The Godalming Bazaar Big Easter Event - Saturday 28th March

Jill Spain looks forward to welcoming you to this Saturday's Godalming Easter Bazaar. Twenty stallholders will be selling a wide range of gifts and handmade work.  

The Chiddingfold Flute Group will be playing at 2.00 pm.  One stall holder is running a painting competition for children and another one is holding a 'decorate your own biscuit' workshop at her stall.  

The Town Crier will be out and about in Godalming, promoting the event for us as usual.  

Refreshments include tea, coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice and homemade cakes.

Entrance is free and all are welcome.

Whatever happened to community?

We used to live in Farncombe, sandwiched between Guildford and Godalming in the beautiful Surrey Hills. Farncombe is euphemistically described as a 'village' but it is actually a commuter hub, serving those who zip up and down the Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo South West Trains line. Some stop at Guildford, some at Haslemere, most go all the way. Almost all the commuters leave Farncombe for the day, returning after dark. They don't shop, bank or use the Post Office in Farncombe. The Indian restaurant and take-aways are popular. They certainly don't consider themselves to be part of the community of Farncombe. 

Last week, I did a quick shop in the Co-Op in Farncombe. It is a lovely shop, recently refurbished, with a good selection of fresh fruit and veggies, as well as quality meat and bakery products. The staff are friendly and familiar, even though we moved away eight years ago. I also popped into the Post Office, dropped off repairs for Mr B at the tailor, got the Boxers' chewy worming tablets at the vet, picked up a prescription at the pharmacy. Then because it was a lovely day, I browsed in the Debra shop.

My Dad still lives in Farncombe, and on that sunny Wednesday, it seemed as though only people over 70 live there. It was very quiet. There was no hustle and bustle. The streets are lined with parked cars, which I presume belong to commuters. There are boarded up shops - some have been unoccupied for at least 10 years. Farncombe seems to have been forgotten by development and investment. I admire those businesses which remain - I wish I could support them all, but I fear it will take more than my support alone to keep them all solvent.

Three months ago, I wrote to the Godalming and Farncombe Neighbourhood Planning (GOFARNP) forum. My ideas were mainly focused on the role of the Farncombe Day Centre in the community, but there is no doubt that more work needs to be done to bring together businesses and residents, visitors, church-goers and commuters, to better understand their needs, how they can help each other and support the future of the Farncombe community.

Councillor Steve Cosser, you have been very supportive of initiatives in Farncombe and of the Farncombe Day Centre. The Staycation Family Fete in August was fantastic. Please help to stop the rot in Farncombe. Please help to bring back independent businesses in Farncombe. Please help to foster community spirit in Farncombe, for future generations.

I have written about Farncombe, because I care about it, but I'm sure that Farncombe is not alone in being neglected. Bring back community.

Beware the medical receptionist

OK, maybe I'm a busy-body. But it really irks me that someone can sit behind a desk and fob me off with bull shit. Apologies for the language, but I am not in a lady-like mood.

The latest transgression comes from the receptionist at my GP surgery. After taking a week to track down a repeat prescription, I went armed with the request. The receptionist waved her hand dismissively, and said they never pay any attention to additional information on the request, such as to where the prescription should be delivered. I was somewhat taken aback by this. Why then, ask the question at all? Moving on, I asked if she would feed back my surprise to the practice manager. Her response? Oh no, the practice manager is far too busy to worry about problems with repeat prescriptions.

Well, we'll see about that. Being a practice manager myself, I know there would be a spot of bother if any of our patients' prescriptions went missing. Occasionally, Dr B does leave the prescription at the wrong hospital, but we always put it right, and most patients understand how this happens.

I completed the online feedback form and was pleased to receive a reply and apology. I'm sorry that I had to bother the practice manager at all. If the receptionist had done her job correctly, and if she had been trained to deal with customers, I mean patients, like me, all would have been resolved amicably on the day.

I'm sure she was the same person who told me to leave my name with her, and my data would be excluded from the recent government-NHS link-up on patient records. Not likely.

The moral of the story. Stand your ground. Make sure that things are put right. It's your right.

My #postacstory

Leaving research was a little bit like leaving South Africa. It was an ending without a  beginning, but still rather exciting. The fact that it wasn't entirely my decision did cause some anxiety, but this was outweighed by the knowledge that I had to be with my Mother during the last few weeks of her life.

Three years on, and I was recently asked to participate in a survey about what research staff do next. I surprised myself with the the answers I gave to the questions. Surprised because although I had been out of research and science, the skills I developed as an academic were still very much in use.

Scientific research is not just about pipettes, and buffers, extractions and electrophoresis, endless gels and PCRs, number crunching and statistics. Research is about teaching, communication, critical thinking, independent working, problem solving and time management. Scientists are project managers, networkers, innovators and leaders. And these are all valuable transferable skills.

