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Can you help us provide members with replacement lifeline minibus?

The current minibus is in need of replacement, as it is ten years old and the costs of running and repairing it are becoming increasingly expensive for the club.

It is needed to transport members on trips and to venues so they can engage in various sporting and leisure activities.

The club has committed, together with The Rotary Club of Scunthorpe, to help raise funds.

Organiser George Spiteri said: Some of the vulnerable members are unable to access public transport, while others would be seen as easy targets for abuse while waiting at bus stops or getting about on their own.

The quicker we raise the funds, the sooner the members can enjoy the benefits of a new minibus.

Sylvia Leedham, who helps run the Scunthorpe Gateway Club, said that without the minibus, many of the members would be isolated.

The quicker we can raise the pound;24,000, the quicker we can get the minibus, she said.

The minibus does provide a lifeline for the members and enables them to attend events around the region.

The aims of the Scunthorpe Gateway Club are to give adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to meet each other in a safe and friendly environment and give them the chance to engage in social and sporting activities.

Karen Gray, 37, from Scunthorpe, who attends the club, said: I like meeting up with friends and different people. It gets people involved in doing something.

The Scunthorpe Gateway Club is affiliated to National Mencap and it is a social and leisure club for adults with learning disabilities.

These disabilities can range from mild learning difficulties to profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Some members of the club also have physical disabilities.

The Gateway Club, which is a registered charity, is run wholly by volunteers and unpaid carers.

Activities that members participate in include swimming, bowling, Boccia, athletics and fun days.

Evelyn Fletcher, 62, from Crowle, who attends the club, said: I like meeting friends and I enjoy going ten-pin bowling.

The group has a membership of more than 100 people aged 18 and over with a learning disability.

Members pay an annual subscription of a few pounds per year and pay a small entrance fee to attend on a Friday evening.

A three-month-programme of activities is chosen by the members committee, which means activities are chosen by those who attend the club.

The Scunthorpe Gateway Club relies heavily on goodwill, donations and fundraising to sustain it.

A rented office at the centre allows administration to be co-ordinated centrally by the trustees and volunteers.

The club meets every Friday from 7pm to 9.15pm at Grange Farm Community Centre on Wesley Road, Scunthorpe.

To donate to the club, or for more details, call Sylvia on 01724 350769.

UK. New figures show increase in number of people choosing boating

The number of people taking part in boating, watersports and water based leisure activities is on the up according to the 2011 Watersports and Leisure Participation report which is available to download now.

In 2011 some 3.2 million UK adults participated in at least one of the 12 boating activities* included in the survey; such as, yacht racing, powerboating and canal boating, amongst others. This figure is equivalent to 5.9% of the population and reflects a slight increase from 2010 figures of 2.9 million adults participating in the 12 boating activities.

The Watersports and Leisure Participation Survey, now in its 10th year, surveys 12,000 adults, tracking trends in boating and reports that small sail boat activities and motorboat/cruising were among the top three boating activities in 2011.

The survey also reports that last year, boating participation increased in canal boating (+0.21%) and small boat sail racing (+0.13%) and that under 35 year olds remain the most active group for the more strenuous boating activities.

RYA Sport Development Manager Jon White said: It is very encouraging to see an increase in participation levels in boating. We hope to see this figure increase even further in 2012, a year where the profile of the sport has never been so high. We will be working hard to inspire even more people to get out on the water and to do so regularly.

Key findings:

Some 3.2 million people participate in boating activities*

Small sail boat and motor cruising are amongst the top three boating activities *

There has been a significant increase in participation in both canal boating and small boat sail racing in 2011

Men remain the largest group of participants with 1.7 men to every female taking part in boating activities

8.8% of 16-34 year old participate in one of the 12 boating activities*

The report in 2011 was commissioned by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), consortium of British Marine Federation (BMF), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), British Canoe Union (BCU) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 March 2012 )

Leisure activities are big business in Louisville, elsewhere

Leisure activities generate millions of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue across the country.

In Louisville, the industry includes thousands of workers who provide or support arts, entertainment and recreational activities.

According to the 2009 data from the US Census Bureau

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, the latest figures available for the private sector, Louisville ranked No. 49 among 783 metropolitan and micropolitan areas in terms of the number of workers employed in leisure jobs.

According to a database created by Business First affiliate The Business Journals, more than 456 businesses and organizations in the Louisville metropolitan area fall into the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Those firms employ 7,620 workers, with average wages of $23,100.

The average national wage for workers in the industry is $31,000 per year, according to a national report on the industry.

