Portsmouth Heart Support Group
Welcome To Our Group!
Hi!
If you are a heart patient or partner of one, let me introduce you to your local heart support group.
The Portsmouth Heart Support Group: (PHSG) meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm at The Portsmouth Rugby Club, Hilsea, where we provide a social meeting place for all heart patients, regardless of type of condition.
Patients and partners can often meet others in the same situation, share information and experience and gain new confidence and friends. Membership and all our meetings are free along with a monthly Newsletter and a yearly calendar of events detailing forthcoming events and meetings!
The Portsmouth Heart Support Group supports the local hospital rehabilitation team with occasional donations, relaxation CD's and a range of items for use with heart patients. We arrange monthly talks by speakers who cover a wide range of subjects, i.e. up-to-date medical information given by medical professionals, hobbies and other interesting topics. We also have monthly rambles, occasional social evenings, day trips and outings. So why not come along? All it will cost you is your time.
You can be sure of a warm welcome!
Contact either number for more information.
Brian Baker (Chairperson) 023 92 378265.
or Bill Hall (Vice Chairperson) 02392 357958
Or email Colbil39@hotmail.com
PHSG is affiliated to
The British Heart Foundation
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Next Meeting
Tuesday 21st October
At The Portsmouth Rugby Club Function Room
Speaker is
'The Honeyman'
Next Ramble
Sunday November 9th 2008 -10-15 for 10-30 start.
Meet in free car-park at Wicor Recreation Ground Porchester.
Lunch at the Cormorant Pub, Castle Street at 12-30
Queries Betty/Ivor 014 89 575512
BHF Seminar Bournemouth October 2008.
Last month, four committee members from PHSG attended a BHF seminar at Bournemouth. The object of it all was to discuss the networking of heart support groups, how we can get to know each other better and, find out what each of us individually was doing.
Each group would have a place to display its promotional and information material. We thought it would be a worthwhile exercise and so off we went. To avoid the ‘rush hour’ traffic, we stayed overnight in the hotel (at our own expense!).
The next day, in one room, all of the groups displayed their information material. Ours was well received and appeared to be more comprehensive than a lot of the others. The day continued with various ‘workshops’ and discussion groups, all aimed at exchanging information and gathering facts about the best way forward for us all. There were quite a few variations, as different groups seemed to have different aims and objectives; some focusing more on continuing exercise elements following phase 3 and 4 rehab exercise, whereas some, like our own tend to be more social meeting groups.
It was quite heartening really to see that many were still treading the same path as we had done in the past, having a Senior Cardiologist as their President whilst still maintaining an active participation by their local PCT’s and rehab exercise teams. Some were still following this path without problems, others were like ourselves, left ‘up in the air’ so to speak, after being isolated from the NHS rehab nursing team due to financial considerations, unsure of where they stand as far as the NHS are concerned and what may happen next. Overall there was a good exchange of ideas and some very useful information, any of which you will be informed about in due course. Some of it may be used by us to improve our group.
Colin
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Above is a picture of the QE 2 as she set off for America, on the day our group went to see her and the Queen Mary 2 on September 10th this year.
Fortune smiled on us once more as it didn’t rain! Our group deserved nice weather for this trip, after enduring the terrible wind and rain on the Old Winchester Hill Ramble the weekend before.
The boat trip itself was most enjoyable with plenty of room to sit or if you were brave enough, to sit or stand outside to look at our lovely Hampshire coastline between here and The River Test. The captain gave commentaries over the intercom every now and then regarding famous historical facts and features along the way and the fact that the weather stayed fine and dry meant that there was plenty of photo opportunities for all.
It was a rare opportunity to see both liners in harbour together and one of which our skipper made sure we took good advantage by passing each one in one direction, turning then coming back so that passengers of both port and starboard sides of our vessel could get unspoiled views. The pre-ordered food on board was served efficiently and everyone enjoyed it. We began our short return voyage at the same time as the QE2 slipped her moorings and set off for America. We followed her along the Solent as far as Ryde, where we headed back across the Solent, whilst she went on around towards the end of the I.O.W. towards the English Channel.
It was a lovely day out, I think everyone would agree. Many, many thanks to our social secretary Bill Young for once again organising a great event. I’m certain the sea air did us all a power of good.