So, far from feeling let down about not being in research, I felt uplifted after completing the survey. I had insight, and it has given me confidence that my role as practice manager is worthwhile, intellectual and most importantly, it has a future.

My academic story lasted 22 years. My post academic story is just 3 years old. Sometimes, it takes a prod of conscience to appreciate the gifts we have.

If you want to find out more, click here.

Godalming and Farncombe Neighbourhood Planning (GOFARNP)

I have made a written submission to the GOFARNP Community and Infrastructure Group. This group will establish a base-line of the infrastructure in Farncombe and Godalming (including education, health, telecomms, sports facilities, children's play areas, youth facilities, community facilities, green space, culture), paying attention to areas where infrastructure is presently deficient, before moving on to what the community needs by way of new and enhanced infrastructure, and how those needs are impacted by any planned growth of the town. There is more on the process on the Godalming Town Council's website http://www.godalming-tc.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan.htm.

This is my submission.

Farncombe has a wonderful resource in the day centre in St John’s Street, more than just its provision of a hot meal for older people in Farncombe and Godalming. I would like to see better use made of this publicly funded community space.

When I first became aware of the operational budget shortfalls at the day centre, I suggested more engagement with the local community, to create a sense of pride and ownership. My hope is that showing more people in Farncombe and Godalming what the day centre can provide, for everyone, will generate more regular users of the centre, more volunteers and more donations. I also suggested joining Twitter, Facebook and setting up a new website - all of which would make the day centre more 'visible', but also more competitive. In order to achieve these ideals, community managers would need to up-skill in IT, web management, database management and social media networking, to maximise income potential, be more efficient in day-to-day operations management and increase the appeal of the community spaces to new users, and engage in community partnerships. 

The centre should be a social enterprise. A hub. A community space. A partnership. A place where diverse groups of users are welcomed, contributing to the revenue, generating more users and volunteers; a thriving place. And all this ensuring that the centre will continue to provide high quality engagements with local older people who enjoy a hot meal, companionship and activities on weekdays.

I see opportunities for a food bank, an after school club, or other much-needed community facilities. Perhaps the centre could open on a Saturday morning as a place to get a cooked breakfast or homemade soup lunch; one day a week for families in the community to meet and be supported. Evenings and weekends could also offer opportunities for small business or social enterprise organisations, groups or societies to meet. By offering this meeting space, the day centre would be increasing its network of partners, who in turn will be generating their own revenue streams, some of which will flow back to the day centre, creating a mutually beneficial, sustainable operating environment.

What do you think? Could it work? Would people come to use the facility?

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My case study on the long term sustainability of the Farncombe Day Centre is available by email. 

My previous posts on Farncombe Day Centre:

Fundraising at Farncombe Day Centre

Standing up for Farncombe Day Centre

Saving Farncombe Day Centre
What's the buzz?
High praise indeed
A jewel in the crown of the community

Disclaimer: The author was a member of the Farncombe Day Centre Executive Committee from February to December 2013, and was asked to step down following a disagreement with the Chairperson of the Committee, relating to the budget shortfalls and identifying such publicly.

Don't miss The Godalming Bazaar, this Saturday 7th June.

The Godalming Bazaar

The Godalming Bazaar (formerly known as the Godalming Independent Market) is under new ownership. Jill Spain brings her experience as a card maker and crafter of personalised wedding stationery, together with a passion for promoting local crafts and handmade gifts, to this fine tradition of quality shopping in Godalming.

Under the banner of Surrey Independent Markets, Jill is aiming to change the face of the Independent Market, to bring a touch of shopping glamour to the heart of Godalming. The Godalming Bazaar will bring together local crafts people, to highlight the quality of handmade work available, and which is often missed by shoppers in the high street.

Jill has plans to develop a dedicated Food Court to showcase local growers and food and drink makers, together with a relaxing refreshment area for shoppers and stall-holders.

Notes:

1.     The Godalming Bazaar brings together Surrey crafty people in a colourful indoor bazaar, offering hand made cards, jewellery, clothing and knitted wear, and lots of gift ideas, from bags to candles.

2.     A dedicated Food Court for refreshments and stocking up on gourmet luxuries.

3.   The next market day will be on Saturday 7th June, the same day as the Town Show, which means that Godalming will be very busy, with plenty of shopping opportunities and everyone getting in the mood for summer.