It found that a total of 1.9 million people are employed in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, which includes museums, theaters, casinos and professional sports teams. Payrolls for these businesses total $59 billion.

Three great outdoor spring activities that will solidify your "awesome dad" status

Now that spring has officially arrived, it#39;s time to break out of that winter malaise and enjoy the season#39;s fantastic warm weather and sunshine. As a dad, this is also the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to your favorite outdoor recreation and leisure activities that your own father shared with you when you were young. So ditch those heavy winter jackets and grab your hiking boots – here are three great spring adventures to enjoy with your children.

Camping
While it#39;s still early in the season, you can begin planning for a mid-spring camping trip. Depending on your children#39;s age, you may want to determine how intensive this expedition should be and tailor it to their maturity level. For younger kids, you might want to settle on visiting a relatively tame camping ground where you#39;ll never be far from a hot meal or shower. If you#39;re looking to rough it a little more, grab a tent and head out into the true wilderness. The days you spend cooking over an open fire, exploring local wildlife and gazing up at the stars from your sleeping bags are ones your children won#39;t soon forget.

Hiking
If you#39;re looking for some outdoor adventure without all the organization that camping requires, consider going on a hiking trip for the day. Investigate some of the local nature preserves, wilderness trails or state parks near your home. You can also make a day of hiking more engaging for your little ones by allowing them to read the map and giving them a list of birds, trees and animals to identify.

Fishing
Sometimes the best spring days are spent relaxing in a boat in pursuit of some fish. You can teach your children the finer points of angling while clocking some quality conversation time together. And at the end of the day, you#39;ll have a delicious dinner to cook up.

Easter holiday leisure activities

IF you are looking for activities for yourself or the whole family during the Easter holidays, then Beverley Leisure Complex has the answer.

Throughout the Easter holidays, we have a fun-packed programme of activities to suit every age. We have exercise classes for adults wanting to work off those extra calories and an STA parent and child teacher course for anyone working towards becoming an aqua baby or aqua tot swim teacher.

Children’s sporting activities include crash course swimming lessons and junior gymnastics. For children who like to dance, Beverley Leisure Complex has urban street sessions from tots to teens with Claire, Louise and Katie, and we are introducing Zumba Atomic with Julie, a new dance/exercise class for children.

For the family, look out for the float fun session in the pool or the wipe-out inflatable.

Beverley Leisure Complex’s full Easter programme can be found by logging on to www.beverleyleisurecomplex.co.uk or contacting reception on 01482 395231.

Petrol prices pump up fears for travel sector

Rising oil and petrol prices lead us to take a more cautious stance on the
prospects for the travel and leisure sector, cautioned analysts at Panmure
Gordon. Record petrol prices have the potential to alter longer-term
leisure habits, with consumers reassessing the need to travel meaningful
distances to undertake regular out-of-the-home leisure activities.

8 Affordable Retirement Hobbies

Youve put in your retirement papers and are ready for the next phase of life. Now unless your financial situation allows for globe-trotting and a carefree lifestyle, you may need to readjust your spending habits to suit your income. However, theres no reason to cut down on leisure activities and hobbies. We offer a few suggestions that will keep you active and happy, but wont break the bank.

Photography
Snapping your favorite images was costly when buying film and paying for processing were your only options. However, todays digital cameras (relatively inexpensive for a non-professional model) allow for unlimited picture-taking, sorting and printing on your home computer or laptop. Name-brand models with 10MP or higher can run for less than $100, a bargain for those starting out.
Extra costs: photo paper runs about $15 for 50 sheets at most office supply stores.
Bonus: You can post and send emails on your favorite website for free.

Genealogy
Tracing your family roots can be a wonderful way to spend your spare time and preserve a little bit of history. Local libraries and the Internet are valuable resources for getting started. Also, there are several government websites where you can access free archived information, such as names and photographs, to trace your family tree. You might also look into forums and other online sources for information searching and sharing.
Cost: free.

Reading and Writing
Want to be the next great novelist? Love poetry? Need to catch up on the latest best-seller? Retirement affords you the time to do all of it, and you neednt dish out big bucks. Many public libraries participate in exchange co-op programs, so you can access any book, book-on-tape, CDs and DVDs for free. If youre interested in writing on a casual or personal basis, or if you want to try your hand at making a few extra bucks, try blogging or submitting your work to free sites that accept entries.

Meditation and Yoga
These hobbies are relatively easy and inexpensive, as well as beneficial to your health. You may want to take a few yoga lessons to ensure proper positioning and breathing techniques. Senior centers and local adult school programs may offer lessons at reduced rates, and how-to guides are available in libraries and book stores. Once you achieve a basic understanding of the principles, you can perform the techniques on your own to suit your personal schedule. The best part: your body (and mind) will love you for it.
Cost: yoga mat $20.

