All Posts in December 2010
There are 8 posts.
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EDP Interview
by Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman on 17th December 2010 4:38 pm
Sections: News,Sensory Support Closure
Comments: 0 Add a CommentThe EDP phoned me today and they interviewed me about the whole saga of the threat of losing our Sensory Support Unit.
I explained in strong terms why it is such a bad idea of the county’s decision to put so many of the services especially aimed at the people with disabilities under the axe. I pointed out the sheer weight of the cuts seemingly are targeted at the People more, much more, than other types of services like road maintenance!
The interview went on for about half an hour! And a photographer is coming Sunday!
The article hopefully will appear in Monday’s issue of the EDP.
Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman
Great Yarmouth VIP User Group
01493 60 22 72 — 07 985 916 244
http://www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk/ www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk
*** Achieving Respect and Understanding for Visually Impaired People ***
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Merry Christmas!
by Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman on 1:36 pm
Sections: General
Comments: 1 See the CommentDear members and Friends,
Merry Christmas!
We wish you a happy and merry Yuletide during the festive holidays and a good and positive new year for you in spite of the potential cuts we all face!
We will pull together, to support each other and battle on to get more respect and understanding!
Happy New Year!
Warmest Regards
David Wilkinson, Chairman
Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman
Penny Cox, Secretary
David Mercer, Treasurer
Great Yarmouth VIP User Group
http://www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk/ www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk
*** Achieving Respect and Understanding for Visually Impaired People ***
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Guide Horses!
by Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman on 16th December 2010 10:13 am
Sections: News
Comments: 0 Add a CommentWell here is something to chew over while eating your Christmas dinner! Enjoy!
In America, they are using miniature horses as guides for the visually impaired! See http://www.guidehorse.org
They have been going since 1999!
What a snort! Oops sorry!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman
Great Yarmouth VIP User Group
01493 60 22 72 — 07 985 916 244
http://www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk/ www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk
*** Achieving Respect and Understanding for Visually Impaired People ***
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Written to all Norfolk’s Talking Newspapers
by Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman on 9th December 2010 8:37 am
Sections: Actions,Sensory Support Closure
Comments: 0 Add a CommentI have written to all eleven talking newspaper associations in Norfolk (including Grapevine) to tell them about the new telephone number we have managed to get set up for us, so they can tell their listeners in how they might voice their own concerns.
Let’s spread the word!
The number is 0344 800 80 20
Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman
Great Yarmouth VIP User Group
01493 60 22 72 — 07 985 916 244
http://www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk/ www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk
*** Achieving Respect and Understanding for Visually Impaired People ***
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Sign the Norfolk Care Petition
by Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman on 8th December 2010 9:25 am
Sections: Actions,Sensory Support Closure
Comments: 0 Add a CommentDear Members and Friends,
Please sign the petition to save our Sensory Support unit as well as other services. The link below will take you to the Protect Norfolk Care web site and if you find the “Sign Petition” link and there you will be able to do your bit. I have!
http://www.protectnorfolkcare.co.uk
The form does have one of those silly security image to check that you are human but fortunately the audio file was very clear and I was able to enter in the correct 4 letter code!
Please sign the petition! The more, the better! So please tell everyone about it!
Thank you.
Shaun
Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman
Great Yarmouth VIP User Group
01493 60 22 72 — 07 985 916 244
http://www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk/ www.gyvipusergroup.org.uk
*** Achieving Respect and Understanding for Visually Impaired People ***
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Success with Norfolk County Council
by Penny Cox, Secretary on 7th December 2010 7:50 pm
Sections: News,Yellow Black Hazard Markings on Scaffolds
Comments: 0 Add a CommentGood News! See reply from Norfolk County Council below.
=== Message ===
Subject: Demarcation of Scaffold on the highwayDear Mrs Cox
Thank you for your email and the attachment from RNIB.
The evidence from the RNIB is quite persuasive and, in the absence of any other specific guidance as to the preferred contrasting colours for the demarcation of scaffold on the highway, I am pleased to advise you that the County Council will specify the use of black and yellow for such demarcation.
We are currently reviewing out scaffold procedure and associated conditions for use on the highway and I will ensure that this change is incorporated in it. The extent of the changes means that it will be some few weeks before the new changes are fully agreed then we have a period of implementation while the scaffold companies are made aware of the changes and allowed to gear up for them.
It is our intention to fully implement the new procedure for the 1 April 2011.
Thank you again for your assistance in raising the matter and the advice on the best solution.
Best regards
Clive Derry
Senior Engineer (Network Management)
Environment, Transport and Development
Norfolk County Council
Direct dial telephone 01603 228885
Email clive.derry@norfolk.gov.uk
General enquiries: 0344 800 8020 or information@norfolk.gov.uk
Website: www.norfolk.gov.uk -
RNIB Cuts Watch Event
by Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman on 5:40 pm
Sections: Events
Comments: 0 Add a CommentMessage From: Claire Kay Claire.Kay@rnib.org.uk Sent: Tuesday, 7th December 2010 12:00 PM Subject: Cuts Watch Event
Hello All
Cuts watch: Speak up for blind and partially sighted people
Get the facts, gain the skills and take action!
From the deep cuts in local authority spending to the sweeping changes to Disability Living Allowance and Employment Support Allowance, recent Government announcements have the potential to impact negatively upon every aspect of the lives of blind and partially sighted people.
You can play a powerful role in helping to protect the independence and benefits of blind and partially sighted people, but the time to act is now.
Please see attachments for more information about events in your region. For those based in the East Midlands there will be an event on 24 January 2011 at the RNIB College Loughborough. If you are based in the East of England you are welcome to join the East Midlands event or if it’s easier you could apply to attend the event on 13 January in London.
Kind regards
Claire
Claire Kay Regional Campaigns Officer RNIB East Midlands and East Tel: 01509 632403 Mobile:07957 748196 Email: Claire.kay@rnib.org.uk Fax: 01509 632401
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Telephone HotLine to Norfolk Big Conversation
by Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman on 5:10 pm
Sections: News,Sensory Support Closure
Comments: 0 Add a CommentDear Members and Friends,
We have managed to get Norfolk County Council to configure their system to allow anyone to ring in and “Have Your Say”, talking directly to a human operator who will type your replies onto the computer.
Our chairman, David Wilkinson, has tested the setup this morning and the council has ironed out a glitch or two so it is ready for you to make your comments, suggestions or anything else you wish to say regarding the proposal in cutting all these sensitive and valuable services!
The operator might be a bit slow typing in your comments so be patient with them, but once done, a hard copy will be submitted into the formal consultation process. It might be a good idea to ask for a copy for yourself too.
The telephone number is as follows
0344 800 80 20
Or TextPhone 0344 800 80 11
This is their customer service number.
Please pass this number on to everyone who will find it a lot easier to phone in their comments, who do not have computers or have other difficulties etc.
Let’s maximise the flow of opinions back to the council!
Thank you.
All the best
Shaun
Shaun McGarry, Vice Chairman
Great Yarmouth VIP User Group
01493 60 22 72 — 07 985 916 244
vicechair@gyvipusergroup.org.uk
*** Achieving Respect and Understanding for Visually Impaired People ***
East of England London event.doc