Those who love the River Dart Needed for University research THIS WEEKEND

Are you a passionate user of the Dart River?

If so, Plymouth University want to hear from you.

Plymouth University are holding meetings at the Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority Office on Saturday April 5^th 2014 (10am-4pm) to gain the following information:

–       Important area(s) or place(s) on the Dart River

–       The uses of these area(s) or place(s)  (e.g. kayaking)

–       Known risks or threats to the Dart River

Rebecca Shellock (the principal researcher on the project) said:

‘The Dart is one of the most well- known and beautiful rivers in Britain, however little research has looked into the importance of the river to recreational and leisure users and the local community. This research will inform local management and tourism, marine conservation and will contribute to international research.

If you are interested in helping with this research, please could you contact Rebecca Shellock at Rebecca.shellock@plymouth.ac.uk

Dartmouth Academy Sixth Form firemen inspire others

Two Dartmouth Academy Sixth Form students who hope to become fully-fledged firemen soon, have been inspiring others in special presentations.

Callum Beardsley and Michael Greeley, both 17, have been part of the “999 Cadets” in Totnes for the last four years, and have both been inspired to apply to become fire fighters at their local station.

The pair have so impressed Dartmouth Academy Vice Principal Nick Bowles and Sixth Form teacher Mandy Piggott that they asked them to make presentations to other children at the Academy describing the life of firemen and how they save lives every day.

The pair jumped at the chance and gave a number of presentations to children from across the all-through Academy last week.

“We talked to the children about the fire service, the equipment it uses and safety tips around the home,” said Callum. “I really enjoyed it, it is great experience.”

“The presentations went down well,” said Michael. “We got a lot of questions afterwards, so I think we made a good impression. I think it’s a great thing to try and help children of all ages understand the role of the fire service and the importance of fire safety at home.”

Mr Bowles said: “These are two young men who are really impressive in their dedication and hard work ethic. The fact that two students are doing so much for their community and are prepared to put themselves in harms way for others made a big impression on those who heard them speak this week. I’m very proud of them and am delighted at how well their presentations have gone.”

Dartmouth Caring appeals for Volunteer Drivers

Dartmouth Caring has made an appeal for more volunteer drivers to come forward as it deals with increased demand.

The charity, which is celebrating its 25^th Anniversary this year, started as a transport service, taking people from the Dartmouth community to healthcare appointments – and this continues to this day.

Each day volunteers take people from the Dartmouth community to hospital, doctor and dental care appointments. Demand for the service has jumped this year: in 2011/12 there were 781 trips, this year so far there have been 891, which means the charity could see more than 1,000 trips before the end of their reporting year in April.

The charity is helping more young people and families as it looks to support all those it can help in the Dartmouth community.

The service is appreciated by the charity’s clients as it is more than a normal transport service: volunteers pick up clients, take them to appointment, wait until the appointment is finished and then return them home. Clients using the service make a donation to the charity for the trip. Drivers are not asked to handle money but receive donations in sealed envelopes, which are then delivered to the charity unopened.

Of the 100 Dartmouth Caring volunteers, 30 are drivers – and the charity hopes more will come forward. The charity reimburses their volunteer drivers at 45p per mile.

Dartmouth Caring chairman Dee Nutt said: “This is a vital service and we are seeing an increase in demand – as we are for all our services. Our drivers make a massive difference to the lives of our clients and help Dartmouth Caring in so many ways – keeping us connected to the community, allowing us to react quickly if clients need it.

“We hope there are a few people out there with some time to spare who can volunteer as drivers for us.”

If you would like to volunteer as a driver call Dartmouth Caring on 01803 839354 or email enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk.

Dartmouth Caring highlights hard work and dedication of volunteers at special lunch

Volunteers enjoying the Lunch at Bayards Cove Inn

Dartmouth Caring has said a big “Thank You!” to all its hard-working volunteers at a lunch on February 28.

And the charity’s chairman Dee Nutt used the opportunity to say how vital the volunteers were to the continuing success of the charity within the Dartmouth and district community.

“Without the incredibly hard work of our volunteers, supporting and helping our small staff team, there would be no Dartmouth Caring,” she said. “In tough economic times charities like us are going to the wall each and every week – but we continue to thrive and that is thanks to our volunteers helping others in the Dartmouth and district community each and every day.

“I am amazed every time I speak to one of our volunteers how hard they work, how determined they are to help others, and how committed they are to this small but close knit community.”

Dee said that Dartmouth Caring was always hoping to attract more volunteers.

“We are always on the lookout for new volunteers,” she said. “Even if you only have a few hours each month, you could make a massive difference in the community by helping us in some way. We are especially in need of drivers for our transport service – we pay 40p per mile expenses which can be a real help to our volunteers.”

The lunch, attended by more than 30 volunteers and staff, was held at the Bayard’s Cove Inn. It was the first event held at the historic eatery since Charlie and Zuzana Deuchar, who have been running it for more than a year, completed their purchase of the business. Both said they felt it was the perfect way to celebrate: with a community focused event with a lot of their regulars in attendance!

