Issue 11. Sept/Oct
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Volunteer Event. A very enjoyable boat cruise on the Thames was recently held to thank ScotsCare’s volunteers for their time and efforts. It took place on a late August evening on a chartered boat called the King Edward. A buffet
and drinks were provided for approximately 20 volunteers and their friends and family plus some King St staff. The evening began with a short talk by Willie Docherty as the boat disembarked from the Jubilee Pier, thanking all of the volunteers for their involvement in our charity. We then congregated on the foredeck to enjoy the view of London’s attractions slowly becoming illuminated in the late evening sun. If you are interested
in any of our volunteering opportunities, please contact Ralph on 0800 652 2989.
Volunteer Profile: James Mudie
SS: Why did you choose to volunteer?
JM: Firstly, it was reciprocity for the help I’ve been given.
SS: Why did you choose to volunteer for ScotsCare?
JM: ScotsCare helped me so much in my academic endeavours by
helping fund my university studies that I wanted to give
something back.
SS: What type of volunteering do you do for ScotsCare?
JM: I am a helpline volunteer.
SS: What has been your highlight in volunteering for the charity?
JM: Being instrumental in helping fellow Scots is a great feeling.
SS: What is your connection to Scotland?
JM: Exiled with the hope of returning eventually.
SS: Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
JM: Well, never tie your shoe laces in a revolving door!
Thanks Jimmy
ScotsCare tip: Free home insulation: Older people who claim benefits may be eligible for free home insulation as part of a scheme run by Help the Aged and British Gas. The scheme, called 'here to Help', offers free cavity wall and loft insulation to eligible older people. This can reduce home energy bills by hundreds of pounds, with potential savings of up to £345 per year for each person. For houses that are heated electrically, this saving could double in 12 months.
To find out more about free home insulation, ring the British Gas here to Help number on 0845 605 2535, quoting reference 'Help the Aged'.
Also
Slash BT line rental to £4.50/mth (usually £10.50), if you're on benefits BT has recently launched a new social tariff, BT Basic, aimed at cutting the costs for those on certain benefits. It costs £4.50/month
(compared to the usual £10.50/month line rental). This gives you line rental and includes £1.50 worth of calls each month. If you receive Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit, this can be a serious saving. You can call BT on 0800 783 1675 to request an application form for BT Basic. You must be the named account holder to apply.
Do you love to dance?
We do. If your looking to get involved in Scottish dancing, the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is the place for you. RSCDS say “You don't have to be a Scot to find your foot tapping to the irresistible rhythms of our stirring reels and haunting strathspeys. We have been dancing and developing the Scottish country dances for over 80 years and we'd love to welcome you to a social dance or a class.” The RSCDS have events for all ages running throughout November. For further information, visit www.rscdslondon.org.uk.
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Flower of Scotland wilts in search for Scotland’s favourite song
Flower of Scotland, our unofficial national anthem has not made the final 5 in our search for Scotland’s favourite song. The initial list of 12 has been whittled down through votes cast on our website and a live vote at a celebration of Scottish music which was held on the 9th of October. Others who didn’t make the final list include Maggie May by London Scot, Rod Stewart and Auld Lang Syne by Scottish Bard Rabbie Burns. The final 5 are:
• Dignity, Deacon Blue
• 500 Miles, The Proclaimers
• Loch Lomond, Runrig
• Caledonia, Dougie McLean
• Fields of Fire, Big Country
Big Country was not originally featured on the list but were
added due to public demand and have proved popular enough
to make the last five. To vote for your favourite, visit
www.scotscare.com/music-night-survey.php. The winner will
be announced on St Andrew’s Day.
A Celebration of Scottish Music
As mentioned above, ScotsCare hosted a celebration of Scottish music on the 9th of October at the Bedford Arms in Balham. A big thank you to all of you who attended on what was a wonderful night of Scottish entertainment. The night featured David Sneddon, Dave Gibson, Treasure Tones and Isla St Clair who all kindly donated their time in support of ScotsCare. It was our great pleasure to kick start the St Andrew’s Day celebrations early.
ScotsCare’s running man runs again.
We would like to thank and congratulate our Chief Executive, Willie Docherty for running the Loch Ness marathon in aid of ScotsCare. Willie completed the race in 3hrs 59 mins making his target of under 4 hours. This is the second year running (no pun intended) that Willie has fundraised for the charity through completing marathons and half marathons. Thank you to all those who have donated and helped raised money. For those who haven’t, it’s not too late.
Christmas Ice Skating Trip for ScotsCare families.
After the popularity of last year’s skating trip, we will be holding a ScotsCare outing to the outdoor ice rink at the National History Museum in South Kensington on the 22nd of December. The 900 m2 ice rink is set in the
Museum gardens, with a junior rink for younger skaters linked to the main rink via an ice bridge. There is also a Christmas fair and café, so there will be plenty of activities both for skaters and spectators. All families who have received ScotsCare children’s grants in the last year have been invited, and 250 children, parents and grandparents are booked to attend, filling three skating sessions, the largest group booking seen at the museum!
Staff Profile: Ross Trevail
SS: What do you do at ScotsCare?
RT: I am a communications officer which involves the effective communication of the charity through marketing, PR and
events. I also write this newsletter..
SS: Do you have a middle name?
RT: David and Ruthven
SS: What age are you?
RT: 29
SS: What is your connection to Scotland?
RT: I’m from Inverness and also lived in Edinburgh whilst studying.
SS: What is your connection to London?
RT: I moved to London to study at London College of Fashion where
I received a 1st in Fashion Photography.
SS: What surprising things are you good at?
RT: Cooking and daydreaming.
SS: What do you like about working with ScotsCare?
RT: The friendly atmosphere and the challenge of the job.
SS: Where is your favourite place in Scotland?
RT: Anywhere in Edinburgh with my friends or the area around Wick.
SS: Where is your favourite place in London?
RT: Borough market on a Friday morning.
SS: What is your favourite way to relax?
RT: Lying in the bath with a glass of whisky listening to music.
SS: Tell us something else you like to do other than your work with
ScotsCare?
RT: I am a menswear fashion photographer. www.rosstrevail.com
SS: Do you have a pet?
RT: No but one of my flat mates is pet sized.
SS: Where did you last go on holiday?
RT: I haven’t been in ages as I was finishing my degree but I’m off to Madrid for New Year.
SS: What do you like most about Scottish culture or people?
RT: The language and the sense of humour, the feeling of belonging, sitting in a room full of strangers and still feeling at home.
SS: Please tell us anything else you would like to about yourself?
RT: I was almost on children’s blind date when I was 6.
Scots Corner
One day Donald bought a bottle of fine
whisky and while walking home he fell.
Getting up he felt something wet on his
trousers.
He looked up at the sky and said,
"Oh lord please I beg you let it be blood!"
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