Priceless
November 2012
Spring 2012 ISSUE TWO
Ltd
Spring Essentials
Gardening Tips New Recipe Money matters
You have a Vote! Elections
Lifestyle & Culture with Equality!
Health
Check your Blood Pressure !
NE
ur yo f O o n e GO sio urit ine r e vo z L v fa aga BS m I NL
Marketing plans up in the air?
mad e eas Marketing y
Marketing
Design
Web
Content
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Spring 2012
Editor’s Letter
Hello, A very warm welcome to your brand new lifestyle magazine. SL First is the new and exciting, first lifestyle magazine of its kind! Several requests for publication for the community in the heart of South Wales has led to the development of this magazine which is very much YOUR platform for celebrating - its people, its attractions, its events and its businesses. Yes, you’ve guessed it, I am Deaf which makes me the perfect person to give you all the right services and information to give you better lifestyle choices.
Finally, we are teaming up with a huge range of partners and sponsors so we can help them get their message over to you.
Editor SL First.
Regular Features Charlotte Weekes
4. Interpreters 12. Deaf Chef 16. Gardening Tips 18. Money matters
Wellbeing & Health 4. Blood Pressure 9. Golf
Home & Gardening 5. Design a home 10. Party Ideas 17. Smoke Alarm
5. Deaf Awareness Training 6. You have a VOTE! 8. That’s Cricket 14. Council Services
Twitter @slfirst • www.slfirst.co.uk
Front Cover
Living & Lifestyle
e: sarah@slfirst.co.uk t: 02920 695185 m: 07786 704223 a: Tredomen Business & Technology Centre, Tredomen Business Park, Ystrad Mynach, CF82 7FN
Contents
Did you know in Wales there are over 480,000 Deaf and Hard of Hearing pople? That equates to 1 in 6 of the population.
Contributors: Amanda Jane Richards Charlotte Weekes Jeff Brattan-Wilson Dave Winterfeld
SL First • 3
Health
Blood Pressure by Catherine Dew
I recently had a health check at work and was told that my blood pressure (BP) was too high. My GP has since prescribed medication and has asked me to take BP measurements twice a day for the next week. I have bought my own blood pressure machine from the local chemist but apart from medication, what else can I do to reduce my BP ?
It is good that your high blood pressure has been detected and that you are now receiving medical treatment. To assist with reducing your BP you can: • try losing weight • exercise regularly • eat a healthy diet • cut back on alcohol • stop smoking • cut down on salt and caffeine in your diet
Your GP practice will be able to provide you with any additional support and advice you require or go online at: www.bhf.co.uk
Booking a British Sign Language/English Interpreter The first thing to look for when booking an interpreter is that they are NRCPD registered. An interpreter who is NRCPD registered, holds (or is working towards) a qualification within BSL/English interpreting. These are currently, NVQ Level 6, Post Graduate Diploma or MA. NRCPD registered interpreters are also required to hold an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure, Public Indemnity Insurance and are committed to Continuing Professional Development. All NRCPD registered interpreters are issued with a photo ID badge and follow a strict code of conduct. Yellow - RSLI (qualified), Purple - TI (trainee)
Interpreter Listings
Miss Sarah Green RSLI & MASLI Tel: 01495270433 Mobile: 07850439162 Email: sarah.green_interpreter@yahoo.co.uk Ms Cathryn McShane RSLI & MASLI Mobile: 07806 771275 Email: cathryn@bslterp.co.uk www.bslterp.co.uk Mr Stephen Brattan-Wilson TI & MASLI South Wales Mobile: 07595 844133 Email: stephen_bw@me.com 4 • SL First
and Commerical.
For further details: Text Darren Upton on: Mobile (SMS): 07734 865284 Email: info@drudesign.co.uk • Website: www.drudesign.co.uk
Deaf Friendly is a consultancy and training provider based in the UK which focuses on Deaf Awareness and British Sign Language. Deaf Friendly is able to provide excellent services in: • Training courses to suit your needs • Communication strategies • Registered translation services • Other specialist services Contact Sarah Lawrence - 07786704223 sarah@deaf-friendly.co.uk www.deaf-friendly.co.uk SL First • 5
You
Voice
You
Vote
Have A
Have A
Be part of the decisions being made in and for
your community - use your voice and use your vote.
You might be
X
if you don’t!
Aged 18 or over? Then you’re entitled to vote and have your say in: n Community, Town & County Borough Council elections; n Welsh Government elections; n UK Parliament elections; n European elections. Elected politicians make decisions that affect your life every day, in all sorts of ways. You may think some things don’t affect you, and so voting is a waste of time, or that you can’t change things, but politicians don’t just make decisions on big things like the economy and defence and big projects like new hospitals, but on day-to-day things in your life like:-
n Collection dates for your recycling; n How much council tax you pay and the ways you can pay it; n What parks and library and leisure facilities are available for you in your area; n Delivering services for older people or children with additional needs; n All sorts of things that can affect your life, your family’s life or your community. If you don’t want to vote in person on the day of an election, or can’t get to a polling station, you can choose to vote by post or by proxy (giving someone permission to vote for you). All you have to do is to make sure your name is on the Electoral Register and choose how you want to vote.
If you aren’t on the Register, contact Electoral Services:-
By post: Email: Phone: Fax:
Electoral Services, Enterprise House, 2 Tir-y-berth Industrial Estate, New Road, Hengoed, CF82 8AU electoralservices@caerphilly.gov.uk 01443 864204 01443 864379
The Council’s Accessible Voting Guide is available to download at www.caerphilly.gov.uk/equalities or email: equalities@caerphilly.gov.uk for a hard copy. This project is joint-funded by Caerphilly CBC Equalities and Welsh Language Team and the Welsh Government’s Community Cohesion Fund.
Interview
That’s Cricket! Charlotte Weekes I really do love cricket and have done since I was 8 years old. My mother’s grandfather and uncle, both from South Africa, had loved cricket as well and would write stories to my mother. She felt there must have been something genetic passed down from them to me in relation to cricket! My grandmother took me to Doncaster on the train to stay with my aunt and uncle for a week. One Sunday afternoon, feeling very full from having eaten dinner, my uncle suggested we watch the cricket at the local village club. My uncle was more excited about being able to go for a pint whereas I was thrilled to be watching the cricket. I quickly learned all the rules, buying myself a book to learn even more. The other girls helped to teach me some too. Growing up, I remember meeting cricket legends such as Viv Richards and Javed Miandad. I was so hooked on cricket I became a member of a club for many years. Later on, having passed my driving able to drive to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff to watch the games there on a regular basis. 8 • SL First
Recently they set up a huge television screen from which I could get information about what was going on and if there were any delays. One of the best things I remember is meeting Robert Croft, who organised a Bucks Fizz drinks event. I had arranged for an opportunity to I was really excited. We chatted for about 5 minutes (with a BSL Interpreter) and he gave me a hug at the end – such a lovely man! It’s a shame the clubs have little or no Deaf Awareness really! If there’s I’ve no idea what’s going on. I have to rely on other people and follow them lights so it’s very dark and I’ve no idea what’s happening as I can’t see the large screen. I end up staying in place but no-one informs me what I should do. I realise that there’s been a verbal announcement over the tannoy! Luckily I have an internet enabled phone so I can check what the updates are and realise, for example, they’ve match has been delayed and I know then that the lights will come back on later. Sometimes a match can be delayed so long that I don’t get home until 12! But then that’s cricket I suppose! Background picture: Charlotte at Southampton Twitter @slfirstltd
• www.slfirst.co.uk
Charity No: 1125260
Are you a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person interested in Golf?
Then we are interested in you! The fine print!... If you are a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person with at least -55db in the better ear, live in Wales for at least 2 years or have Welsh parents or grandparents, we would like to get to know you and for you to get to know us.
Why?
Wales Deaf Golf Association (WDGA) is the umbrella organisation for three regional golfing groups, these are in effect society’s for Deaf Golfers. We realise that there are many Deaf or HOH golfers who are members of golf clubs in Wales with Full Active handicaps, and we would like to welcome you to our organisation. At the moment, WDGA has a small squad of members who qualify for International Golf of which there are two main tournaments: Four Nations Cup. Run every two years in either, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, or England. 2011 saw the very first Four Nations Cup at Castleknock Dublin Ireland. The next Four Nations will be hosted by Wales at The Vale of Glamorgan Golf Resort 2013. World Championship Deaf Golf 2010 saw the event in St Andrews at the Fairmont Course Scotland. The next Tournament will be hosted by USA 2014 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Michigan, USA.
Email: barry@bazzadeaf.com Website: www.walesdeafgolf.com Twitter: @walesdeafgolf SL First • 9
The Deaf Chef Amanda is a photographer, writer, teacher, actor & mother of three living just outside Cambridge City in a small market town. Amanda was born hearing but due to a genetic disorder is now severely deaf. Learning British Sign Language (BSL) in her 20’s Amanda went on to teach BSL level one in a local college for three years. While teaching BSL, Amanda started to get involved in deaf awareness. This was the perfect subject to teach due to her experiences growing up in a ‘hearing’ world and becoming deaf in teenage years. After relocating 2 years ago, Amanda no longer teaches full time, but is now a photographer and writes for different projects. Amanda’s childhood dream of being on the TV as an actor became reality in May 2011 when she played a main role in ‘DeafBeat’as inspector Marks. Since taking the part her interest in ‘deaf’ TV has grown at an increasing rate and she is now working on ideas for possible short films, comedies & a cooking program. Since Novemeber 2011 she has made a total of three short films and has been accepted on the ‘Ben Stenier film bursary award’ run by Deaffest.
Photographed by Amanda
Amanda’s talents don’t end here, she is also a very keen chef and as a mother of three teenage boys is always in the kitchen. In 2009 The Deaf Chef was born as Facebook group where people could share their cooking ideas.
12 • SL First
Twitter @slfirstltd • www.slfirst.co.uk
Recipe by: Amanda Jane Richards
Sweet chilli Chicken breast fillets cooked with onions, mushrooms & sweet peppers.
Ingredients To feed 4 you will need: 4 chicken breasts 4 medium sized potatoes 2 small onions 2 sweet red peppers A handful of button mushrooms Salad leaves Half a cucumber Feta cheese (about 150g) Handful of cherry tomatoes Natural yogurt Olive Oil Lemon Juice White wine vinegar Seasonings; salt, pepper, chilli flakes Pre made sweet chilli sauce.
Method Roughly chop the potatoes, onions, mushrooms and sweet peppers. Cut the chicken into thin pieces, about 4 or 5 breasts. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the onions and cook slowly, turning continuously until soft, at which point add in the potatoes and sweet peppers. Cook for about 5 mins, turning continuously, then add the mushrooms, salt, pepper, a splash of lemon juice and chilli flakes to taste. Leave on a med/low heat for about 15 minutes.
In a separate pan, I use a griddle with very little oil, cook the chicken pieces on a med/low heat. Cook for about 15 minutes. While the chicken and vegetable dishes are cooking, prepare the salsa by roughly chopping the cucumber, feta and tomato and placing them in a large bowl. Add a good drizzle of olive oil, a tablespoon of lemon juice, a splash of white wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Now is a good time to prepare your table, adding fresh bread and a small dip bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Once the chicken is cooked, add the pre-made sweet chilli sauce and heat through. Once ready, remove from the heat. On a small bed of salad leaves, with a little fresh mint if available, add a generous layer of the potato, mushroom and sweet pepper. Place the chicken breast on top and drizzle over a little sauce from the pan. Salsa to the side, a spoonful of natural yogurt and enjoy. BSL VERSION AVAILABLE ONLINE
www.slfirst.co.uk
SL First • 13
Carmarthenshire County Council The Council provides a variety of services such as Education, Recycling and Social Care. We can provide a sign language interpreter at any appointments you have with us. Please let us know when you make the appointment. You can contact us by: Text Direct - If you use a text phone you can contact any telephone number within the Council by putting 18001 before the number. SMS
SMS – You can text us on 0789 2345678 Customers can also sign up to receive text updates. You can access this service by texting ‘sign up’ to 0789 2345678.
@ Email – direct@carmarthenshire.gov.uk Facebook- www.facebook.com/carmarthenshirecc The Social Care, Health and Housing Department can provide you with specialist equipment around the home and advise you on any benefits to which you may be entitled. You can do this by contacting Careline+ on (18001) 01267 224466 We can give you information about various Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind clubs in the area.
Cyngor Sir Gâr Mae’r Cyngor yn darparu nifer o wasanaethau fel Addysg, Ailgylchu a Gofal Cymdeithasol. Gallwn drefnu dehonglydd Iaith Arwyddion ar gyfer unrhyw apwyntiadau gyda chwsmeriaid. Rhowch wybod i ni wrth drefnu’r apwyntiad. Gallwch gysylltu â ni drwy: Text Direct - Os ydych yn defnyddio ffôn tecst, gallwch gysylltu ag unrhyw rif ffôn yn y Cyngor drwy roi 18001 cyn y rhif. SMS
Neges destun - gallwch ddanfon neges destun drwy 0789 2345678 Gallwch dderbyn negeseuon gwybodaeth hefyd, drwy ddanfon neges ‘ymuno’ i 0789 2345678.
@ E-bost – galw@sirgar.gov.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/carmarthenshirecc Gall yr Adran Gofal Cymdeithasol, Iechyd a Thai gynnig adnoddau arbenigol i chi ar gyfer eich cartref. Maent hefyd yn cynnig cyngor ar y budd-daliadau a allai fod ar gael i chi. Cysylltwch â’r Llinell Ofal+ ar (18001) 01267 224466 Gallwn roi gwybodaeth i chi am grwpiau yn yr ardal i bobl Byddar, Trwm eu Clyw neu Fyddar a Dall.
Gardening Tips
Dave’s Tips What to do in the Garden The weather has been perfect for getting out and enjoying the garden so far this year. However, we need to be prepared to do battle this spring and summer with pests. Due to the warm winter, pests will be happily multiplying early this year, as their numbers won’t have been reduced by the usual winter chill. Stock up on pest control formulas, but also consider natural approaches such as those available on www.thompson-morgan.com or even buying in “plant friendly” insects, such as ladythese suppliers easily these days on-line. Now’s the time to thin out any herbaceous perennials that may have become a little large last summer. With most of these you are able to dig them up and transplant them easily as the new shoots are just starting to show through. This is the same for transplanting larger shrubs or small tree; although it isn’t the ideal time, you could still be lucky and get away with it before the foliage begins to show through. 16 • SL First
Keep an eye out for late frosts as you may need to protect some of the early shoots coming through. You can wrap the plants at night in garand easier way is a cardboard box weighed down. If you’re lucky enough to have the space for a greenhouse, a cold frame, or even a window sill, then you can also start thinking about sowing seeds. Think through your colour schemes and pay attention to how big the plants will grow. You don’t want to be growing enormous Be sensible with how many seeds you sow; there are normally a lot of seeds in one packet and you may not have space to bring them on or plant them out. Some gardeners grow extra seeds just to take them to gardening clubs to trade for other plants later in the Spring. Whatever you decide to do in the garden, just remember to enjoy yourself. Happy Gardening Twitter @slfirstltd
• www.slfirst.co.uk
Your Money
Savvy Wealth Management by Neil Cadwallader DipFA
With this in mind how about the start of a 2012 Bucket list for you and your family? So here goes..... 1. Plan your spending and saving.
and, more importantly, some helpful advice. So, winter is past us and the spring is upon us. Someone said to me the other day that winter is the “lean months” and even more so with all these government austerity measures. I thought about that comment that afternoon and 18 • SL First
came to the conclusion it is, but maybe it could be a time to start placing our positive order! A New start and all that? So with a “glass half full” attitude I thought maybe a look at positive points to aim for this Spring and turning possible “Financial Anchors into Plain Sailing”
When was the last time you actually sat down with a piece of paper, titled it “In and Out” and worked out where everything goes? Do you actually know how much goes out of the family accounts? I think you will have a good idea of what goes in! Are all those direct debits correct? Are they timed correctly in the month so you always know Sit down with your list and agree all entries, know where you are all times of the month. The days of “cheque book stub accountancy” are unfortunately behind us these days , more’s the pity sometimes.
Twitter @slfirstltd
• www.slfirst.co.uk
You may be surprised that your budget could allow some savings or allow for the paying off some of those bills quicker, as remember the APR (cost of your credit) might be far higher than any investment rate you might be able to achieve. So look at all avenues ..... 2. Protect you and your love ones with the right insurance. Well, this one isn’t the most positive of subjects but how good will you feel when you have your family protected? So ask yourself: have your family circumstances changed in the last 12 months? Is there a new little member? Have you changed jobs with different staff benefits ? Have two “become one”? Maybe it’s time to look at protecting or reviewing current protection provisions ? Ensure your income is covered should the worst happen or make sure the people we leave behind have the money to carry on if the main ”bread winner” should suddenly disappear . Just a hint here: buying on the web maybe marginally cheaper, but the reason for that is because you haven’t been given any “advice” on how much cover, for how long and on who’s life. Maybe a little bit of advice from the right people would be helpful, even wise ...
Photo: Martin Beazer left and Neil Cadwallader right
3. Secure your home and even save money!
Again many things come into play:
Paying the mortgage is the No1 priority for most of us and the need for a new mortgage deal will crop up for us all at some point. Well, even us advisers need to look around for a mortgage and now its time for me to do just that. When you look at the market you suddenly realise how many different types of product there are.
• Available equity/value of new or existing property • Size of mortgage (whether new or remortgage) • Affordability (this is the main criteria companies look at; gone are the days of a ‘multiple’ of salary). The correct deal will allow you to plan for your financial future and might even save you money.
by Neil Cadwallader DipFA I have only been able to touch on a few points here but we can look at a few more as we travel along your “financial path”
A couple of helpful websites for you take a look at: www.savvywealthmanagent.com
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk www.thisismoney.co.uk
SL First • 19
What’s truly alarming is they don’t work for 1 in 6. If you can’t hear the �ire alarm you might be one of the almost 10 million people in the UK that are Deaf or hard of hearing. DMS is a �ire alarm text message service which informs Deaf or hard of hearing people that the �ire alarm is sounding. Quote ‘SL First’
www.deafmessageservice.com TEL: 01273 320 680 SMS: 07711206136 EMAIL: info@deafmessageservice.com