Minutes of NE1 Dizzy Meeting

Held on Saturday 28th March 0209 10am-12pm in the Education Centre, at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle from 10.00am to 12.00pm

Present: Over thirty-five members attended the meeting

Staff present: Claire Bates, Graeme Booth, Clive Elliott, Val Tait

Apologies: No apologies were received

Guest Speaker:  The guest speaker was Amanda Barrell who gave a most interesting talk and demonstration about Tai Chi.  She took those present through a series of gentle Tai Chi exercises which were very graceful and easy to do.  A vote of thanks was given to Amanda for her most enjoyable and helpful session.

Suggestions for other speakers: It was suggested that we had visiting speakers to talk on the following subjects: coping with work; Pilates; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  Emma Loader agreed to try and book a speaker on CBT for the next meeting.
Action: Emma to book the speaker for the next meeting

Finances:  A bank account has been set up and a donation of £500 received from the Rev Stewart Irwin’s church.  It was agreed that this was most generous and that Emma should write and thank him on the group’s behalf. 
Action:  Emma to write to Rev Stewart Irvin

Costs of meetings:  At present the Freeman Hospital is allowing NE1 Dizzy to use a room at the hospital for meetings for free.  Mr Johnson and the ENT department have kindly agreed to fund the cost of the refreshments.  It was agreed that group members be asked for a suggested donation of £2 for each meeting to cover the expenses of the guest speakers. 

New website:  The group now has its own website entitled: www.ne1dizzy.org.uk.  A vote of thanks was given to Graeme Booth who created a highly professional looking site.  Graeme agreed to add a list of yoga and tai chi classes to the website.
Action: Val Tait to compile lists and Graeme Booth to add them to the website

Social Events:  It was suggested that the group could organise social events for group members. This would encourage people who have balance problems to go out in the safety of a group.  Two suggestions were made: a Tai Chi picnic on the beach and a walk in the Newcastle area.

Balance Day 2009: It was decided that we would hold a Balance Day this year in the autumn.  Last year’s Balance Day was a great success.  It will probably be held on a Saturday in October from 10.00am to 2.00pm.  Claire Bates agreed to contact Mr Johnson to see if he would be free to give a lecture again.  Once the date is settled, Val Tait agreed to contact the Ménière’s Society to see it they could send a speaker. 
Action: Claire Bates to contact Mr Johnson and Val Tait to contact Ménière’s Society when date of Balance Day settled.

The meeting closed at 12.00 pm .

Committee: Emma Loader extended an invitation to anyone who would like to become more involved in the running of the group to stay behind for a few minutes after the meeting.