“Charlie, Zuzana and their staff made us all very welcome,” said Dee. “We make sure we have a thank you event each year for our volunteers: it is the least we can do for them after their hard work and dedication. It was a fun and happy event – thanks to everyone who helped make it happen!”

Dartmouth Academy Sports Leaders bring out the best in Year 7 and 8s at Indoor Athletics event

Students from Dartmouth Academy, Kingsbridge Community College and the Sports Leaders before the event.

Dartmouth Academy’s inspirational young Sports Leaders have organised another special sports event at Dartmouth Leisure Centre.

The Year 7 and 8 Indoor Athletics event on February 1 brought together two teams from Kingsbridge Community College and one from Dartmouth.

The enthusiastic participants competed in events including Track/relays, Standing triple jump, Standing long jump, Speed bounce, Vertical jump and the Indoor shot putt.

The event was organised by the group of ‘Sports Leaders’ at the Academy: a group of young people who have volunteered to deliver sports sessions for younger children in the all through Academy family each week, along with arranging special events such as this. It was a route through to the county finals for Years 7 and 8 and this was the first time Dartmouth Academy has hosted such an event.

The Sports Leaders gave instructions to competitors, kept an eye on health and safety issues, measured the jumps, leaps and times of races and then collated the results at the end of the three-hour competition.

Kingsbridge ran out winners in both the boys and girls events, but the competition is fierce and close throughout the day – and the Sports Leaders are eager to arrange another fixture very soon.

Sports Teacher Luke Clements said: “We have been so impressed with our Sports Leaders this year: they have given so much time and effort to the role and are reaping the rewards. We have seen them grow in confidence, build their skills in coaching and also achieve a positive team work ethic which allows them to organise events such as this.”

New phone lines improve communication for Dartmouth Caring to help with increasing demand

 

Dartmouth Caring is pleased to announce it now has an extra phone line to its existing two to allow easier access to the charity’s services  – allowing the increasing amount of people accessing its services to get in touch with the charity.

The new phone lines were installed in the middle of last week by engineers.  There was a short interruption in service during the installation, but since being switched back on the extra line has already allowed more people to contact the charity and its staff to make more calls out.

“We are pleased to have an extra phone line,” said the charity’s Coordinator and Manager Alison Stocks. “There has been an increase in demand for our services and support over the last few years, and it was getting quite difficult for people to get through to us on the phone, so it’s a welcome upgrade for us.

“We want to ensure that when people need us we are there – and our staff and volunteers can be even more responsive now to the needs of the people of Dartmouth.”

If you would like to contact Dartmouth Caring, you can call on 01803 835384 or email enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk.

Dartmouth Caring highlights its ability to help with benefits advice

The elderly and vulnerable in South Devon have suffered a rise in anxiety about benefits and how Government cuts will bite, say a charity which works to support them.

Dartmouth Caring, the charity that supports those in need in the town, has highlighted the advice it offers on benefits claims in response to the fear many of its clients are feeling about cuts to benefits by the Government.

The charity has seen more and more of its client base require advice and help on benefits claims over the last year including housing issues, pension credit and carer’s allowances.  It has helped several clients in the last few months appeal successfully against benefits being removed or substantially cut, by proving that decisions against them were unfair.

The staff team at the charity has already been trained in benefits claims and appeals such as Employment Support Allowance, but has been receiving extra training to prepare for the changes in the benefits system the Government is bringing in next year, with the new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments. Changes in a large-scale system such as benefits traditionally cause chaos – such as the implementation of Tax Credits a few years ago – and the charity is gearing up for a jump in the number of issues its clients face.

The charity also supports its clients making appropriate appeals against benefits cuts or changes – a long process in many cases.

Manager and coordinator for the charity Alison Stocks, who is one of the trained members of staff, said that the changes in the welfare system were creating problems and confusion for many people who depended on them both young and old.

“We have realised how worried our clients are over the last year, and felt a need to respond with the specialist training,” she said. “So many of our clients are now finding that their benefits are changing in some way. Even if they aren’t losing their benefits, this can be very stressful and we try to advise and help as much as we can.

“If there is anyone in the Dartmouth community who feels worried or confused by a benefits claim, or if you have had your benefits changed or taken away, contact us and we may be able to help.”

Dartmouth Caring can be contacted at their offices in Victoria Square, opposite the Doctors surgery; on the phone; 01803 839354; or via email: enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk.

Dartmouth Caring says Fond Farewell to BRNC Commodore and his Wife

Trustees Linda Russell, Dee Nutt, Charlie Williams and Linda Hurst at the farewell lunch for Charlie.

Dartmouth Caring has paid a fond farewell to outgoing Britannia Royal Naval College Commodore Simon Williams and his wife Charlie.

