Our May meeting was much anticipated by many of us as the speaker was Emma Richards of Age UK giving us a talk entitled “Live Stronger For Longer” all about the things we can do to prevent slips, trips and falls. 18 of our members were present and we had 7 apologies.
Emma started her talk with an amazing statistic that in Derbyshire alone it is estimated that falls cost the N.H.S.
£49,000,000 per annum. Emma then invited the members to give examples of things we should be aware of to minimise the risk of trips and falls. Many members were able to provide examples of these dangers, with some speaking from experience. Members were then shown six simple but highly effective exercises, working with a chair, both standing and sitting, that would improve our balance and strength.
As we followed Emma’s instruction some members found these simple exercises somewhat challenging, but vowed to continue to practice at home. Finally Emma supplied us with the literature needed for us to work at home, and we all agreed her encouraging talk had given us a lot to think about, and was much appreciated.
The final part of our Meeting was an attempt to get members’opinions re. a visit to the Denby Visitor Centre, or ThornbrdgeHall and gardens. With some members absent and the voting less than enthusiastic it was decided the Committee would give more thought to some other possibilities. Our next Womens’ Group meeting will take place on Wednesday 4th June when our Speaker will be Kevin Morley, with a talk entitled “Saltergate Children’s Home in Ethiopia.”
Hope to see you there.
Wendy Drake