Arts and Crafts
The word retirement might immediately bring to mind images of rocking chairs and knitting needles. However, todays retirees have access to a lot more options for their leisure time. While knitting and crocheting are wonderful hobbies and yield beautiful homemade items, yarn, needles and other supplies are not cheap. However, origami and paper crafts, scrapbooking, drawing, woodcarving and floral arranging are inexpensive ways to create wonderful gifts for friends or loved ones. Take a class or borrow how-to books from the library to get started.
Cost: nominal supplies.

Sports and Physical Activities
Golf and tennis are sports that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, memberships to exclusive country clubs can set you back a pretty penny. Instead, sign up to play on public golf courses, which charge considerably less for a round. If possible, walk rather than rent a cart (youll get extra exercise in, too) and have your clubs cleaned and re-gripped instead of springing for a brand new set. Also, adapt your schedule to play in the off-hours, such as late afternoons or weekdays, when rates are reduced. (Some courses also offer nine-hole rates for off-peak times). The same applies to Tennis. Not only are outdoor public courts free, but youll also get some fresh air. If sports are not your thing, dancing, bicycling, hiking and walking are perfect for staying in shape, meeting new people and having fun.
Costs: varied.

Games and Puzzles
Experts agree that playing games like chess, scrabble and cards are beneficial to your mental health and memory, warding off conditions such as depression and Alzheimers. Crossword puzzles and Sudokus also help to keep your mind sharp as you age.
Cost: Minimal.

Volunteering
Offering your time and talent is a wonderful way to spend your retirement and give back to the community. Whether with a national organization or a local food bank, volunteers are always needed and always welcome. You also may want to consider tutoring or lecturing in your area of expertise, or doing odd jobs for folks who dont have the financial means to pay contractors.
Cost: Nothing.
Bonus: Youll be helping where help is needed the most.

The Bottom Line
Retirement doesnt mean you have to stay still, and you dont have to break the bank to have fun and keep busy. Be sure to stay mentally and physically active in order to remain healthy and energetic after your working years are over.

Original story – 8 Affordable Retirement Hobbies

Copyright (c) 2012 Investopedia US. All rights reserved. Investopedia.com is a division of ValueClick, Inc.

Arts talk at Sherwell Church Centre

JOHN CHAPPLE from the Plymouth Forum art group, will be giving a talk on all mediums of art at the Sherwell Church Centre, North Hill on Thursday, May 17 .

All are welcome to attend this event or join the group who are inviting new members looking for something interesting to do in their retirement.

The organisation offers friendship, a variety of leisure activities and talks.

Those interested can meet members of the Plymouth Forum at their coffee mornings every Thursday between 10.15am and 11.45am at the Sherwell Church Centre, North Hill.

Call Val on 01752 308264.

Arts centre bursting with life

The Arts Centre at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre is a hive of creativity.

The rec centre is conveniently located at 3220 Cedar Hill Rd., and surrounded by free parking. Ive been there in the past to do some weight training, and my wife is a regular at the indoor tennis courts. Since it was built in 1973, this has always been the place for potters to find a studio. But the determination of the District of Saanich to respect the wishes of its citizens and build a multi-purpose arts and leisure centre has, in the past year, come gloriously true.

Years ago, the public art policy resulted in a large ceramic mural by Linda Stanbridge just inside the front entrance. And over the past five years, the snack bar has doubled as The Gallery CafÃ. Thus, while parents wait for their kids and exercisers take on some nourishment, they are surrounded by beautifully hung art shows. This display space is dedicated to the work of emerging artists and community groups and rents for $50 a week.

Just past the front desk, on the right, is a wall of glass-fronted cupboards filled with artifacts from the Saanich Municipal Archives. The current show presents artworks donated by Owen and Elizabeth Goward, whose home later became an arts and community centre. Both were professional artists, and in the cases are portraits and landscapes by her and a fascinating range of linocuts by him. In addition, heirlooms from the Beale family of artists, Owen Gowards relatives, include a fine sketch from Venice à la Ruskin. You can see it all at the online exhibition at www.saanich.ca/discover/ artsheritagearc/goward.

Further display cases line the hall. At the moment, two present some fine paintings by Paul Peregal and include information about his ongoing series of art history classes at the Victoria College of Art. Another is given over to juicy acrylics by Wendy Oppel with a Japanese theme. These cases are for rent, at a rate of $25 a week.