Simon has received a promotion and will soon be moving to London, but their time in Dartmouth shall not be forgotten, said Dartmouth Caring Chairman Dee Nutt.

During Simon’s tenure as Commodore, the BRNC supported Dartmouth Caring in many ways, including a recent initiative that saw willing groups of Officer Cadets helping the charity’s clients in a variety of ways, including handiwork around the home to clearing a messy garden. The cadets were a credit to the Royal Navy, and even bought flowers for the clients they were helping.

Dee organized and paid for a special goodbye for Charlie at Browns Hotel onAugust 15 and presented her with a beautiful bunch of flowers to say thanks for all the support.

Dee said she was delighted to do so, as the couple has been such a great supporter of Dartmouth Caring.

She said:  “Simon and Charlie have in their posting to BRNC been great supporters of Dartmouth Caring.  Simon as Commodore has supported the charity from a professional perspective and privately Charlie has joined Dartmouth Caring’s ladies lunch, a group that meet regularly at Browns.

“We wish them luck – and we congratulate on Simon’s new posting in London, he thoroughly deserves his promotion and wish them luck.”

Dartmouth Caring needs you! Volunteers sought to make a positive difference in town’s community

Nikki Please & Denise Goldstraw with Pam Sutherland in background working hard at Dartmouth Caring’s weekly Lunch Club

Dartmouth Caring is looking for more volunteers to help it support the elderly and vulnerable in South Devon.

The charity, which will celebrate its 25^th anniversary next year, has seen massive increases in demands for its wide range of services in particular over the last three years. It now helps 10,000 people every year, and is looking for volunteers to give some of their free time to helping others in the Dartmouth community.

Volunteers can take on a variety of roles, and at times to suit them. Helping out can include gardening; visiting those who can’t get out to or meeting some in town to have a chat over a coffee; being a volunteer driver with clients needing to go to hospital or other medical appointments; picking up prescriptions or shopping; assisting with other volunteers at our clubs and groups; and also helping us at fundraising events.

Dartmouth Caring Manager and Coordinator Alison Stocks said: “We are hoping that more volunteers come forward to help us in our vital work. We are very flexible, so if you might be interested, but are worried you can’t commit to a large role, chat to us. Whether once a week or once a month, every bit of time you can give is valuable to the Dartmouth community.

“If you were to drive clients to appointments we can give you 45p per mile as expenses, so it won’t cost you anything and can be a wonderfully rewarding. Our charity has been recognised by the Devon Association of Voluntary Services as a good example of how charities should operate to help their community, and we hope more people from Dartmouth will come forward to assist others in this way.”

Dartmouth Caring chairman Dee Nutt said: “As a volunteer myself I can testify to the fantastic rewards giving up your time to help others can give. I think that to volunteer not only helps others; it gives you a boost too. We are seeing big increases in demand for our services, and if we could attract more volunteers I’m sure it will be a big help.”

If you would like to volunteer for Dartmouth Caring, call the office on 01803 835384 or email enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk.

Sainsbury’s Colleagues, Meet Richard: Your Dart Inshore Lifeboat Crewman for the Year!

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Sainsbury’s Colleagues visited the Dart Inshore Lifeboat Station on Dartmouth’s Coronation Park to meet Richard Eggleton, the crewman they are supporting this year through their fundraising activities.

 The colleagues, who visited with Dart Lifeboat Station with  Fundraising committee chairman Harry Escott on July 27, met Richard after choosing the RNLI on the Dart as their charity of the year.

Each year Sainsbury’s in Dartmouth choose a charity, which is nominated by local people. Nominations are invited and then the three most popular charities are asked to give a presentation to the “Colleague Council” at the store who then choose which charity they will be supporting with fundraising throughout the year.

The council responded to Harry’s appeal at the RNLI presentation to support the training of a crewmember – and kitting them out too.

Richard Eggleton is the newest member of the Dart RNLI Crew – he signed up after moving to the town with his wife and young family last August, and has already gone out on two call outs.

Training a crewmember costs on average £1,500, and buying all the kit each crewman uses – dry suit, helmet, lifejacket and so on – costs £1,160.

After choosing to support the Dart RNLI, Sainsbury’s sent their colleagues to meet Richard and have a tour of the station.

Jan Wilding said: “We have very clear criteria for the charities we support. We were delighted to support the Dart RNLI because it fulfilled all of them, especially the desire to see a definite outcome from the fundraising. Knowing that we are helping to train Richard and make sure he has the best possible lifesaving equipment is a wonderful outcome and we were all delighted to meet up with him and Harry and see the lifeboat station.”
Harry Escottt said: “We are so pleased that the colleagues at Sainsbury’s in Dartmouth have decided to support us and Richard’s training. Although the RNLI is a national charity it is very locally organised. The recent spate of shouts shows there is a clear need for a lifeboat on the river Dart and Richard is an excellent addition to the 20-strong crew. We will update the colleagues on Richard’s progress through the year and let them see what their fundraising activities are supporting.”