Colin
Diabetes 'Walk In The Park' Ramble
Another beautiful sunny day helped all of us who attended the Diabetes Walk in The Park on Hayling seafront on the 8th June, to have a great day out.
About 30 of our group turned up and were rewarded not only by ‘goody’ bags’ from The Diabetic Association, but also by fruit at the end of the walk for those who made it.
Once again the weather was kind, if a little too hot for some, but this was held in check by a light off shore breeze. The sea view is always brilliant from here and this was added to by the many species of wild flowers and plants growing along the coastline verges at this location.
The usual stop for coffee and cold drinks was taken about half way through the walk and then it was time to return to the start to sign forms and collect medals etc.
Portsmouth Heart Support Group donated £50 to the Diabetic Association on this occasion and on the day we think they did a great job. We must also thank our own members Beryl and Burt White for their work in organising our participation in this event.
Colin.
Some of our members at the Start
Some of our Committee Members showing off their Medals.
Kew Gardens Outing May13th.
Above are some of the beautiful views at Kew Gardens this year. Our party, comprising of about 30 people had another wonderful day out. It is a place of interest and outstanding natural beauty. There was something for everyone, if you like peace and quiet, trees, shrubs, flowers and gorgeous fragrances like most of us. The experience was like being inside a huge natural kaleidoscope, so vibrant were the colours, especially the rhododendrons and azaleas.
One or two of our group were so overcome by the avalanche of hues that they needed wheelchairs and were either engine powered, or pushed around by willing spouses. This greatly helped them to enjoy the spectacle even more.
Despite being in the capital city, it was surprisingly peaceful and once again the weather was kind to us with blue sky and sunshine for most of the day. One thing which greatly pleased my small group, was the generous amount of public seating. They were everywhere; a welcome sight from which our ‘city fathers’ could learn a valuable lesson.
In conclusion, a superb day out and if you didn’t or couldn’t come along this time, then I’m afraid you missed a delight. A comfortable coach, a safe journey, a pleasant driver, great travelling companions and many laughs made this day a very special one. Nature’s beauty on top of all of this and the history behind Kew Gardens were the ‘icing on the cake’ as far as I was concerned.
Another ‘must do again’ in the future I suspect!
Below are two photographs of the location for our Summer Garden Parties, but on Sunday 6th April 2008, this lovely spot took on a new appearance.
It makes you really look forward to summer, doesn't it?
(Photographs courtesy of Don and Ann Peatfield)
Some of 'our crew' at February 2008 Ramble
February Ramble:
All of the participants in this month’s walk /ramble around Old Portsmouth should be awarded a medal for endurance. It was that cold, I wished that I had worn my thermals, no matter how ‘uncool’ they are.
However, we band of cardiac challenged brothers and sisters managed to endure a wind chill factor that would have frightened Scott of The Antartic himself as we made our way around our especially chosen route. Because I can no longer walk far, as usual, I was in my little pavement scooter looking smug but actually feeling far from snug! I realised that the action of walking actually generates body heat, whilst driving what is little more than a large ‘dinky toy’ along the cobbled streets, offers little chance of creating tad more than annoyance when coming across a pavement without a disabled slope on it.
Nevertheless, after a welcome cup of coffee in the café at the base of the Spinnaker Tower, we made our shivering way back to our cars to get ready for lunch.
26 of us enjoyed a splendid meal, worth the inevitable long wait as the place was so busy.
Many thanks to Beryl and Burt who organised the walk and to Ray for printing out the directions etc.
If anybody needs Damart catalogue details after today, just let me know. I’m sure I’ll be in touch with them soon.
Colin
March 9th Ramble at Emsworth:
We assembled at the Palmer’s Road car park as arranged, on a surprisingly pleasant Sunday morning. We wended our way through the streets of Emsworth, before skirting one side of the pond, aiming to return long the other. A few swans and ducks were taking advantage of pieces of food being thrown to them by other walkers – altogether a pleasant, peaceful sight.
This provided the ideal moment for our group photograph. Then onward we went past the seaward end of the pond, but here the wind was stronger, allowing small model yacht enthusiasts to sale their remote controlled vessels on the mill pond; a very gentle practice. Following the path led us out to the shoreline and into the wind, where a few of us decided to turn in order to return to the car park. The remaining ‘ hardy souls’ carried on across the small area of beach to a grassy patch and found a suitable spot to stop for their coffee break. Whilst the usual chatting and socialising was taking place, our ‘illustrious leader’ appeared in a semi panic state to tell us we had to move, as the tide was rising fast.
