Disability group opens party doors to secret Santa

SECRET Santa paid a visit to the Open DAWS Christmas lunch party in Minehead last week.
Members of the activities group for people with disabilities were handed their gifts by volunteers - treasurer Joe Magill and his helper Jess - as part of the annual get-together at the seafront Beach Hotel, and enjoyed a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.
West Somerset Council community portfolio holder, Councillor Neil Parbrook, said: “Christmas is a time for people to gather together in festive good cheer, and it is heartening when any group is meeting with those aspirations.
“In providing people of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy activities and excursions they might not otherwise do, Open DAWS offers a valuable service to the local West Somerset community.”
Open DAWS, which stands for Disabled Activities in West Somerset, was launched by the district council in 2001 and has grown to a total of 30 members.
Transport for excursions, activities, and outings is provided by community transport group AT West, and events planned for January include swimming, sea fishing, dance aerobics, and a sauna visit.
Anybody interested in joining Open DAWS or who would like to talk about the activities should call Gail Sloman on 01984 635208 or West Somerset Council leisure and community officer Liz Stewart on 01984 635330.

• Our photograph shows Santa with members of Open DAWS at their Christmas party. Photo submitted.

Bursary helps Open DAWS members enjoy Exmoor activity weekend

A SIXTY per cent Lexus Bursary worth more than £1,900 helped a group of Open DAWS members to enjoy a long weekend at the Calvert Trust, on Exmoor.
The bursary was secured by West Somerset Council and allowed six members of Open DAWS to take part in abseiling, canoeing, sailing, and other activities at the trust’s centre at Wistpoundland.
Open DAWS stands for Opening the Doors to Disabled Activities in West Somerset. The Calvert Trust’s facilities are designed for people of all abilities to take part in range of healthy outdoor pursuits.
Anne Roberts, who went on the weekend, said: “I have never been before and it was a fantastic trip.
“I tried activities I have never done before and it was great fun.”
The group has also launched a new action-packed events listing for the summer and would welcome more people joining it to go sailing at Wimbleball Lake, swimming at St Audries, sea fishing, horse riding, or simply relaxing at yoga sessions, as well as trips to Tiverton Museum, Paignton Zoo, and Slimbridge Nature Reserve.
Open DAWS is supported by West Somerset Council and emerged from work undertaken with Watchet and District Activity Group (WADAG) by council community officer Liz Stewart.
Council community portfolio holder Councillor Neil Parbrook said: “Open DAWS provides some fantastic activities.
“People get the chance to enjoy pastimes in a friendly atmosphere or try something completely new.
“Qualified instructors and coaches are on hand to help everybody enjoy the activities on offer.”
A membership scheme is available and by joining, people will receive reduced rates for all the activities, or they can take part as non-members.
All activities are run by qualified personnel, and transport to and from activities can be arranged.
More information about Open Daws is available by calling Liz Stewart on 07921 231369 or Gail Sloman on 01984 635208, or emailing gksloman@westsomerset.gov.uk or lstewart@westsomerset.gov.uk, or logging onto http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/..

• Our photograph shows members of Open DAWS enjoying a day out at a steam railway during their weekend away. Photo submitted.

More sport and activities for disabled people planned for 2008

OPEN Daws, a group which offers disabled people in West Somerset an opportunity to enjoy sports they love, or to experience new activities, has arranged an action-packed agenda for the New Year.
Events in January include sea fishing trips, swimming, horse riding, bowling, and a visit to Paignton Zoo.
The group is also starting to put together a calendar of events for the spring and summer which includes fly fishing, carriage driving, and rock climbing, which should ensure that whatever a person’s age or ability, there will be an activity to interest them.
More sporting activities will be introduced this year, as well as trips to Tiverton Museum and other attractions.
Open Daws stands for ‘Disabled Activities in West Somerset’.
West Somerset Council leisure and recreation portfolio holder Councillor Neil Parbrook said: “We support Open Daws because it provides some great activities and helps people to make the most of their talents.
“Qualified instructors and coaches can help people of all abilities to enjoy what is on offer.
“The group is friendly and supportive and we hope that more people will come along and take up new challenges in the New Year.”
A membership scheme is available and, by joining this, people will receive reduced rates for all of the activities on offer, or they can take part as non-members.
All activities are run by qualified personnel, and transport to and from activities can be arranged.
To find out more about Open Daws, contact Liz Stewart on 07921 231369 or Gail Sloman on 01984 635208, or email to gksloman@westsomerset.gov.uk or lstewart@westsomerset.gov.uk, or log on to www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk.