?
TB: I haven’t been here for that long, but so far my favourite thing has been meeting all the staff, volunteers, tenants and clients that we have.
SS: Finally, tell us anything else you would like to, about yourself?
TB: If you wish to lose your money, feel free to play me at poker.
ScotsCare Tip
Want basic computer and internet skills?
If you would like to improve your knowledge of computers and the internet, there are a range of free courses which you can access through your local library learning centre. The courses which run across London can help you search for information on jobs and housing, keeping in touch with friends and family through email, shopping, accessing public services online and even using digital cameras. No matter your age and experience of computers, the staff can help you get what you need. For further information on where you can access this service in your local library call, UK Online Services on 0800 77 1234 or visit www.ukonlineservices.com
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