With cups in hand, we hurriedly tried to make our way back, but the tide had risen so fast we were marooned!
However a kind soul gave us alternative directions for our return. This involved trudging along the edge of a field into a housing estate. En route was a muddy stream with steep slippery banks to negotiate. Certain gentlemen and some of the ladies tried to assist other members in crossing the stream and scaling the difficult bank. Unfortunately, one of our ladies (Joan! – who else?) ended up with a soggy foot. But bravely, she picked herself up and soldiered on.
Having braved that episode, we found that our alternative route was also flooded, which meant we all had to climb over a wall into the boatyard to avoid the water.
Thankfully we were now safe and heading back to the car park, then on to a well earned lunch at The Bosham Inn. I’m sure that everyone on the walk enjoyed the morning escapade, despite the fact the on this occasion, ‘King Canute’ was not with us. Many thanks to Beryl and Burt White for organising this most enjoyable ramble.
Iris Young
Editor's Note: - Please check Tide Times and heights for any future seaside rambles!
Some Of Our Recent Activities
Chairperson Brian Baker Presenting A Television to Dr. Siva (Cardiologist) and Support Worker Julie Kill.
Our last meeting On March 18th was an especially enjoyable one. Being able to donate something which will benefit many heart patients as they wait either for treatments or procedures was a very pleasing moment for us all with the handing over of a brand new DVD/Television for a waiting area in a cardiac ward at Q.A.
We must thank Dr. Anjana Siva, Consultant Cardiologist and Julie Kill for accepting the Television on behalf of F1 at Queen Alexandra Hospital where it will be used.
After the presentation, Dr Anjana Siva went on to give as a very well received talk about heart problems and her speciality in a specific type of echocardiogram. This was followed by a question and answer session ,which all of us found very interesting and informative.
The topics covered were latest heart medicines and keyhole procedures
invoving various aspects of different types of heart problems.
Xmas Party 2007
A few of our members and our musical quartet at our 2007 Xmas party at The Portsmouth Rugby Club this year.
Another great evening with brilliant raffle prizes and some carol singing of the highest order. At one point, I thought we even had a descant chorus but sadly, it was just my poor hearing. We thank the wonderful quartet of musicians who gamely turned up to play for us and we enjoyed their music very much.
The group also wish to thank the bar staff for their work in preparing our food for us and getting the room ready. Als we thank everyone on the committee, but especially Ray and Pauline for creating the excellent raffle. All in all, it was an evening to remember and one which it will be hard to beat next year.
Colin
The Solent Renegades, Classic Car Summer Show 12th Aug 2007.
Good News!!!
The above picture shows our Treasurer receiving a cheque for £350 as a donation from The Solent Renegades, last month, following their summer meeting with their classic cars at The Rugby Club.
We thank them very much and assure everyone that it will be put to good use on behalf of PHSG.
One of the views at West Dean House
Our ramble /walk at West Dean House near Chichester on Sunday 14th October was again a very enjoyable few hours spent with friends. The weather, although a little misty at first, later became sunny, finally blossoming into a beautiful day. West Dean House has lovely gardens, trees and fruit and vegetable areas which are magnificent and one look at the display of vegetables growing there both in and outside the greenhouses, made you quite envious at times. We were fortunate enough to visit at Apple Weekend, when many varieties and their by products were on display either to taste or to purchase. In the orchards, some of the trees still had apples on them and they looked magnificent. The house itself looked quite striking, set as it is amidst green lawns and neat paths, and even the huge magnolia growing against the front of the house had several large blooms, which as we all know, is very unusual for the time of year, as is the honeysuckle and many bumblebees still gathering nectar from flowers in the borders.
To summarise, it was a delightful day out; a chance to have a nice lunch with friends in an unusual place and the opportunity to appreciate something typically British, an all too rare occasion in this day and age.
Many thanks to Beryl and Burt for the organization and to Ray for all the print work which made life easier for everyone.
Colin
Our Day Out At Highclere Castle
Thursday 23rd August 2007; another day to remember. What a day it was too!