4.  Future events in the Godalming Borough Hall this year on 7 June, 6 September, 4 October, 22 November, 6 December.

5.   For more information, please contact the local organiser Jill Spain of Christmas Pie Crafts, email thegodalmingbazaar@virginmedia.com

6.     Brought to you by Surrey Independent Markets.

Heart health takes more than just a donation to the British Heart Foundation

I support the British Heart Foundation (BHF). They have funded research projects I have worked on, and, locally, they provide vital equipment in our local hospitals. Their organisational size and the research areas they fund mean that they are an extremely powerful charity, with a high public profile. Being involved in small, local charities I know how hard it is to engage with donors, to get people to part with their pounds for a charitable cause. So I'm not surprised by the increase in ever more 'in your face' fundraising. It just doesn't sit well with me.

And so it was, that when I watched the latest BHF appeal on inherited heart conditions on TV, I felt deeply disappointed. Not because their appeal isn't worthy. Of course it is. It is simply misleading, causes worry, and doesn't say how to get help if you are worried. It's all about getting the donation.

Your doctor will tell you that these heart conditions are complex. There are several causes, more than one gene, and certainly more than one inherited condition. I would urge you to visit the C-R-Y website for a simple outline of sudden cardiac death, one of the conditions specifically referred to in the BHF appeal. A simple ECG screening test can detect if there is a problem.

Yes, do donate to research. Yes, the BHF funds world-class research and researchers are breaking new ground all the time.

But please, also understand what you can do for yourself and your family NOW, TODAY. Be informed. Look after your heart.

The 'white coat effect'

More than 10 years ago, a student doctor in my GP surgery botched a simple blood pressure reading on me. He cranked the cuff up too high, which made me angry and hurt my arm. By the time he managed a reading, my BP was way up. So he called in the b*tch female GP I never go to. Unsympathetic, she sent me home, but not before decreeing that I should report for another BP measurement the following week. And so began 6 months of BP measurement hell, which ended with my husband, a cardiologist, phoning the senior GP to get a sense of perspective. 

I do not have high blood pressure. I never have. They labeled me with 'white coat effect'*. Rubbish. What I have is a built-in annoyance with idiocy. Particularly in GPs. It starts when I book an appointment. Thank goodness I can now book online and avoid the ferocious gatekeepers. I then check-in at the handy terminal (avoiding said miseries/nosey parkers) at the desk. I sit and wait and wait and wait (sometimes up to an hour). The waiting room is hot, uncomfortable, smells of the great unwashed, and is full of sick people. I try yoga breathing. I stretch. I take a walk. I browse the Cosmo. I feel my blood pressure rising, but I am not sick. I just need a prescription review. I wish I could run away. Unfortunately, I can't avoid the actual doctor. He does have his uses. 

Eventually, I am called. He repeats my contraception prescription annually, provided I can provide a BP reading. He accepted that Dr B was suitably qualified to monitor my blood pressure. I hope he never finds out that Dr B doesn't have time to take my home BP readings; I do it myself. I bought a BP monitor with the right sized cuff for my arm. I take the measurement on my left arm, about 1 week before I am due to see the doctor. Tickety-boo. All is well. Life goes on.

Does anyone else feel like this when they go to the doctor? 

*For more information about 'white coat effect' click here.

Care.data : I'm opting out

Updated. NHS England, having listened carefully to patients and doctors, have decided to go ahead with the plan to automatically upload your medical records to a central database. If you don't want this for your information, you need to opt-out. 

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Two weeks ago, an innocent looking leaflet dropped through the letterbox. A quick read of it, and I decided I needed to know more about the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCISC). OK, I've been to the website, consulted my GP practice, spoken to a few hospital doctors, and listened to the public debate. I'm definitely opting-out.

Why? 

Firstly, the data which your GP will give the HSCIC will not be as anonymised as the information leaflet would have you believe. Your date of birth, gender and NHS number will be linked with your medical data. So, if there were to be a hack attack, or  someone with malicious intent, all our personal information could be exposed.

Secondly, having worked as a researcher, I know that it is devilishly difficult to keep track of all the data and what it can be used for. In theory, specific permission has to be sought to carry out analysis of the data, but these applications are usually very broad-based, to enable researchers to carry out what we in science happily call 'fishing expeditions'. That is, we don't actually have a null hypothesis but we think we can make something from all the information. It is bad science but it pays the bills and almost everyone does it.

It's not right. 

I have previously said that I wouldn't give blood for experiments in the research lab. Cells and genetic material from these experiments can be stored for years without anyone accounting for it. Any number of researchers can have access to this material, and with very few questions asked. I declined then, and I'm declining now.

In principle, I'm not against the use of data, or for that matter, donated blood or tissue, but until there are better controls across all universities, I do not believe that is possible to know exactly how your data is stored and used. And don't think that your information will stay in the UK either. It is widespread practice to share research data across research communities, in Europe and further afield. These collaborations maximise the research dollar, but will expose the vulnerability in data protection.

If you are concerned, make sure you register your opt-out with your GP today.

Women in STEM careers

Written evidence submitted by Lesley Beeton PhD, in my personal capacity (August 2013).