The main event is the Community Arts Council Gallery, a generous room lit by skylights. When I bravely pushed open the door, the lights in the ceiling came on and I was presented with a free show. It was a stroke of great good fortune that, just when the Community Arts Council lost its show space in the Sussex Building downtown, Saanich was ready with this new home. And the arts council is the perfect organization to curate the display and gallery spaces. If you want to get on the list for the CACGV Gallery (at a rental rate of $200 per week) or any of the other spaces, visit www.cacgv.ca or call 2504757123 for information.

Theres more – lots more. Light pours into the hall through glass walls, frosted and etched with designs by Rick Silas. One just cant help but peer into the studios to take a look at the action inside. Studio One is dedicated to school-age children with Art Adventures and other imaginative classes for all ages. The room itself (designed by Hughes Condon Marler Architects of Vancouver and Victoria) is an inspiration. High ceilings, smooth concrete floors and garage doors glazed with brightly coloured glass open to the outside and seem made to encourage the creative urge. Big tables, lots of easels and ranks of cubbies for storage await.

Next is Studio Two, dedicated to adult endeavours. An evergrowing range of classes is presented including, at the moment, drawing for sculpture, mixed media and various levels of the ever-popular watercolour. With the same coloured glass walls bringing the outdoors in and enough room to swing the biggest paint brush, this room, with work sinks and tables, is irresistible. And you dont have to wait for a class. With the Arts Access Pass (from a top rate of $6.50 a session to a low rate of $225 per year) you can work here on your own to your hearts content.

At the north end of the building is a purpose-built clay studio. Instructors, classes and all the equipment you might need are at hand in this delightful workroom. You can take classes, drop in and work and find everything you need, from clay to kiln. This lovely facility triples the space of the original pottery room.

As I returned to the front of the rec centre, the halls were thronged with young ballerinas coming and going from the dance studio located in the midst of all this energy. The place is bursting with life, young and old inspiring one another at all levels of endeavour. The District of Saanich is showing the rest of the Capital Regional District how it should be done. The mix of art and exercise makes the centre an ideal place for people to discover different leisure activities.

For more information go to www.saanich.ca/parkrec/ recreation/cedarart.html.

robertamos@telus.net

City maps out Feel Free to Feel Fit program

By: Arron Pickard – Sudbury Northern Life Staff

It seems residents are diving into the benefits of the Feel Free to Feel Fit program.

Almost 20,000 swimmers took advantage of the program over 2010 and 2011, according to the citys Leisure Services department. Furthermore, 650 bus tickets were doled out to participants needing transportation to and from area pools. Since its inception, the program has offered one free swimming session per pool, per week.

The Feel Free to Feel Fit 22-week pilot project was approved by city council in August 2009. It has received extensions since then, and it will continue to be funded as long as those funds are available. The program is funded through social services, and there is “no fear right now that it will be disbanded at any point,” Catherine Matheson, general manager of community development, said.

The programs “universal” nature eliminates financial barriers and takes away the stigma for children from lower-income families who want to go swimming with their friends who have the ability to pay the fees. This program is free to all children and adults.

The Feel Free to Feel Fit program is now entering a new phase, according to Luisa Valle, director of social services for the city. Leisure Services has devised community maps, designed to provide a visual snapshot of the sport and leisure activities available in different neighbourhoods. Maps will be made available online, as well as to social assistance recipients as a way of enabling them to find free activities for themselves and their families without incurring any cost.

The success seen with the Feel Free to Feel Fit program tells “a great story of what we, as a city, have to offer,” Ward 2 Coun. Jacques Barbeau said, adding he would like to see more school facilities, such as tracks, included in the map.

Further to that, Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann said she thinks the project as a whole is “great,” but she wants more work to be done in identifying facilities that are accessible to everyone. This would make it more attractive for people with special needs, she said. As it stands right now, people with special needs likely wouldnt feel like they are a part of the program.

It also needs to provide fast access to desired information, she said. Todays parents are very busy, and they want something with information they can find in a matter of seconds. Landry-Altmann said it would be advantageous if the city were to launch an app for smart phones for people on the go.

The maps are a work in progress, they are updated quarterly, and once it is live on the citys website, there will be opportunities to update it almost at will, Matheson said.

Staff are looking for feedback on what is missing in the maps, she said, adding the city should take pride in the fact it is one of the very few municipalities that offers a universal swim program for children.

“Its very rare,” she said. “Weve had lots of chances to talk to other municipalities across the province, and Sudbury is definitely the envy of many municipalities.”

Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen