SPA UK Sandesh 2017 | Page 74

Tameside Namaste and Jai Shree Krishna Firstly, I’d like to say a big thank you to the SPA Tameside branch for giving me the opportunity to become the branch secretary. The experience and knowledge that I have gained has been invaluable. This year was another busy year for the Tameside branch and I am happy to report on some of the accomplishments made. • Several Dementia Workshops were held and organised by Tameside Hospital in June 2016; these were very informative. We would like to thank members of the community who shared their personal experience with coping with dementia. • Trip to Scotland on 22nd July 2016 was a huge success; this was the first time we have organised a trip which involved a couple of days away. The whole weekend was really enjoyed by everyone who went, and we have already received requests to book the next one. • Health Watch was an opportunity to put our views forward; some of the common ones that were highlighted were the need for a care home for the elderly in the North West and the lack of free transportation for the elderly to Tameside branch have maintained a good take them to community programmes. representation at most of the SPA UK events and programmes; such as assisting with Sports • Well done to the 18 participants from the Tameside Day and the Mahila Samelan. Tameside Mahila branch that took part in Sports Day that was held on 3rd committee have completed a very successful two- September 2016 at Warwick University; of which 3 came year commitment at HQ level. back with winner’s trophies and 1 runner up trophy. Finally, on behalf of the SPA (UK) Tameside • Bhajan Bhojan held during Shradh on the 25th September Executive team and Trustees; I would like to 2016 which was sponsored by Hemaben Bharatbhai and convey our appreciation to all our members, her mother Parvatiben Parsottambhai Mistry. It was well volunteers and HQ for their relentless contribution attended by all our Hindu communities and enjoyed by in supporting the success of Tameside. Thank You! all. Money raised was donated to this year’s SPA charities We would like to wish everyone a Happy Diwali which are Kasturba Ashram & Muni Sewa and Nutan Varsh na Abhinandan. • Diwali Meal out in November 2016 was a great success; this 72 Jai Shree Krishna was a change to the conventional Diwali party and was Sailesh Mistry deemed to be more welcomed. SPA (UK) Tameside Branch Secretary vol. 42 | Prajapati Sandesh 2017