Older Voices - the Radio Show of the Elders Council
The next broadcast is on Sunday 22 January with the theme of 'Winter'. The team will look at items that are of particular concern to us older people
and will chat with guests.
Older Voices are also announcing that they are going out every week later this year. Steve and Halina will start this new venture and Halina intends to do some 'roving reporting' - watch this space for more news!
There are a number of ways to listen to Older Voices,
the radio show of the Elders Council:
1. Live on 102.5FM Nova Radio North East
2. www.novaradio.co.uk/novalive
3. http://radio.garden/listen/nova-radio-north-east-102-5fm/Jro9kwRK
Warm Homes
One of our members contacted us about cold callers offering free solar panels and wanted to do a survey. Please, do not let cold callers into your home.
It is true that there are schemes that you may apply for that can offer free solar panels but the council does NOT send anyone to cold call. Be aware. If you are interested in green energy and a warmer home here is the link that will help you with a lot of information about energy https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/environment-and-waste/energy-advice
Going Digital - Opportunities for All?
We can now confirm that Chi Onwurah M.P. will be the guest of the Elders Council for a talk with the above title. There will be an opportunity for questions and the event will be chaired by Rose Gilroy who also chairs the
Age-Friendly Newcastle group
Keep the date Friday 24 February at 11.00 am in Brunswick Methodist Hall (behind Fenwick's)
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Facebook and Twitter
Do you use Social Media? Why not look in at our pages
and share our posts and tweets? You might miss a real opportunity by NOT looking!
Interests and Activities
'Wor Seahorse' a Spectacle from Moving Parts Arts
The award-winning Newcastle Puppetry Festival is back for 2023. They are looking for North East participants of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to help the professional artists make and perform with puppets, costumes and masks.
They are running a series of free workshops throughout January – April with the parade taking place on 8 April. Individuals and community organisations are encouraged to get involved and Moving Arts can provide support
with travel, food and access.
Newcastle Upon Tyne transforms itself into a centre of entertainment by hosting their annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which will be honouring the 'year of the rabbit'. The main parade and lion dance will be on the 22 January, which will mean road closures.
The following roads will be closed on 22 January
between approx. 10:45 am and 5:00 pm:
Stowell Street, for the entire length.
St Andrews Street, between Gallowgate and Newgate Street.
Bath Lane, between Rutherford Street and Westgate Road.
Friars Street, for the entire length.
Monk Street, for the entire length.
Cross Street, for the entire length.
Fenkle Street, between Clayton Street and Cross Street.
West Walls, between Stowell St and Cross St.
Charlotte Square, for the entire length.
Blackfriars Court, for the entire length Low Friars Street, for the entire length.What's on in Newcastle Gateshead in January
There is a full programme of activities from Search starting in January. They function in different parts of the west of the city. So you might fancy 'Westerhope Wellbeing' every Tuesday from 10.30 am in the Westerhope Community Centre starting on 10 January. Or how about 'Strictly Ballroom' every Friday from 13 January at 1.00m in the Lemington Centre? You need to find out more by phoning or checking their website
where you can browse the full programme https://www.searchnewcastle.org.uk/activities/
☎ phone: 0191 273 7443
Keilder Newcastle Observatory is coming to Exhibition Park in 2023!
Urban Green Newcastle is delighted to be welcoming the Kielder Observatory Pop-Up events to Exhibition Park in 2023. There are no dates yet but we will post dates on our social media, Facebook and Twitter
so keep checking our page and tweets
Sherlock Holmes - The Speckled Band
'It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror.' Are you as fearful as Dr, Watson?
Go along to the Star and Shadow Theatre and see the performance by
Theatre Sans Frontiere it's on 19 January at 7.30 pm
More information at their website http://starandshadow.org.uk
Ouseburn Trust
Here's a link to the January Ouseburn Valley News and there's a great treat if
you have an NE1 or NE6 postcode (or any Shieldfield postcode) as you can claim a 50% discount on the guided walks including the Victoria Tunnel! Here's the link and it has news that may interest many others, have a peep in and see. https://tinyurl.com/mt7c3e7x
Shieldfield Home
An exhibition of art, craft and design by people who live in Shieldfield
Visit this fascinating exhibition at the NewBridge Project in The Shieldfield Centre, 4-8 Clarence Walk, Shieldfield, NE2 1AL
Join the Design Age Institute in petitioning the Government to introduce mandatory minimum standards for consumer packaging to enhance accessibility,
sustainability & consumer choice.
Researchers at Northumbria University are aiming to recruit older adults who have an interest in smart devices and energy monitoring for an interactive workshop on the week of the 16 of January.
The team has created an interface that will allow users to control and monitor their smart devices from one device. As well as full control, users are also given technical, energy and security information of these devices.
Please note, you don't have to own or use smart devices, anyone with an interest in this technology is welcome to join!
You will be given the opportunity to ‘play with’ the smart devices both manually and through the interface, whilst completing set tasks.
The team is aiming to gather data on the accessibility and use of the interface, the information provided to you and any changes
or improvements you would like to see made.
If you’d like to take part in the sessions, or would like some more information, please get in touch with Rhian Lukins at r.lukins@northumbria.ac.uk.
Information
Scams and TV Licensing
More information from TV Licensing about scams they ask you to: STOP - think and be wary, especially when asked for money or passwords CHECK - are the details correct, the spelling of names etc
and ASK - if unsure ask a trusted person
This is sound advice for anything on the phone online or in person.
☎ phone: 0300 303 9695
or go to the website: www.tvl.co.uk/yourlicence
Age Action Alliance
One of the issues facing many older people and their families is how to fund their long-term care. A new Age Action Alliance “Basics of care fees planning guide”, prepared with Centurion Chartered Financial Planners, aims to help you make an informed decision. Here is the web link for more information https://tinyurl.com/bp9a3s9m
Message in a Bottle
Message in a Bottle allows you to keep your personal and medical information in a place that can easily be found in an emergency – your fridge.
The bottle contains a form for you to fill in with your name, medication, allergies and emergency contact details. Once you have completed the form, put it back inside the bottle and put the bottle in your fridge, ideally in the door to allow it to be found quickly in an emergency.
Stick one green sticker on your fridge and the other close to your front door in a visible position.The bottles are available at health centres, doctors’ surgeries and chemists, local Lions clubs, Neighbourhood Watch,
Age UK and housing associations. https://www.neas.nhs.uk/patient-info/message-in-a-bottle.aspx
Blue Badges
The City Council is experiencing significant delays in renewing Blue Badges. They are working with Parking Services to see if they might be able to extend the current ‘grace period’ for expired badges. Applications are processed in date order so please submit your renewal application well before the badge is due to expire and not leave it until the last minute.
If you are in urgent need of your badge,
the team will do what it can to support you.
It's pretty daunting when you find yourself being a carer. Here's a short video from current carers offering you some thoughts on your way forward. It's only about 3 minutes but well worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SZLeclQj0o
Newcastle has its own Carers Centre and here is the website for that too. https://www.newcastlecarers.org.uk/
Capped Metro Prices For Pay As You Go Card Holders
From 2 January 2023 until 31 March 2023, Metro prices will be capped at £2 for a single journey and £4 for all-day travel for customers that use Pay As You Go (PAYG) smartcards or Android Pay.
For details of the ‘Get Around for £2 scheme on bus,'
please see the following websites:
Lines will be closed for the redevelopment work of Gosforth Depot. These works will take place between the dates and times below:
No Metro services between Four Lane Ends to South Gosforth and
South Gosforth to Airport Saturday 21 January & Sunday 22 January 2023. No Metro services between Four Lane Ends to Haymarket Saturday 11 February & Sunday 12 February 2023.
If you plan to use Metro during either weekend, check posters at stations and on their website for alternative bus service information. https://www.nexus.org.uk/
Drive North East Mobility
North East Drive Mobility is a service that offers help and advice to people who have been advised to stop driving or are worried about their ability to drive. Your driving ability is assessed and recommendations are made.
Information, advice, and support are given including how to access public transport, information on accessible transport and help to improve confidence to travel. Self-referrals are accepted.