Summary

• Science teaching for girls at school would benefit from ‘women scientists in the  classroom’
• Science degrees should not be seen as the second choice to Medicine or Veterinary science
• A foundation ‘term’ at university before embarking on BSc study would cement the science basics, increase confidence in the subject and produce stronger postgraduate candidates

1.    Introduction

I am a biologist. I was not encouraged to take chemistry and physics at school, but with school leaving distinctions in biology and maths, I was accepted for BSc study. I spent the summer at foundation school, catching up on chemistry and physics. These are skills which I have used ever since, in my medical science research career.

I have a PhD in the genetics of cardiovascular disease, but I followed a more traditional university career of BSc, Bsc Hons and MSc, before embarking on PhD study as a mature student. This path allowed me the hone my research skills, develop transferable skills and grow with confidence.

I supervised final year BSc student research projects at the University of Surrey from 2004 to 2011.

I am a science blogger, commentator on medical practice, advocate for dying matters, and practice manager for a specialist cardiology practice. I support Thandulwazi Maths and Science Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

2.    Women scientists in the classroom

I was taught by the same very enthusiastic biology teacher for 5 years at high school, and I enjoyed it very much. There was no encouragement to study chemistry and physics, although I was very capable and did take maths. I understand that school education should be broad-based in subject matter, but giving girls the easy option of biology and a language or art, instead of physics and maths, is not good practice.

The successful women scientists I know all demonstrate an understanding of these basic science skills, crucial to calculations and experimental design in the laboratory.

A programme of getting women scientists into the classroom would help to overcome this reticence, build confidence and open new horizons for pupils and teachers.

I mentored a GCSE pupil for a short period in the laboratory. This student wanted to apply to veterinary school after A-levels. As competition for vet school places is fierce, pupils must demonstrate their passion for the subject. The pupil had no knowledge of the basics of cell biology, as there had not yet been any teaching on mitosis and meiosis. I found this staggering.

3.    Encourage Science degrees as first choice

Half of the undergraduate students I supervised had chosen BSc study as a second choice to Medicine or Veterinary Science. These were mostly women students, who were hoping to successfully re-apply after graduation. These capable students saw a career in science teaching, research or strategy as a significantly lower career choice.

Outside of the key centres of excellence in science, research funding is limited. Women scientists, like myself, wanting to work close to home or have flexibility around family life, have little choice. Move or commute, or don’t have a career in science. This is a great loss to science. More flexibility and improved career development funding would see more women staying in science, and showing their daughters that a career in science is worthwhile. What better example to set.

4.    A foundation ‘term’ for better scientists

Undergraduate final year science students could not perform basic calculations, such as ratio and proportion, molarity, molality, or titrate acids and bases. They were unable to prepare solutions for the laboratory, often misunderstanding simple instructions such as make up the volume using a volumetric flask.

Such was their lack of confidence that complex laboratory and experimental instructions had to be written down in detail, like a ‘recipe’ book. Final year students should be able to work independently, with supervision. These students graduate as BSc Hons but lack the necessary skills for postgraduate research or research careers. Many leave science altogether at this point.

Conclusion

Science careers begin at school. It cannot be left to universities to produce scientists. Girls must be shown the value of science careers, as they are many and varied, but all require a strong, confident knowledge of the principles which underpin our subject.

Read the Science and Technology Select Committee report published today.

*STEM Science Technology Engineering Maths

High praise indeed

I have just come from the Annual General Meeting of the Farncombe Day Centre. So much praise for staff and volunteers. And big news too. Leonard's garden at the Centre has won the Shield for the Best Managed Community Garden - for the second year in a row. And Wendy's scarecrow was Highly Commended. High praise indeed.

It was also announced that Farncombe Day Centre has become a Local Charity Partner with Sainsbury's Godalming. Wow. We are so pleased.

Our Chair, Alison, stressed the uncertainties which face all charities, and in particular, adult care services. The Centre has already seen real cuts in grant funding, so we rely on volunteers and donations, and lots of fundraising.

The importance of the Day Centre was highlighted by both the Mayor of Godalming Cllr Tom Martin and the Mayor of Waverley Cllr Patricia Ellis. Lonely older people tend not to cook for themselves or eat nutritious meals. Come to the Day Centre. Enjoy a lunch time meal amongst friends. Join in the activities. Don't be lonely.

An interesting question will be any future role of the Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in adult care and day centres. 

The meeting was closed with thanks to all the users of the Day Centre. We couldn't do it without you.

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Visitors welcome. New users welcome. Volunteers much appreciated. Donations always gratefully accepted.  Registered Charity No. 801089

Farncombe Day Centre is on Twitter @FarncombeDayCen. Please follow us to keep up to date with our events and activities.

Farncombe Day Centre has a photo gallery on Flickr.