My husband, Cyril, had a severe stroke in August 2001. As well as several physical disabilities, has lost communication skills - writing, clarity of speech and the ability to find the words he needs. Social occasions had become a daunting challenge until we discovered Harrogate Speakability where members all have similar problems. Here he can relax and make new friends.
Our Chairman, Peter Garside, conducts the meetings most efficiently. If he trips over the occasional words, his lively sense of humour and his wife, Pip (our Secretary), soon come to the rescue! After a lively “Any Other Business”, the speaker is introduced. To name but a few, we have enjoyed a presentation by the Yorkshire Film Archive, with photographs taken when we and the camera were both in our infancy; a retired auctioneer kept us amused with anecdotes from his career and an Art Workshop which enabled us to create our own “masterpiece”. We start the New Year in style by going out for a special lunch and we celebrate Christmas by taking mulled wine and mince pies to the December meeting.
Our outings to local places in interest are popular and we have recently acquired a laptop computer and talking books for the use of our members.
As a carer, I appreciate all the time and effort that the committee and members put in to make this project such a success.
Thank you!
Doreen Hardy