The weather was kind enough to stay bright and warm for us all day, although we needn’t have worried because our very own inclement weather neutraliser Ruby, came along with us on this trip. The coach journeys to Highclere, both to and from were most enjoyable. Going along the countryside roads as a passenger in a high vehicle has a lot to be said for it. You can see scenery the like of which is always hidden from your view as a car passenger or driver.
Anyway, Highclere Castle lived up to its promise of being a welcoming, interesting place, set like a well cut gem in the coronet of beautiful English hills, and meadows. It’s resemblance to our Houses of Parliament is uncanny, but not so odd really, as its architect also designed the latter.
There were guided tours around the castle for most of the day and this still left time to enjoy a visit to the Egypt exhibition with its Tutan Khamun artefacts and a tour of the lovely gardens and various follies. Whilst some flowers may not have been at their best, considering the time of year, there was still a fine and varied display.
All in all it was a lovely place to visit, very peaceful in fact and stress free. To be able to share the day with friends old and new was a thoroughly agreeable experience. Everyone’s kindness was appreciated, from the coach driver, to the staff at the castle. They couldn’t have been more helpful.
By the way, for those people like myself who wondered what the unusual large apple/pear like fruit was on the tree growing in one of the gardens, I have researched it and it appears to be a type of quince called 'Cydonia Oblonga'.
Many thanks once again to Bill and Iris Young for organising this first class outing for the benefit of all PHSG members.
Colin
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PHSG Summer Garden Party.
Game Winners At Our Summer Garden Party July 2007
What a great summer party we had on the 10th July.
We truly owe a debt of gratitude to the hosts Don and Ann for allowing the use of their home and garden for our party and also to the hardworking sub committee which helped to prepare and organise all the food etc.
Again the weather kept its promise and remained dry, allowing us all to compete in a very friendly way, in the outdoor games, (in some cases, even if you didn’t want to so do!) Some preferred to rest and enjoy a nice drink and chat with friends in the beautiful surroundings. But as always, the afternoon and evening were a great success, with lots of lovely food and drink and pleasant conversation. Here is a list of the individual game winners:
Congratulations to you all.
Ladies Golf...................Carole Budd
Men’s Golf....................Ivor Coleman
Ladies Archery..............Dorothy Thompson
Men’s Archery...............Terry Coote
Ladies Boules..................Maureen Walker
Men’s Boules...................John Fisher
Ladies Darts.....................Shirley Geer
Men’s Darts......................Bill Hall
Overall Winner and Cup....................Bill Hall
Here are some comments from a member regarding the above Summer party.
What a party!
Yes Tuesday 10th July my first experience of a PHSG Garden Party at Ann and Don's Steep residence. Great company with warm fellowship and camaraderie and what an ideal location with such an interesting group of people and the tasks to enter and prove that you are not so adept, skilled or clever as you might think you are. But what fun to try something new like archery and Boules?
The catering was excellent. Full marks to all concerned.
James
Healthy Pursuits:
Treasure Hunt Sunday 24th June.
Well, this proved to be a very enjoyable event despite the efforts of the inclement weather to put us off. As we searched for clues round and about Old Portsmouth, we could easily have been mistaken for a bunch of illegal immigrants, such was the bad weather dress code. But, our perseverance, patience etc. stood us in good stead to make this another interesting and fun day out for our group of Treasure Hunters.
In this regard, I found the extra patience gleaned from years of waiting for medical appointments and blood tests very useful, along with improved observational powers from peering at numerous notice boards, heart monitors, BP machines and Ultra Sound scanners, despite having little real idea of what they actually do.
At the end of the Treasure Hunt search for answers to the clues, we all had a new understanding of just how horrible it is to be bedraggled and damp, a condition best left to the young who willingly camp out in seas of mud to listen to all kinds of dross over an entire weekend. But, the clues were good and at times well concealed I thought. Currently I am reading The Da Vinci Code, so was quite ‘geared up’ for a session of mind bashing.
After about an hour of following the clues, we decided to have coffee and were glad enough to find a sheltered spot. Feeling re-energised from the necessary caffeine jolt, in two’s, threes and sometimes more, we set off on the final leg of our adventure before going for lunch at the nearby Tavern from where we started out.
After lunch (for which there was an unfortunate inexplicable lengthy wait) and a drink, we sat refreshed, pondering our dampened spirits as we discussed the clues and wondered who the winner /winners will be.
Colin
Ramble 7th September 2007
Another lovely walk in the sunshine to savour the ‘Indian Summer’ which we are all enjoying this year. Truly, it never ceases to amaze me how little we really know of the geography of our lovely area. This is often very clear as we make our way around unfamiliar places of great beauty and interest. Certainly, Chichester merits this description as we journeyed around the old Roman walls and narrow pathways of this lovely place. About 30 of us turned up and the weather opened its arms to us to hold us in its warm embrace for a change. A cup of coffee leisurely enjoyed in the Cathedral café added to our overall enjoyment of this stroll with friends and a fine carvery lunch at The Nag’s Head, completed our mission for the day. Many thanks to Beryl and Burt White for their organization of this event and for all the support they continuously give to the PHSG committee.
Colin
Ramble 11th March - to Victoria Country Park at Hamble.
About 27 of us gathered at the park on a gloriously sunny day. Most of us had a bad start due to a terrible traffic hold up at the Tesco’s junction just off the motorway. This delayed us for about 45 minutes and evidently, was caused by a poorly managed car-boot sale and an earlier accident.
However, the usual gang of healthy walkers set off at a reasonable pace, with the ‘walking wounded’ one brave member, (who had earlier sprained her ankle) limping along with them. It truly was a lovely day – birds were singing, sun was shining and the shrubs were all beginning to show their readiness to burst forth into new life to display their colourful wares.
The walk was shorter than expected due to the late start and at one point the party split up into two groups where there was a stretch of water to be crossed. Some wooden beams had collapsed making it a bit dangerous. However, I was delighted to see them all return safely to the car park about an hour later, where I had waited for them, whilst enjoying a read of the Sunday papers and a flask of coffee, watching the birds and enjoying the sunshine. Following on from the walk, we all went to ‘The Bold Forester’ for lunch, after finding a good shortcut to avoid the traffic chaos which was still apparent at the top of the Hamble turn off.
A nice meal and a good chat with all our pals left us all in a great mood to carry on and enjoy the rest of what turned out to be a lovely day out for all of us.
Colin.
Some of our Outdoor Activities
Some of PHSG members and friends on Old Winchester Hill
What a beautiful day we enjoyed for this month’s Ramble at Old Winchester Hill.
The temperature said it was mid July whereas reality said it was still early April. Blackthorn blossom, broom, gorse florets adorned the shrubs whilst cowslips and a multitude of other wild flowers decorated the ground. The group enjoyed a lovely walk around the paths circumnavigating the iron age tumuli for which the area is famous. A couple of buzzards lazily circled above on the thermals, whilst a really large fox avoided my camera by hiding deep in a small fenced off copse. I suspect he’d been out rabbit hunting! I walked a short way as this is all I can do nowadays due to disability and then sat and waited for our healthy walkers to return. It was very peaceful, the country silence only broken by the sound of pheasants claiming territory and mates and a host of songbirds, including the lovely ‘trilling’ of the skylark which I had not heard for a while. Everyone completed the route and later we went on to ‘The West Meon Hut’ pub where we had a delightful lunch at a very reasonable price. Another great day out for us all.
Colin
A few of our members at a Ramble in Hamble
Ramster Garden Visit:
Another super day out for us all. What better place to visit to lift your spirits than a haven of natural beauty such as Ramster Gardens, near Haslemere.
The weather was kind to us again, with just a few murky clouds to threaten but not produce any real rain. So, after a nice lunch at The Royal Oak in Chiddingfold, we arrived at the gardens about 1.45pm. Here, in little groups, we made our way around the floral decked pathways and highly scented passages through the multi-hued azaleas and rhododendrons, pausing every now and then to either have a breather and take in the wonderful vistas offered by these magnificent gardens or take pictures so that we might relive the joy of it all at home at another time.
Later, at 4pm. we all enjoyed a cream tea which went down very well. Finally, we must give Bill and Iris Young many thanks for organising this trip and for all the work which we know it entailed.
Fine weather, fine food, fine friends, fine place – for what more could any of us ask?
Colin
Here are a few of us PHSG members At Ramster Gardens
Published Date:
10/05/2007
Modified Date:
11/05/2008