18^th October – Blackpool Illuminations, a trip into the light fantastic was had on this evening when six of us travelled up to Blackpool for this years illuminations.

As it was about 30 odd years since I’d last seen them I was looking forward to the event. With a cool drink and some nibbles, Michael drove us all up the motorway winding through Lytham St Anne’s to the start of the lights. We all moved up to the front of the bus to get a better view.

The “Big One” rose in the distance with a blue light along it’s length upstaging the Tower which was further along. The lights seemed to be a mixture of old and new. I’m sure some of them were there last time I came!! It did seem to be a bit tacky, but perhaps it’s supposed to be. We all seemed to enjoy the event and had worked up a thirst and hunger at the end of the 2 miles or so.

We went for the local delicacy Fish and Chips, with Andrew in his “fun fur” pointing at all the fish saying, “ I couldn’t possibly eat a thing!” He was so funny and much hilarity was had. We then went on to a bar for a few drinks. It was then back to the bus for our journey home.

3^rd December - Christmas Party for Service users, Volunteers and Staff is at Upper House, Barlaston at 7.30 pm onwards. This years event has a Seventies Theme. Dress to Impress!!

21^st December – Christmas Drop in . All service users, staff, professionals, and regular drop in volunteers are welcome for our annual get together.

TUEDAY 23^RD DECEMBER

&

TUESDAY 28^TH DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 29^TH DECEMBER

During the last few weeks there have been some changes to the set up of the services during drop in. These have come about due to the need for extra space for the new staff positions and better access for people having complimentary therapies who cannot climb the steep stairs. The blue room now becomes the Director’s office and the complementary therapies move downstairs to the green room. I have moved into the general office with Sarah and the new HIV/AIDS Direct Services Worker will be in Michael’s office.

As you may be aware Jean Fuller, one of our complementary therapists, has taken on a co-ordinating and developmental role. She will soon be sending out a questionnaire for you to fill in to determine the services needed/times etc for the complementary therapies. We are also looking to expand the therapies and times for the therapies. These may be outside the drop in times to enable people to access the service who do not want to come to the drop in. It also allows extra time to access the Resource room for leaflets, books etc.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions regarding this room.

Neil Pepper